28 January was an important day for Italian audiovisuals: it is, in fact, the date at the foot of the cinema and audiovisual bill approved by the Italian Cabinet.
It is an historic date for Italian Film Commissions which have seen their role and activities officially recognized by the State: the legislative text describes them as the entities through which the regions promote the territory by supporting the economic and cultural development of the audiovisual industry.
Stefania Ippoliti, president of the Associazione Italian Film Commissions, who is euphoric whilst fully aware of her new responsibilities, talks to Cinema & Video International on the eve of the Berlin Film Festival:
“After many, many years of working – often in the dark – and occasionally being called into question by some local government body or other, we have been included in the Cinema Bill. I believe this is a victory for all of us, for our hard work and the esteem that we have earned for ourselves in the field. We are now officially the instrument that the Regions and the autonomous Provinces will use in order to maximize theatrical and audiovisual activities. We owe a lot to the Cinema Division of the Mibact [Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism] with which we have worked consistently and with satisfaction”.
The Italian Film Commissions will be at the European Film Market inside the Italian Pavilion (stand 101). Will they be attending with a different spirit?
“We feel happy but also a bit ‘lost’” admits Stefania Ippoliti, “like when something really great happens that you have been looking forward to for a long time. Will we be going to the Berlin Market with a different mood compared to previous years? Do our Councilors look at us differently? I don’t know yet, but in the meantime, let’s enjoy this moment”.