27/08/2003 - "Blame me if the films are bad". The director unveils the Mostra and presents the various juries

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“If the films are bad, I am to blame,” said director Moritz de Hadeln at today’s inaugural press conference in Venice Lido. “But if you like them, then the credit for that must go to the entire Venice 60 team.” The director bestowed his benediction from the torrid terrace of the Excelsior Hotel. He was accompanied by Franco Bernabé, the president of the Biennale, who said he was pleased with this year’s innovations. They include new management of the both internal and external areas that will benefit all those who have always criticised the Mostra’s user unfriendly infrastructure. The youthful executive is likewise happy with the involvement of private investors: “Sponsors have doubled their investment in the Mostra”.

De Hadeln also presented the juries of the Venice 60 Competition and Controcorrente, adding that the latter would be given a much higher profile than in the past. Veteran film director and this year’s Competition jury president Mario Monicelli is an amazingly sprightly 88. He made his debut at the Mostra in 1934 and “am delighted that I’m still here. But please, ask me clever questions.” For the record, journalists decided that silence is golden.

(Translated from Italian)