Independent movie production represents a source of creativity and innovation that offers audiences original stories independent of the power of the big studios. “Ciurè”, the film directed by Gianpiero Pumo and currently in competition for the David di Donatello award, is an example of how independent cinema can address important and sensitive issues, such as that of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Ciurè” is a project consistent with the LGBTQ+ National Strategy, which urges culture, information and entertainment operators to communicate responsibly and to encourage the production and representation of LGBTQ+ issues in the television, film and theater system.
The film tells the story of a man forced to find any way to make a living with his son, until he meets a transgender dancer in a Palermo with an authentic flavour, between the cement and rust of the suburbs and the colored sequins of a night club. The plot highlights the strength of solidarity and love, regardless of gender differences or sexual orientation.
In 2019, only 4% of the total budget of Italian cinema was allocated to finance films with LGBTQ+ themes.
(National Association of Audiovisual and Multimedia Film Industries – ANICA)
Independent film production represents an important part of the global film industry, and in Italy, as in the rest of the world, it offers audiences original and independent stories from the major studios. However, compared to other countries, independent film production in Italy still encounters various difficulties.
According to a study by the National Association of Audiovisual and Multimedia Film Industries (ANICA), in 2019 only 7% of the total budget of Italian cinema was allocated to the financing of independent films. This demonstrates the need for greater financial support to ensure the survival of independent cinema in Italy and the growth of new projects.
Furthermore, although there have been some exceptions, such as Gianpiero Pumo’s film “Ciurè” currently in competition for the David di Donatello award, independent filmmaking in Italy tends to focus on local themes and stories, with limited audiences.
Conversely, in the United States, independent cinema has seen a steady rise in recent years, reaching a record $940 million in 2019, with films such as ‘Joker’ and ‘Parasite’ enjoying great critical acclaim and public. In other countries such as South Korea, independent cinema has achieved great popularity, with directors such as Bong Joon-ho and Hong Sang-soo gaining international recognition for their works.
In conclusion, independent cinema represents an important part of the global film industry, able to offer audiences original and independent stories from the big studios. However, in Italy independent film production still encounters various difficulties, especially in terms of financing and access to the public.
