Venice Film Festival opens with letter from Mattarella and Golden Lion to Herzog

A fictional president of the Republic, played by actor Toni Servillo in "La Grazia", ​​by director Paolo Sorrentino, and the current leader of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, crossed paths at the opening of the 82nd Venice Film Festival.

Mattarella, who appears to have served as inspiration for Sorrentino in his film, sent a letter to Emanuela Fanelli, actress and host of the opening night of the Italian mega-event.

"Cinema is an essential and indispensable part of Italian culture; it expresses its genius to the world; it transmits and consolidates beauty, hope, and values. Cinema's contribution is particularly valuable in this period of global life, which often demonstrates the need to recover cultural solidity and a sense of human solidarity," wrote the head of state.

Mattarella's appearance was the highlight of an emotional evening in which, contrary to some of the previous day's fears, there were no protests about the war in the Gaza Strip, either on the red carpet or in the ballroom.

Among the most moving moments of the evening were the tears of Werner Herzog, who received a Golden Lion for lifetime achievement. The prestigious award was presented by his close friend Francis Ford Coppola.

"Your life and your art represent a challenge to all of us, it's as if they were saying to us: 'Beat me if you can!' Werner, I'm sure no one will come close," declared the American producer.

The German filmmaker, who was greeted with a long standing ovation, stressed that he has always tried to be "a good soldier of cinema, which means having perseverance, loyalty, courage and a sense of duty."

The opening night audience included Sorrentino and the entire cast of "La Grazia," including rapper Guè Pequeno, and other stars including Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Rose Villain, Heidi Klum, Francesco Favino, and Anna Ferzetti.

Among the local authorities was Italy's Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, who, upon arriving, observed that "the exhibition and Venice are the world's stage, and it is right that the world turns its gaze here to fully understand the meaning of culture as dialogue, debate, absence of censorship and desire for peace."

"The entire spectrum of political and cultural positions, naturally the legitimate ones and those that adhere to the criteria of liberal democracies, is represented," the politician added.

Alberto Barbera, director of the traditional film festival, previously explained that the event is "a space for openness, discussion and debate that does not engage in any form of censorship or confrontation."

"We have never hesitated to express and clearly declare our enormous suffering in the face of what is happening in Gaza and Palestine. The civilian deaths, especially children, are victims of what we call a horrendous term: collateral victims, collateral damage of wars that no one has yet managed to end," he added.