The Italian Ministry of Culture, with Cinecitta’, are hosting a series of events in the Gropius Dome at the Italian Pavilion. Organizers of the Italian film industry say the focus-event aims to introduce a new format yet unseen at international festivals that will not only tell the story of cinema in a new way, but also attract investment while presenting Italian cinematic productions, film talents and industry workers.
The Hon. Armando Varricchio and the Italian Undersecretary of State for Culture, Lucia Borgonzoni, who reiterated to The Film Verdict, that the event is a novel way to present Italian cinema at an international forum. “We also brought Italian actors, actresses and producers to the Tokyo festival to talk about their work, with the aim of cultivating investments and partnerships.” Borgonzoni continued; “the aim of the Italian delegation is to recreate an even greater innovative event in Berlin, that can allow upcoming Italian talent to engage directly with the international market. Italian savoir-faire is the trump card we have,” Borgonzoni said, adding, “The Ministry of Culture is investing in our upcoming generation of young performers and other industry workers.”
Roberto Stabile, Director for Special Projects at the Italian Ministry of Culture said, “We are putting a lot of energy into this event which every branch of the Italian cinematic industry wants to support due to its innovative format, its cultural impact and to put a spotlight on our upcoming young actors and workers.” Stabile added that ahead of the festival, the entire Italian cinema network rolled up its sleeves: “To ensure this will be a profile event of the highest caliber.” Stabile said to this end: “We’ve invited representatives from every company, institutional and professional entity from various countries with whom we’ve interacted over the last years.”
The Program promises to be an immersive event combining technological implementations to include projections and 3D exhibits showcasing the rich story of Italian cinema, from the great classic films known worldwide, to upcoming films. The event will also present an important investment plan to attract producers and industry workers from outside of Italy.
The two-day event was launched at the Italian Embassy in Berlin, hosted by Italy’s ambassador to Berlin,
The high-ranking Italian delegation includes Cinecitta’s president Chiara Sbarigia, who said she believes strongly in presenting the actors, actresses and workers at global events like the Berlinale. “It is the best way to tell the story of our industry and present our talents abroad.” The studio president added: “Cinecitta; is the home of Italian cinema and audiovisuals, so we are proud to support the Ministry of Culture with this event to introduce young Italian actors to these important stages.”
Rounding out the Italian delegation is Paolo del Brocco’ CEO of Italy’s RAI Cinema. Co-hosts of the event include the participation of the German Culture and Media Ministry headed by Claudia Roth. Topping off the host delegation will be VIP Italian actors Stefano Accorsi, Domenico Cuomo, Ginevra Francesconi, Gaia Girace, Federico Ielapi, Saul Nanni and Sara Serraiocco.
Many other industry luminaries and representatives from government ministries will be on hand to celebrate not only the impressive world-wide contribution of Italian cinema, but also to spotlight Italian cinema’s capacity to foster dialog in the global industry. These events underscore the cultural bonds between Germany and Italy.
An updated schedule of events that focus on Italian cinema at this year’s Berlinale can be viewed at www.italianpavilion.it
