01/09/2024 - VENICE 2024: A variety of strategies and proposals from the Lazio region have been presented to film professionals on the Lido

l-r: Francesca Cima, Paolo Giuntarelli, Lorenza Lei, Maria Giuseppina Troccoli and Enrico Magrelli during the presentation

At the 81st Venice International Film Festival, the Lazio region reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the film and audiovisual industry. During an event held at the Italian Pavilion, key representatives from the region – Including Lorenza Lei, head of Cinema and Audiovisual for Lazio; Maria Giuseppina Troccoli, commissioner of the Roma Lazio Film Commission; Paolo Giuntarelli, regional director of Presidential Affairs, Tourism, Cinema, Audiovisual and Sport; and Francesca Cima, of Indigo Film – presented a range of funding opportunities and strategic initiatives designed to strengthen Lazio’s position as a leading region for cinema and audiovisual production.

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The event provided insights into the ongoing efforts of Lazio, supported by the Roma Lazio Film Commission, to enhance its status as Italy’s prime destination for film production. The presenters emphasised the area’s renewed vigour following recent regulatory changes, which are set to fully take effect in 2025. These changes aim to bolster the commission’s ability to impact the entire production chain, from project development to post-production.

Two new funding opportunities were announced: the Lazio Cinema Lab and the “Dalla parola allo schermo” initiative. The former, with a fund of €2.5 million behind it, is dedicated to financing high-quality film productions, with a focus on innovation and competitiveness. Meanwhile, Dalla parola allo schermo, with a budget of €500,000, aims to support screenwriting and developmental projects from both established and emerging auteurs, encouraging a vibrant audiovisual culture in Lazio.

Lazio’s participation in Venice also highlights its commitment to international co-productions, as evidenced by the presence of the film Sicilian Letters [+see also:
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Additionally, the region’s dedication to nurturing young talent continues through initiatives like the renowned Scuola d’Arte Cinematografica Gian Maria Volonté, which has spawned a new generation of actors and crew members featured in notable films such as Battlefield [+see also:
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film profile] by Francesco Costabile. Many of these talents have emerged from Lazio’s local productions, further proving the region’s role in developing industry professionals.

Lorenza Lei emphasised the importance of festivals like Venice in fostering international collaboration, stating, "We believe in the work we are doing to make Lazio a ‘region’ to believe in cinema." She also highlighted Lazio’s strategic focus on supporting both international co-productions and regional film culture through innovative funding schemes.

In her remarks, Maria Giuseppina Troccoli stressed the organisation’s dedication to training and professional development in the industry. She also introduced the third video in the Talking Places: The Speaking Places of Lazio project, which promotes Lazio’s scenic towns through cinematic short films, available to local governments for use in tourism promotion.

With these strategic proposals and funding opportunities, the Lazio region continues to position itself as a vital hub for cinematic creativity and innovation, offering a dynamic and supportive environment for filmmakers from Italy and beyond.