Unveiling Italy’s Cinematic Excellence:
Italian Screens – New Italian Cinema Goes Abroad marked a triumphant return in 2023, illuminating screens in New Delhi and Mumbai from December 8th to 10th. This cinematic extravaganza, dedicated to showcasing Italy’s rich cinematic tapestry globally, unfolded as a collaborative initiative by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), Cinecittà for the Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual of the Italian Ministry of Culture (DGCA-MiC), and the Academy of Italian Cinema – David di Donatello Awards.
Curating a Cinematic Feast:
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Curated by Roberto Stabile, Head of the Special Projects Office for the DGCA-MiC at Cinecittà, Italian Screens 2023 was a feast for cinephiles, presenting six acclaimed Italian films across PVR cinemas. Each film was showcased in its original language with English subtitles, providing the Indian audience with an authentic and immersive experience of contemporary Italian cinema.
A Collaborative Spectacle:
The Indian leg of this cinematic celebration was organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in New Delhi and the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai. The event aimed not only to entertain but also to strengthen cultural ties and foster collaborations between the Indian and Italian film industries.
Roberto Stabile’s Enthusiasm:
Expressing his enthusiasm, Roberto Stabile emphasized the multifaceted benefits that the initiative offers. “I am thrilled to witness the return of Italian Screens in 2023. Through this initiative, alongside presenting our latest production, we are showcasing to foreign industry professionals the multitude of benefits that our country offers for co-production, filming, and distributing our cinema internationally.”
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A Diverse Cinematic Showcase:
Italian Screens 2023 featured a curated selection of six top-tier Italian films, each crafted by acclaimed directors. This diverse collection promised varied cinematic experiences, offering a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of contemporary Italian storytelling. The films included:
- “Nostalgia” by Mario Martone (Cannes Film Festival)
- “Lord of the Ants” by Gianni Amelio (Venice Film Festival)
- “The First Day of My Life” by Paolo Genovese (director of Perfect Strangers)
- “8 Mountains” by Felix Van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch (Cannes Film Festival)
- “Settembre” by Giulia Steigerwal (winner of two David di Donatello Awards)
- “Burning Hearts” by Pippo Mezzapesa (Venice Film Festival)
Ambassador Vincenzo de Luca’s Anticipation:
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The Ambassador of Italy to India and Nepal, Vincenzo de Luca, expressed his anticipation, emphasizing the role of cinema as a cultural bridge. “We strongly believe that the initiative will contribute to building bridges between our countries with a deeply enrooted cinematography background. Indeed, cinema is one of the soft-power key elements of relations between two cultural superpowers, hinged on tradition and innovation, creative industries, show business, design, classic and contemporary art.”
Alessandro De Masi’s Vision:
Alessandro De Masi, Counsellor General of Italy in Mumbai, highlighted the strategic collaboration among Italian stakeholders and the promise of future collaborations between the two film industries. “We want to link our two film industries through new ways of collaboration. And today, through this initiative, which is the result of a strong strategic collaboration among Italian relevant stakeholders here represented by Roberto Stabile, we can foresee a much brighter future.”
Captivating Mumbai:
The festival successfully captivated film enthusiasts, critics, and the general public, delivering an enthralling experience that brought the essence of Italian cinema vividly to the vibrant city of Mumbai. Italian Screens 2023 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Italian cinema and its ability to transcend borders, creating cultural connections and fostering appreciation for the art of storytelling on the global stage.
