“Pope’s compassion” reaches out to directors, actors and workers in the world of cinema who in recent months have experienced moments of concern for the future between empty cinemas and expected sector cuts in the budget, during the audience at the Vatican.
“Cinema is experiencing an alarming erosion that is pushing it away from cities and neighborhoods. And many say that the art of cinema and the cinematographic experience – Leo And he also made a strong appeal that “your cinema will always be a meeting place, a home for those who seek meaning, a language of peace. May cinema never lose its ability to amaze, continuing to show us even one part of the mystery of God”.
About one hundred and sixty industry professionals were present – including Liliana Cavani, Stefania Sandrelli, Monica Bellucci, Sergio Castellitto, Matteo Garrone, Ferzan Ozpetek, Giuseppe Tornatore, Marco Bellocchio, Luca Barbareschi, Stéphane Brizé, Gus Van Sant, Abel Ferrara, Viggo Mortensen but also Oscar winner Spike Lee – who at the end of the audience presented the Pope with an NBA t-shirt with the words “Pope Leo 14” – and Cate Blanchett and Dante Ferretti and Francesca Lo Schiavo – were impressed and asked that the appeal be heard.
“It seems that he really has direct knowledge of the problems of our work – comments Francesca Archibugi –. He also asked with an open heart for institutions, and the government, to help the cinema. This is a very original story because Pope Leo really came among us, among the people, among the workers who experienced moments of suffering because the sector was completely at a standstill”. “He appealed to cinema, forgetting no one – added Maria Grazia Cucinotta -, he spoke about the importance of everyone’s work, even those who are invisible but still create”.
Roberto Andò spoke a very sensitive message and said it to Leo
In the political field, the opposition asked the government to change direction. “In light of the Pope’s strong call, the government’s attitude has become more serious, as it continues to confirm the cuts to the Film Fund in the budget law. To date, despite Giuli’s words, optimistic announcements and reconstruction, in reality nothing has changed: the text of the maneuver remains the same, and the cuts remain in effect”, attacks Democratic deputy Matteo Orfini. The criticism was unfounded according to Deputy Minister of Culture Lucia Borgonzoni, who recalled that “over the years the Government has invested significantly” in cinema.
“More than 160 million euros in the last year alone were allocated to support them – he explained -, accompanied by real initiatives such as the ‘Cinema Revolution’ over the summer and, now, the new ‘Happy Families’ program, designed to allow families to return to the cinema at more affordable prices”.
“Our era – continued the Pope – needs witnesses of hope, of beauty, of truth: you can become that with your works of art. Restoring the authenticity of images to preserve and enhance human dignity is within the power of good cinema and those who are its authors and protagonists.” “Do not be afraid to face the wounds of the world – he added –. Violence, poverty, exile, loneliness, addiction, forgotten wars are wounds that ask to be seen and told about”.
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