September 26, 2018
Doha, Qatar, September 23rd, 2018:
Spotlights were focused on the professions of the cinema world recently as the Italian Embassy to the State of Qatar recently organised the conference “Movie set-design speaks Italian – A talk with Italian movie set-designers Alida Cappellini and Giovanni Licheri”. The event was organized in partnership with Msheireb Museums (MM) and held at the Museum’s prestigious Bin Jelmood House.
The event promoted the ingenuity and creativity of Italian movie set-designers and held to the spirit motivating the first edition in Qatar of “Fare Cinema (“Making Films”) – The Italian Movie Industry”. The programme, launched by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the framework of the first Week of the Italian Cinema in the World, is aimed at promoting “Made in Italy” quality film production abroad. 100 testimonials of the Italian cinema were sent to 100 capital cities around the world – one among them being Doha – to celebrate Italy’s excellent cinematography.
“Italy has a great tradition of quality cinema” said the Italian Ambassador to Qatar, H.E. Pasquale Salzano, “and its contemporary film production is supported by the Italian Institutions as an integral part of the promotion of ‘Brand Italy’ throughout the world”.
“Fare Cinema” in Qatar – continued the Ambassador – has the purpose to let our Qatari friends know more about the Italian film-making industry, enhance the interests of the public and engage qualified industry operators”.
His Excellency concluded, “On the occasion of the first edition of Fare Cinemawe have decided to focus especially on the important role played by movie set-designers in our cinematography. How the choice of beautiful locations and magnificent architectures, the attention to furniture and style, are essential elements that contribute to make the Italian film production unique in the world ”.
To open “Fare Cinema” in Qatar, the Italian Embassy has invited Alida Cappellini and Giovanni Licheri, two Italian movie set and stage designers who have dedicated their professional life to interior design and furniture, applying their expertise to the fields of cinema, theatre, television programmes and art exhibitions. Alida and Giovanni already worked in Qatar in 2011 for “Sea’s secrets”, a television and theater production about the history of Qatar throughout music, dancing and showings.
In the presence of representatives of Qatari cultural institutions, diplomats, distinguished guests and members of the Italian community in Doha, Alida and Giovanni explained, though they showing of their works, how movie set-design is crucial for successful films and how this contributes significantly to distinguish the Italian film-making industry abroad.
Mr. Hafez Ali, Msheireb Museums Director said: “Italy is one of the famous countries recognized for its creative art, design and films. We are pleased today to host this event to promote the Italian film industry and to build bridges between cultures and communities. This cultural destination will always serve as a forum to raise awareness of high-quality experiences from across the world, and to enhance the image of Qatar as the land of civilisations that is open to all cultures and backgrounds”.
After the intervention of the two Italian movie set-designers, Dr. Cherif Amor, Chair and Professor of design at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCU) in Qatar, explained the importance of training young future movie set-designers on the impact of behavioral sciences and lighting on creating set design and told what VCU does in terms of programs, courses and activities for students in Qatar. Professor Amor also introduced the activities planned in the framework of “Fare Cinema” at VCU. Alida Cappellini and Giovanni Licheri held on September 24th a lecture on the vibrant relation between light and movie set-design to make quality films.
