After more than 40 years from its release, Un Ponte Per brings “THE LION OF THE DESERT” (1981, directed by Mustafa Akkad, with Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas and Oliver Reed, 173′, original sub Italian) to Italian cinemas for the first time to commemorate the responsibilities of Italian colonialism in Libya. The film arrives in Arezzo on September 16th.
“The Lion of the Desert”, a film about the resistance against the Italian occupation of Libya, will be screened for the first time on Italian cinema screens thanks to the initiative of the NGO Un Ponte Per (UPP) and will stop also in Arezzo.
44 years after its release, Un Ponte Per has obtained ministerial approval for the public screening of this important historical filmbased on the life of the Senussi leader Omar al-Mukhtar, who led the fight against the Italian colonial occupation. The film was never shown in Italian cinemas, because the government deemed it “injurious to the honor of the army”, which at the time blocked its distribution. The then Prime Minister, Giulio Andreotti, went so far as to accuse the film of “contempt of the Armed Forces” and in 1987 the Digos prevented its screening in Trento during a pacifist meeting by seizing the film.
Despite the obvious interest for the Italian public, “The Lion of the Desert” has never been distributed in our country, nor has it ever been broadcast by public service.. We recall a single television broadcast on Sky in 2009. A censorship, wrote the major historian of Italian colonialism, Angelo del Boca, which “is part of a larger and more subtle campaign of mystification and disinformation, which tends to preserve a romantic, mythical, radiant vision of our recent colonial history. That is, false”.
Until now, in the absence of a distributor and a screening permit, no cinema or TV station could program its screening, which will now be possible. thanks to the initiative of UPP which requested and obtained the visa.
The “Lion of the Desert” by the Syrian-American director Mustapha Akkad, who died in a 2005 attack The Qaida in Amman, was produced in the United States with leading actors such as Anthony Quinn, Oliver Reed, Rod Steiger and Irene Papas, and reconstructs the resistance of the Libyan tribes against the Italian colonial occupation, documenting its repression.
Il September 16, 2024on the occasion of the Libyan Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Colonization, Un Ponte Per organizes the screening of the film in 10 cities: Rome, Turin, Naples, Milan, Arezzo, Monza, Bologna, Modena, Florence and Catania.
In Arezzo the film will be screened on September 16th at the Circolo Culturale Aurora (Piazza Sant’Agostino) at 6:30 pm and will be preceded by a historical introduction by Prof. Beatrice Falcucci and Khalifa Abo Khraisse, Libyan journalist, screenwriter and director (aperitif at 7:45 pm; screening of the film at 8:45 pm). The event is organized in collaboration with Circolo Culturale Aurora, ANPI Arezzo, Arci Arezzo, Oxfam Italia, Onda d’Urto, Associazione Amicizia Italo-palestinese, Arezzo per Gaza.
With this initiative UPP intends to contribute to lifting the veil on Italian colonial history, and support the proposal to establish a National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Colonialism.
Each screening will be preceded by a brief historical introduction. The entire program of events is realized with the support of the National Association of Italian Partisans – ANPI Nazionale, Rete Yekatit 12-19 February and WILPF Italia.
What is the significance of “The Lion of the Desert” screening in Italy after 40 years?
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The Lion of the Desert: A Long-Awaited Screening in Italy after 40 Years
After four decades, the iconic film “The Lion of the Desert” (1981) is finally set to hit Italian cinemas, thanks to the initiative of non-governmental organization Un Ponte Per (UPP). This epic historical drama, directed by Mustafa Akkad and starring Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas, and Oliver Reed, tells the story of Omar al-Mukhtar, the Libyan resistance leader who fought against Italian colonial occupation. The film’s release in Italy marks a significant milestone in the country’s acknowledgment of its colonial past and its responsibilities towards Libya.
A Censored Film for 40 Years
“The Lion of the Desert” was never shown in Italian cinemas upon its initial release in 1981, as the government deemed it “injurious to the honor of the army.” The film was accused of “contempt of the Armed Forces” by then Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti, and in 1987, it was seized by the Digos during a pacifist meeting in Trento. Despite its obvious interest to the Italian public, the film was never distributed in the country, nor was it ever broadcast by public service. It was only shown once on Sky in 2009. This censorship, according to historian Angelo del Boca, was part of a larger campaign of mystification and disinformation, aimed at preserving a romanticized vision of Italy’s colonial history.
Breaking the Silence
UPP’s initiative has finally broken the silence, obtaining ministerial approval for the public screening of “The Lion of the Desert.” The organization has requested and obtained the necessary visa, making it possible for cinemas and TV stations to program the film’s screening. This long-overdue recognition of Italy’s colonial past is a crucial step towards acknowledging the country’s responsibilities towards Libya and its people.
