President Mattarella: art is an indispensable part of social life

The presentation of the nominees for the David di Donatello Awards for the year 2021 was held this morning at the Quirinale Palace in the presence of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella. The ceremony, presented by TV host Geppi Cucciari, was opened by the screening of a video by Rai Cultura, which was followed by speeches by Piera Detassis, president and artistic director of the Accademia del Cinema Italiano - Premi David di Donatello, and the minister of culture, Dario Franceschini. After reading the nominees for the “David di Donatello” Awards, the host interviewed the winners of the 2021 Special David Awards, Sandra Milo and Diego Abatantuono, and the ceremony finally ended with the speech of the President of the Republic, who remarked on the importance of art for our lives.

“The David di Donatello,” Mattarella said at the opening, “is a celebration of cinema and, therefore, of Italian culture. A festival that, with its annual rhythm, marks an important history for our country, turning the lights on realities and dreams, on changing customs and languages, on faces and stories that express emotions, passions, joys and sorrows that we also feel are ours. Last year, due to the pandemic, it was not possible to hold this ceremony. This year to realize it, albeit in a reduced form compared to previous editions, represents a sign of restart, of hope.”

Mattarella said he was aware of the difficulties that the sector has had to endure in the pandemic and stressed the inalienable value of art: “I am well aware that the performing arts, in general, and live entertainment in particular, is among the sectors most affected by the consequences of the pandemic, beyond the relevant government interventions to support the sector. This is an impoverishment (economic and cultural, the latter of which cannot be compensated) that cannot remain for long. Because cinema, theater, music, dance (in a word, art) are not additional elements of social life. Beautiful, lofty, comforting, yet they can be dispensed with in the face of more serious and urgent problems. They constitute, on the contrary, an indispensable part of it. The pandemic has forced us to close the doors of cinemas and theaters, as in the dark periods of human history, when stages and sets are empty, when orchestras are silent and no one dances. Of course: defeating the virus will still require prudence and responsibility in behavior. We cannot undo the sacrifices that have been made, not least out of respect for the many deaths and suffering endured. Along with responsibility, however, we will also need determination and initiative. It will also require the courage of projects and achievements that help to develop innovation and quality together, that lead to the improvement of what should be considered obsolete, defective, and restraining.”

“In the postwar period, at the time of moral and material reconstruction from the rubble of dictatorship and the bloodiest conflict,” the president continued, “Italian cinema experienced an extraordinary season. In that season talents of great stature were able to express themselves, whose works were admired all over the world. Directors such as Vittorio De Sica, Roberto Rossellini, and Luchino Visconti opened a new chapter in Italian culture, broke through popular sentiment, and enhanced actresses and actors who have long remained in the hearts of each of us. They became masters of other masters. There would be many names to remember. So would the names of producers, screenwriters, cinematographers, costume designers, set designers. Of all those, in short, who in giving soul to the cinema have contributed to enrich the civilization of Italians, to make them feel more a part of a common destiny, to solicit through images, words, and music the desire to live and grow in a better country.”

Then there was also room for some thoughts on the contingent reality and also on the PNRR, the investment plan for the Recovery Fund: “Now the theaters are reopening, and we wish first and foremost that the public can once again enjoy the thrills of the big screen safely. It weighs unfortunately, also economically, the long forced stoppage. And the risk arising from quotaed admissions must be addressed with the theater operators, as the minister said. Movie theaters are a valuable part of city life. It is good that funds have been provided to modernize and make theaters more energy efficient, as well as museums, theaters and all cultural venues. Cinema has now woven an intense relationship with television and the various platforms that increasingly enrich our communication and information capabilities. This has resulted in an interdependence, in tools and languages, that has produced a fruitful exchange of professionalism and can increase the overall resources of cinema. No one today thinks of cinema as a separate sector from the audiovisual world. But it is necessary, for the dialogue to continue and be fruitful, for cinema to preserve its originality and creative DNA. This is the challenge that engages all of you as well as your colleagues around the world. It is only right that the institutions support you in this challenge, as has been announced. A significant chapter of the National Plan for Recovery and Resilience is dedicated to the development of the film industry. I hope that it will find implementation in the confrontation and convergent commitment of all players in the film and audiovisual world, as was already the case when the new film law was passed. Institutions, operators, companies in the sector united in the goal of strengthening national productions. Of improving their quality. Of achieving better efficiency and competitiveness of the entire system. The project to strengthen Cinecittà - and with it the Experimental Center of Cinematography - can become a driving element of the restart. Attracting national, European and international productions to Cinecittà, increasing the potential of the studios and also their digital equipment, is an investment that can return a lot to the country, in terms of culture, quality work, and prestige in the world.”

“Art, creativity, culture,” Mattarella concluded, “cannot help but breathe the will to build tomorrow. Audiences recognize themselves in the stories of cinema. And it wants to continue to dream, to think, to get excited, to get passionate. Cinema is a network of connection that makes us feel part of the community, its experience and its hopes for the future. Wishes are not made, as is well known. But the biggest and most choral wish concerns cinema’s tomorrow. Which will certainly be beautiful, as its history has been beautiful, and will go beyond its history.”

President Mattarella: art is an indispensable part of social life

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