by InTrieste
Interviews: Sophie Renhuldt
In a captivating preview of the thirty-fifth edition of the Trieste Film Festival, Mario Anzil, Vice President and Cultural Affairs Commissioner, declared today that the festival perfectly embodies their vision for the future of culture in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The region, historically guarding Italy’s eastern border, has now found itself at the vibrant heart of Europe, presenting extraordinary opportunities without shifting its geographical position.
Anzil highlighted the evolving significance of the word ‘border’ over time, emphasizing its transformation from a negative connotation implying the end of something to now symbolizing a hub for exchange and new relationships. This shift, as noted by Anzil, played a pivotal role in Gorizia and Nova Gorica jointly becoming the European Capital of Culture in 2025.
For Trieste, a historical crossroads of cultures, the border is seen as a perpetually open gateway between East and West, akin to the Pillars of Hercules in mythology, delineating both a geographic and metaphorical boundary between the known world and the ‘non plus ultra,’ the space not to be surpassed.
Anzil called on Friuli Venezia Giulia to deepen its frontier culture, given its status as a polycentric region rich in diverse identities, polyphonic and pluralistic. This diversity, he stressed, allows everyone to observe numerous perspectives, leaving individuals to synthesize personal insights based on acquired knowledge and experiences.
The thirty-fifth edition of the Trieste Film Festival, organized by the Alpe Adria Cinema Association under the presidency of Monica Goti and supported by the region, is set to take place from January 19 to 27, under the artistic direction of Nicoletta Romeo. The program promises a dense schedule of screenings, meetings, masterclasses, and side events, attracting thousands of enthusiasts and industry professionals to the city.
Anzil commended the foresight of the Trieste Film Festival, which emerged at a time when the Iron Curtain was dismantled, opening doors to the world of Central and Eastern Europe, a significant highlight of the festival.
Reflecting on the chosen poster for the thirty-fifth edition, Anzil recalled a meeting with director Francis Ford Coppola a few years ago in Rivignano. During that encounter, they envisioned a project dedicated to the scenic Stella River, showcasing its evocative landscapes. Anzil noted the theme of water, both intriguing and evocative, connecting to the great rivers slowly traversing Europe.
Acknowledging the regional administration’s commitment, Anzil expressed awareness of the merits of those who explored the vast territory of which Trieste is an integral part. He proudly stated that Friuli Venezia Giulia is the region in Italy that invests the most in culture, supporting events that not only provide essential moments of happiness but also ensure significant economic benefits for the area. Anzil concluded optimistically, highlighting the region’s operators’ capacity to offer a cultural proposal inaugurating a renaissance in the sector.