Screening Schedule
On September 16, 2024, Un Ponte Per will organize the screening of “The Lion of the Desert” in 10 Italian cities, including Rome, Turin, Naples, Milan, Arezzo, Monza, Bologna, Modena, Florence, and Catania. The film will be shown on the occasion of the Libyan Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Colonization. In Arezzo, the film will be screened at the Circolo Culturale Aurora (Piazza Sant’Agostino) at 6:30 pm, preceded by a historical introduction by Prof. Beatrice Falcucci and Khalifa Abo Khraisse, Libyan journalist, screenwriter, and director.
A Step towards Acknowledgment
The release of “The Lion of the Desert” in Italy is a significant step towards acknowledging the country’s colonial past and its responsibilities towards Libya. It is a move towards transparency, accountability, and reconciliation. By screening this important historical film, Italy can begin to confront its own history and work towards a more nuanced understanding of its colonial legacy.
Keywords: The Lion of the Desert, Italian colonialism, Libya, Un Ponte Per, Mustafa Akkad, Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas, Oliver Reed, Omar al-Mukhtar, historical drama, film censorship, Italian history, colonial legacy.
Meta Description: After 40 years, the iconic film “The Lion of the Desert” is finally coming to Italian cinemas, thanks to Un Ponte Per. This epic historical drama tells the story of Omar al-Mukhtar, the Libyan resistance leader who fought against Italian colonial occupation.
Optimized Image: “The Lion of the Desert” film poster with the tagline “A story of resistance and courage” (497 x 281 pixels)
– What is the significance of “The Lion of the Desert” in the context of Italian colonialism in Libya?
“The Lion of the Desert” Finally Hits Italian Cinemas: Uncovering the Forgotten History of Italian Colonialism in Libya
After 40 years of silence, the critically acclaimed film “The Lion of the Desert” (1981) is finally making its way to Italian cinemas, thanks to the initiative of the NGO Un Ponte Per. Directed by Mustafa Akkad, the film tells the powerful story of Omar al-Mukhtar, the Senussi leader who led the resistance against Italian colonial occupation in Libya. This historical epic, featuring Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas, and Oliver Reed, has been shrouded in controversy and censorship for decades, but its significance has never been more relevant.
A Long-Awaited Debut
“The Lion of the Desert” has never been distributed in Italy, nor has it ever been broadcast on public service television. The film’s release was blocked by the government in 1981, deemed “injurious to the honor of the army,” and its screening was even prevented by the authorities in 1987 during a pacifist meeting in Trento. This blatant censorship is a stark reminder of Italy’s troubled colonial past, which has been shrouded in secrecy and disinformation for far too long.
A Story of Resistance and Repression
Set against the backdrop of Libyan tribes’ resistance against Italian colonial occupation, the film reconstructs the brutal repression of the Libyan people, led by the fearless Omar al-Mukhtar. The film’s powerful narrative exposes the dark underbelly of colonialism, revealing the atrocities committed by the Italian army and the heroic struggle of the Libyan people for independence.
Un Ponte Per’s Initiative
Thanks to Un Ponte Per’s tireless efforts, “The Lion of the Desert” has finally obtained ministerial approval for public screening. This landmark achievement marks a significant step towards acknowledging Italy’s colonial past and promoting a more informed discussion about its implications. The film’s screening will take place in 10 cities across Italy, including Arezzo, on September 16, 2024, to commemorate the Libyan Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Colonization.
Arezzo Screening
In Arezzo, the film will be screened at the Circolo Culturale Aurora on September 16th at 6:30 pm, preceded by a historical introduction by Prof. Beatrice Falcucci and Khalifa Abo Khraisse, Libyan journalist, screenwriter, and director. The event is organized in collaboration with Circolo Culturale Aurora, ANPI Arezzo, Arci Arezzo, Oxfam Italia, Onda d’Urto, and Associazione Amicizia.
A Time for Reflection and Awareness
The release of “The Lion of the Desert” is a significant moment in Italian history, offering a long-overdue opportunity for reflection and awareness about the country’s colonial past. As Italy comes to terms with its responsibilities, this film serves as a powerful reminder of the need for accountability and recognition of the harm inflicted upon the Libyan people.
Don’t Miss This Historic Screening
Join the conversation and witness a piece of history unfold on the big screen. Don’t miss the screening of “The Lion of the Desert” in Arezzo on September 16th, and be a part of this long-overdue reckoning with Italy’s colonial past.
Keywords: The Lion of the Desert, Un Ponte Per, Italian colonialism, Libya, Omar al-Mukhtar, Mustafa Akkad, Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas, Oliver Reed, censorship, historical film, Italian history, colonial past, accountability, recognition.
