The Italy Academy of Cinema Foundation has appointed Gian Luca Farinelli as its new artistic director for the prestigious David di Donatello Awards. The announcement, confirmed by the Foundation's Board of Directors on August 5, marks a significant governance transition within Italy's most important film accolade.
Key Changes to the Foundation's Leadership:
• New artistic director: Farinelli brings extensive experience in film preservation and restoration to the role.
• New president: Silvia Calandrelli replaced Piera Detassis on July 29, steering the organization's strategic direction.
• Industry restructuring: SIAE (Italy Authors and Publishers Society) has joined as a founding member, gaining a permanent seat for key decisions including budget approvals and presidential elections.
Who Is Gian Luca Farinelli?
Farinelli has served as director of the Cineteca di Bologna since 2000, leading one of Europe's most important film archives. He founded "Il Cinema Ritrovato" (Cinema Rediscovered) in 1986, an annual festival dedicated to screening restored films and uncovering cinema history. The festival has become a recognized event within the international film preservation community.
His career has been defined by a commitment to preserving and restoring cinema heritage, making him a notable figure in Italy's film archival sector. In accepting the role, Farinelli emphasized his commitment to "giving voice to all the different professions, sensibilities, and souls" within Italy's film industry, acknowledging both the country's cinematic heritage and contemporary talent.
A Foundation in Transition
The appointment comes amid broader restructuring of the David di Donatello Foundation's governance. The Foundation's Board now includes Francesco Giambrone (president of AGIS, the Italian entertainment venues association), Alessandro Usai (president of ANICA, the national film and audiovisual industries association), Giorgio Carlo Brugnoni (director-general for Cinema and Audiovisual at Italy's Ministry of Culture), and Salvatore Nastasi (president of SIAE).
Calandrelli described the changes as necessary to "consolidate the role of the David Awards as the main recognition of Italian cinema." She confirmed that a honorary president and an Artistic Steering Committee will be announced to complete the new institutional structure, though specific names have not yet been disclosed.
What's Next
Farinelli's appointment represents a shift in leadership for the Foundation and signals its ongoing effort to strengthen the David Awards' institutional foundation. The next David di Donatello Awards ceremony will serve as the first public event under the new leadership structure.
