New synergies and great opportunities for cinema and audiovisual in Lazio
The charm of the Lagoon, the spotlight of world cinema and the desire to tell the future of Italian audiovisuals. It is against this backdrop that the Fondazione Roma Lazio Film Commission has chosen to present itself on the Lido, during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, with the special meeting “Visions in the Lagoon. Film, TV and Media in Lazio,” organized in collaboration with Vanity Fair.
A moment not only institutional but also highly symbolic: under the new governance installed in May, the Foundation wanted to reaffirm the centrality of the sector to the growth of the area. “We are working for this strategic sector, and with the presence in Venice we want to promote film and audiovisual works in their cultural, social and economic value“, said CEO Lorenza Lei, welcomed by a parterre of producers, professionals, actors and practitioners. “Not only our magnificent locations, but also the businesses, talents and workers who are the beating, artistic and productive heart of this supply chain“.
Rome and Lazio, hubs of creativity
Opening the proceedings was Foundation President Maria Giuseppina Troccoli, who wanted to emphasize the Film Commission’s hinge role: “We are at the forefront as a strategic flywheel for Lazio’s entire audiovisual sector. A fundamental bridge between institutions and professionals to create virtuous and fruitful synergies “.
Concepts also echoed by Roma Capitale’s councillor for Culture, Massimiliano Smeriglio, who recalled how “Roma Capitale is present on the Foundation’s Board of Directors, confirming the administration’s willingness to support cinema and audiovisuals. The Foundation is a strategic hub, capable of networking projects that generate benefits for the entire sector “. And he cited concrete actions, such as the new regulations for the use of Roman locations, the film arenas that have enlivened the summer, and the ongoing efforts to protect theaters.
Reiterating Lazio’s strength nationally and internationally, Mario Luciano Crea, chairman of the Lazio Region Culture Commission, also brought greetings from Governor Francesco Rocca. “The Lazio Region has provided 60 million euros for the three-year plan, positioning itself as a leader in Italy in investments for the sector. Thanks to tools such as the European Fund PR ERDF 21-27, with the call for proposals “Lazio Cinema International,” we support co-productions with foreign countries, making the territory increasingly competitive globally “.
A land of cinema and tourism
The link between cinema and tourism was evoked several times during the meeting. Indeed, productions not only generate employment and development, but also become real promotional postcards of Lazio’s beauty. From medieval villages to the natural sets of the countryside, from the contemporary architecture of Rome to the sea of the coast, Lazio is confirmed as an open-air set, capable of attracting directors and productions from all over the world.
“With stimulating challenges that are also great opportunities, Lazio will increasingly be Terra di Cinema,” Crea concluded, announcing the start of the legislative process for a new regional law on cinemas, which will see the direct involvement of operators.
Lazio-supported films in competition and out of competition
The Foundation’s presence in Venice was not only institutional. In fact, two titles presented at the Festival benefited from the Lazio Cinema International fund:
- “Duse” by Pietro Marcello, in competition, produced by Palomar, Avventurosa and Berta Film, starring Valeria Bruni Tedeschi;
- “La valle dei sorrisi” by Paolo Strippoli, out of competition, produced by Fandango, Nightswim and Spok Films, with Michele Riondino and Romana Maggiora Vergano.
Two very different works, but they share the support of a system that aims to enhance Italian talent and strengthen international co-productions.
A vision that looks to the future
The day at the Lido was an opportunity to reiterate how Lazio wants to play a leading role in the European audiovisual scenario. Not only spectacular locations but also targeted support policies, qualified professionals and an increasingly structured ecosystem.
“Cinema is not only entertainment, but also industry, employment and the image of the country. With our work we want to make Lazio a model of cultural and economic development, capable of attracting investment and generating beauty ” concluded Lorenza Lei, who was greeted by a long applause.
A message that in Venice has found an ideal stage: because if it is true that the Mostra celebrates world cinema, it is equally true that the Fondazione Roma Lazio Film Commission’s “visions in the lagoon” tell the story of a territory that, through the big screen, wants to speak to the future.
