Film Icons Mobilize to Save Rome's Cinemas from Commercial Threat

Filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese and Wes Anderson, are rallying to prevent the transformation of Rome's cinemas into commercial spaces under new legislative proposals. An appeal to maintain these venues as cultural landmarks has gained international support from prominent film figures, urging Italian leaders to safeguard the city's cinematic heritage.

Renowned filmmakers Martin Scorsese, Jane Campion, and Wes Anderson have joined forces to counter a legislative threat that could see Rome's movie theaters turned into shopping centers. This proposal has raised alarms about the cultural future of the city, as reported by Variety.

Colliers Global Investors and WRM Capital recently acquired nine movie theaters in Rome for approximately EUR50 million. While some theaters, including the prominent Cinema Adriano, remain active, others have been closed for years. The Italian-British financier Raffaele Mincione is linked to the fund driving these changes.

Prompted by the Cinema America group, Scorsese and others have appealed to Italy's leaders, asserting that converting these cultural spaces into commercial venues would erode Rome's rich heritage. The call to action urges global cultural figures and national leaders, including President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to preserve Rome's cinematic legacy.

An array of international filmmakers, such as Spike Lee, David Cronenberg, and Steven Spielberg, have also endorsed this effort, underscoring the urgent need to prevent legislation that may lead to the closure of active cinemas in favor of increasing real estate value, highlighted Valerio Carocci of Cinema America.

(With inputs from agencies.)