Storm over the experimental cinematography center, the right force over the subdivision. Schlein: “Hands off culture”

Not only is the Experimental Center of Cinematography in Rome unsafe. But “the majority approved a text that was possibly worsened, expanding the number of ministries protagonists of the future spoil system from 3 to 4, also including the university ministry”, denounces the M5S deputy in the Culture Committee, Cajetan Amato. A subdivision that expands and also alarms the Democratic Party. “Hands off the cinema and the freedom and independence of places of culture,” he says Elly Schlein in House press conference. “We are alongside students and students whom we thank for this battle made for the next generations. They have the right to free and independent places of culture. Compared to what has been seen in recent months – continues the secretary of the Democratic Party – we see not only a thirst for power and jobs but a plan that is that of control over the places where images are produced. We can’t accept it.”

Words shared by Joseph Conte. “Yesterday we invited the government to shelve the arrogant ministerial occupation plan of the Experimental Cinematography Center – writes the 5S leader on social networks – Nothing doing. They went on their way, without even presenting an organic reform project, but slipping an amendment into the Jubilee decree in the middle of summer. The government Melons today he turns his back on the demands of young people, students, the appeals of the world of cinema and culture. We will remain alongside these students as in these days, to listen to them and bring their requests to Parliament”.

The amendment of the League

In just 24 hours the scenario has drastically changed. Yesterday the Experimental Cinematography Center seemed safe. In fact, the majority had sent the League’s amendment to the Jubilee decree to the attic, which had the aim of dismantling the Foundation that deals with Cinema, chaired by Martha Donzelli, and bring it under the control of the executive. Furthermore, the provision would have allowed the elimination of the current top management almost two years in advance of the natural end of the mandate.

The new measure

But Cajetan Amato, M5S deputy in the Culture Committee, warns: “I’m sorry to deny someone’s jubilant announcements, but the Northern League amendment that aims to parcel out the Experimental Cinema Center in Rome yesterday was only shelved, not withdrawn. On the contrary: a little while ago the majority approved a text (in the Public Administration decree) which was if possible worsened, expanding the number of ministries protagonists of the future spoil system from 3 to 4, also including the university ministry”. And the 5S exponents in the commission underline: Sangiuliano to intervene to put a stop to what is a hallucinating betrayal against students and the whole world of Italian cinema and culture”.

AND Richard Ricciardi, vice president of the Movement, protests: “Everyone now has a seat at the table. The students have asked in vain for a meeting with government officials without any response. Yesterday we did not participate in the chorus of other oppositions who shouted victory for the withdrawal of the amendment by the center-right, simply because the withdrawal never took place. We therefore continued to fight with the students until the end. And we won’t stop even when the spotlights are off.”

The League: “The left defends Franceschini’s subdivision”

The League responds to the accusations made by Schlein and by the opposition on the government’s spoil system. “The accusations of Pd and M5S are surprising. None of them spoke of independence and subdivision when Franceschini nominated the current leaders or excluded those registered in the Democratic Party “, he attacks Igor Lezzi, deputy of the Carroccio in the Constitutional Affairs commission. “The cinematographic and audiovisual sector is undergoing a profound transformation – he continues – Recognizing the value of this transformation paves the way for the integration of the cinematographic tradition with the new methods of narration. What we are doing with the approval of the amendment is to adapt the Fondazione Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia to modernity”.