The prestigous Nanjing University has teamed up with the Italian Consulate Shanghai and The Purple Mountain Academy of Arts (TPM), in order to bring the International Italian Film Festival to the city of Nanjing.
Beginning yesterday May 25, the Festival is set to last 3 days. In his opening speech, Italian Consulate organiser, Andrea Baldini, expressed his excitement for what has been a “4 year project” finally coming into fruition.
Baldini spoke further about great collaborative efforts made by all organisers, and the success of various cultural “exchange activities” that have happened in the lead up to this weeks film festival.
Speaking with The Nanjinger before the opening ceremony was President and Creator of TPM Arthur Ma. “My love for cinema solidified when my drama teacher at Nanjing University encouraged me to get on the stage and fall in love with the arts”, he said.
“My love for the stage has led me to build my own stage in our Purple Mountain. We have many projects happening all the time and really have enjoyed collaborating on this”.
Director of the Italian Consulate’s Cultural Department, Shanghai, said “After the second World War, Italy flourished in the arts”, which is what helped the country lead the way in cinema and fashion so soon after.
While Britain continues its Poetry on the Metro cultural exchange with China, so the Italians have opted for cinema. The film festival aims to further bridge a gap between the two cultures while strengthening its cultural exchange. Yesterday’s event included a lecture on Italian cinema and the screening of its first film, “Rosallini”.
