10/10/2005

"This is the blow pronouncing the definitive crisis of Italian cinema: the State has abandoned us." Such is the reaction of the film companies associated with ANICA (Italian Association of Cinematographic Audiovisual and Multimedia Industries) to the news that the Decree Law on the special financial interventions in favor of film production, to be approved by the Chamber of Deputies, was withdrawn by the Government. "It is regretful that a government that had announced great changes to the industry and epic reforms reveals through its actions that it has no interest in cinema whatsoever. Today’s decision simply adds to the immense cuts made to cinema and the entertainment industry by the 2006 Finance Law. This is evidently a strategic decision to set adrift an entire field, which currently finds itself facing its worst ever crisis.” ANICA reconfirmed its intent to hold a strike next October 14 and simultaneously requested an urgent meeting with the Government and Parliament.

Cultural Minister Rocco Buttiglione will meet with President Silvio Berlusconi in the next few days: "This path will only lead to the liquidation of our heritage. The funds have to be reinstated," said Buttiglione.
Even Roberto Benigni intervened in this matter, as the release of his much anticipated film, The Tiger and the Snow, risks being postponed: "Culture in Italy counts less and less. The entire entertainment industry, and cinema in particular, are no longer of any interest, seeing as how it’s given less significance. I think that’s the opinion of the majority of those who agreed to the cuts contained in the Finance Law. The industry, however, needs a lot of time, money, talent and work." For Benigni, young artists will suffer the worst consequences: "We have such great talent that could circulate throughout the world, and it’s sad that this doesn’t happen."

(Translated from Italian)