10/05/2010

Italian Minister of Culture Sandro Bondi has declined the invitation to attend the Cannes Film Festival, which opens Wednesday, in protest over the presentation of Sabina Guzzanti’s Draquila: Italy Trembles [+see also:
trailer
Interview Sabina Guzzanti [IT]
film profile] in the Special Screenings sidebar. Bondi expressed "regret and bewilderment for the participation of a propaganda film that offends truth and the entire Italian population".

The documentary on the aftermath of the 2009 earthquake in Aquila (see news) was released domestically on Friday on 101 screens by BIM.

"I’m sorry [for Bondi’s decision] because when a film skillfully airs our dirty laundry we offer a great show, those of free artists who aren’t afraid to present things without being obstructed", said Daniele Luchetti, the only Italian filmmaker in competition at Cannes with Our Life [+see also:
film review
trailer
making of
film profile] (out in Italy on May 21). "Cannes selectors are very serious and choose important works on the basis of aesthetics and content,” added Michelangelo Frammartino, who will be on the Croisette in the Directors' Fortnight with The Four Times [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Michelangelo Frammartino
interview: Savina Neirotti
film profile].

Former French Minister of Culture Jack Lang responded saying that Bondi’s decision showed "a strange conception of freedom. France is very sad that the Italian government will not be represented at the Festival".

(Translated from Italian)