How Italian Screens Bridges Cultures and Ignites Cinematic Collaboration in India?

Italian Screens - New Italian Cinema Goes Abroad, a prestigious event dedicated to showcasing the finest in Italian cinema globally, commenced on December 8th, 2023, simultaneously in New Delhi and Mumbai. Over three days, six acclaimed Italian films were featured at PVR cinemas, presenting a captivating blend of contemporary Italian cinematic excellence. Organized 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, the festival was curated by Roberto Stabile.

In collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in New Delhi and the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai, the event aimed to highlight Italy's rich film culture, production incentives, and scenic filming locations. The carefully selected films, including works by award-winning directors, promised a diverse cinematic experience, providing a glimpse into the vibrant landscape of contemporary Italian cinema.

During the event, Roberto Stabile, the head of international affairs, shared insights into the significance of such initiatives.

When asked about the contribution of events like the Italian Screens Film Festival to global cinema awareness, Stabile emphasized its importance. He stated, "This event is very important for us because, first of all, it is a collaboration between the Minister of Culture and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Thanks to the collaboration of Italian culture, the Italian embassy, and consulates around the world. In India, we are presenting 6 new Italian movies from the last 3 years, and at the same time, we want to explain to the local distributors to buy Italian movies."

Regarding the selection criteria for the featured films, Stabile explained, "The project, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture, involves the Italian Academy of Cinema. They manage premieres of major events like the Italian Oscar Awards. A committee, including local distributors, producers, and film critics, selects the best Italian movies from the past year."

The Italian Consulate General, Alessandro De Masi, shed light on the influence of cinema in strengthening diplomatic connections. He noted, "Cinema plays a very important role; it is a clear reflection of society. Whatever kind of cinema the country produces reflects the society of the country that produces it. If you consider the two Italian and Indian cinemas and put them together, what can come out is beneficial for the overall status of the development of brotherly relations."

Regarding the future connection between Italian and Indian cinema, De Masi expressed optimism. "If we continue organizing these kinds of events, I believe in the upcoming years our bilateral collaboration in cinema will be much stronger and closer."

When asked about Bollywood's influence on Italian cinema, De Masi highlighted the need for better perception. "Well, I believe Bollywood is a very strong industry that is not sufficiently known in Italy. I am very convinced that through better perception by the Italian market about Bollywood, we can take advantage of some of the most important and relevant aspects of Bollywood."

The Italian Screens Film Festival serves as a cultural bridge, fostering collaboration, and enhancing mutual understanding between Italy and India in the realm of cinema. The insights shared by Roberto Stabile and Alessandro De Masi reflect the potential for strengthened bilateral relations and the positive impact of cinematic exchanges between the two nations.