Just a few days ago, news broke that the film commission would not approve funds for the production of “The Echo Chamber,” the last film project written by maestro Bernardo Bertolucci before his death. Likewise, zero funds for the work dedicated to the tragedy of Giulio Regeni, “All the Evil in the World.” Not a single penny. And so, with these premises, it comes as no surprise that there will not be a single Italian film in competition at this Cannes Film Festival. The days seem long gone when we used to win prizes and awards, when our cinema reigned supreme thanks to quality products. Instead, today, our ruling class seems completely deaf, citing lack of economic resources.
It makes us wonder, then, why, however, funds are mysteriously found to finance projects of poor quality, contributing to the dissemination of products that are neither interesting nor enhancing at all, while talents, especially emerging ones, are given no chance to express themselves. For many, unfortunately, culture is still a second-class prerogative. And that is a problem, because our country is founded on just that. We have never been known for being great conquerors or skilled political negotiators, but in art, in that we have always been number one. Fortunately, certain reactions show us that there are still many in Italy who are hungry for culture. So many who do not want to settle. No wonder, then, the success of the Genoa concert, chaired by Silvia Salis’ municipal leadership and featuring a DJ set by Charlotte de Witte. Beyond political factions and the sterile criticism of those who think techno is not an art form, the contagious enthusiasm that ensued demonstrates a reception not seen in a long time, a collective desire that speaks a universal language, that of music. To ignore that Italy is losing cultural edge or, worse yet, to disregard it is the greatest act of sabotage this country is doing to itself. Will we ever return to promoting quality against rampant mediocrity?
[📷 Getty Images; IPA; Courtesy of PUNTOeVIRGOLA / ©️ Gianni Fiorito 📹 Instagram: silviasalis, comunedigenova]
