Italy plans cinematic ties
06 December 2004 23:04 IST Italy hopes to deepen their cinematic cooperation with India after signing co-production treaty in January, next year.
``I have not pulled any strings to get this treaty signed. This trend of mutual understanding has evolved continuously,’’ clarified Italian Ambassador Antonio Amellini, briefing press persons at International film festival of India (IFFI) venue here, this afternoon.
Right from the days when Satyajit Ray produced Pather panchali, this understanding exists, he sought to inform adding that Italy has taken inspiration from Indian Cinema.
Italian films reign supreme at ongoing IFFI with their 21 films screened in the various sections during the festival. A retrospective is offered to Italian cinema in which 7 films are being screened. ``We are trying to present a picture of contemporary Italian cinema during this festival,’’ he explained.
Italian Ambassador stated that from the end of second world war, cinema has become important component of expression in Italy. The country produces around 100 films a year.
Talking about the co-production treaty, Amellini said that number of things can be done here. He remembered how Italian writer sitting at his home wrote a book on India which was later converted into Cinema with Kabir Bedi acting in it.
While trying to get identity of its own, Amellini agreed that they are facing challenge from Hollywood. ``The only way we can fight back Hollywood is by creating films par with them,’’’ he said emphasizing for coproduction treaty.
