After weeks of uncertainty, it will be the Venetian Roberto Cicutto the new president of the Venice Biennale. This was communicated by Dario Franceschini, minister for cultural heritage and activities and for tourism, who started the nomination procedure this morning, definitively archiving the rumors that hypothesized the controversial candidacy of Goffredo Bettini, one of the leading exponents of the Roman Democratic Party .
The presidency thus passes by Paul Baratta, who has successfully managed the Biennale for over 15 years, to Roberto Cicutto, who has spent most of his life in cinema.
“A prestigious candidacy for one of the most important Italian cultural institutions” – commented Minister Franceschini. “In recent years, the Biennale has undergone a process of renewal in all sectors of activity and has increased its already considerable reputation on the international scene”. He continued: "And this was possible thanks to the precious work of Paolo Baratta and his team, whom I thank". He concluded by wishing Cicutto a good job, thanking Baratta and his team for their precious work.
Who is Roberto Cicutto? Born in Venice in 1948, he moved to Rome after graduating from high school to pursue a film career, where he mainly worked as a producer and distributor. In 1978 he founded the production company Aura Film which allowed him to win, ten years later, the Golden Lion in Venice for "The Legend of the Holy Drinker", directed by Ermanno Olmi. A few years ago he set up the company Mikado Film, but more importantly, he founded Sacher Distribuzione in 1933, with well-known names such as Angelo Barbagallo, Nanni Moretti and Luigi Musini.
On the occasion of the centenary of the birth of cinema, he was awarded by the President of the Republic Commendatore together with other well-known personalities in the cinema. In 2009 he held the position of Director of the International Film Market, together with that of President and Chief Executive Officer of Istituto Luce-Cinecittà srl.
