The Italian Film Festival “Italian Screens” is taking place in Beirut as part of the seventh annual “Fare Cinema” review, according to the Italian Embassy in Lebanon.
Organized by the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute at Cinema City in downtown Beirut from July 5 to 13, the festival is a joint initiative of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Directorate General for Cinema of the Italian Ministry of Culture.
The Italian Embassy’s statement indicated that “Italian Screens” features a selection of films representing the best of contemporary Italian cinema. These films, mostly released in 2023, include many winners of the 69th Donatello David Award and recipients of national and international acclaim at prestigious film festivals like Cannes, Rome, Gothenburg, and Barcelona.
Among the chosen films are four of the five finalists for the Donatello David Award, along with a diverse selection of short films.
Launched in 2018 as part of the “Fare Cinema” initiative, the festival is coordinated through the Italian diplomatic and consular network and cultural institutions, which organize events with the dual goal of promoting Italian cinema abroad and showcasing the expertise of Italian film professionals.
The Importance of Film Diplomacy
Film is widely recognized as a powerful tool for countries to market themselves and project their image to international audiences. Therefore, the significance of “film diplomacy” cannot be overstated. It plays a crucial role in public and cultural diplomacy, contributes to developing the public diplomacy system, enhances a country’s soft power, and holds political importance.
Many believe that film diplomacy is an integral part of cultural diplomacy. It provides a means of forging international connections, facilitating cultural exchanges, and disseminating culture based on shared values, helping to foster cultural relations between people from different nations.
Cinema, undoubtedly, is a tool of soft power, capable of promoting a country’s narrative through various film genres, especially feature films. The importance of filmmaking in international relations came to the forefront during the Cold War, with countries around the world utilizing it to advance their interests. The international system following World War II, from 1945 to 1989, was dominated by the rivalry between the Soviet Union and its allies (the “Warsaw Pact”) and the United States and its allies (the “NATO Alliance”). Both sides utilized cinema as a strategic tool to promote their economic, social, political, and intellectual views and media narratives. Consequently, cinema is considered one of the key instruments for promoting national agendas.
Italian Film Festival “Italian Screens” Brings Contemporary Cinema to Beirut
The Italian Embassy in Lebanon has proudly announced the upcoming Italian Film Festival, “Italian Screens,” set to take place in Beirut from July 5 to 13. This distinguished event, held within the framework of the seventh annual “Fare Cinema” review, showcases the finest contemporary Italian film production.
Celebrating Italian Film Excellence
Organized by the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute at Cinema City in downtown Beirut, “Italian Screens” is a joint initiative of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Directorate General for Cinema of the Italian Ministry of Culture. The festival promises a captivating selection of films, representing the best of Italian filmmaking in 2023 and beyond.
The Italian Embassy’s statement highlights the exceptional nature of the chosen films, noting that many were released in 2023. These works garnered significant recognition, including the coveted 69th Donatello David Award, the Italian equivalent of the Oscars. Additionally, many of the films have secured prestigious awards at internationally renowned festivals like the Cannes International Film Festival, the Rome Film Festival, the Gothenburg Film Festival in Sweden, and the Barcelona Film Festival.
A Diverse and Award-Winning Lineup
The festival boasts a compelling lineup, including four out of the five finalists for the Donatello David Award. A diverse selection of short films will complement the feature films, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the multifaceted landscape of Italian cinema.
Launched in 2018 as part of the “Fare Cinema” initiative, this festival is a testament to the commitment of the Italian diplomatic network and cultural institutions to fostering international collaboration. This initiative serves the dual purpose of promoting Italian cinema globally and showcasing the expertise and professionalism of Italian film professionals.
The Power of Film Diplomacy
Cinema holds a unique position as a powerful tool for countries to project their image and values to the world. Film diplomacy, a key aspect of public and cultural diplomacy, plays a vital role in strengthening international ties and promoting a nation’s soft power. It enhances a country’s global influence and fosters positive engagement on an international scale.
Some consider film diplomacy a crucial component of cultural diplomacy, as it facilitates cultural exchange and connection between nations, promoting understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures. It allows audiences to experience the nuances of a nation’s storytelling and provides a window into its societal values and perspectives.
Cinema as a Strategic Tool for Soft Power
Through its capacity to connect with diverse audiences on a deeply emotional level, cinema has emerged as a powerful tool of soft power. It allows nations to subtly promote their narratives and perspectives through captivating stories and engaging characters. The significance of film in international relations gained even greater prominence during the Cold War, when nations used film as a medium to propagate their ideologies and influence global opinion.
The post-World War II era, marked by the Cold War’s ideological divide between the Soviet Union and the United States, saw film emerge as a strategic tool for promoting both nation’s political and economic agendas, as well as their respective worldviews. Films became a potent tool for spreading cultural influence and solidifying national identities on a global scale.
Exploring the Benefits of Film Diplomacy
Benefits of Film Diplomacy
- Cultural Exchange and Understanding: Film fosters cross-cultural understanding and bridges cultural divides by promoting empathy and appreciation for diverse lifestyles, perspectives, and storytelling traditions.
- Soft Power Enhancement: Film serves as a potent tool for projecting a nation’s image, values, and culture, enhancing its soft power and influence on the global stage.
- International Cooperation: By facilitating collaboration between film professionals from different countries, film diplomacy promotes international cooperation in the film industry and fosters cross-cultural dialogue.
- Economic Growth: The film industry can generate significant economic activity, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and attracting international investment.
- Public Diplomacy: Film plays a crucial role in public diplomacy, reaching out to audiences globally and promoting positive narratives regarding a nation’s accomplishments, values, and aspirations.
The “Italian Screens” festival stands as a compelling example of how film can be leveraged to inspire dialogue, promote cultural understanding, and build bridges between nations. It provides a valuable platform for showcasing the best of Italian filmmaking to a wider audience, fostering international collaboration, and solidifying Italy’s position as a leader in the global film industry.
