Oscar-winning filmmaker Giuseppe Tornatore recently visited India for a special premiere of his acclaimed film Cinema Paradiso. The event was part of an Italian film festival titled Cinema Italian Style – Celebrating Tornatore And The Masters Of Italian Cinema, organized by the Film Heritage Foundation, Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Mumbai, and other partners.
During his stay, Tornatore briefly spoke with India Today Digital about the enduring popularity of his iconic film among cinephiles and noted similarities between Indian and Italian filmmaking styles.
Cinema Paradiso, which won an Academy Award, was warmly received by audiences in Mumbai. Tornatore expressed his surprise, calling it a “mystery” how people continue to enjoy the film after so many years.
“It’s a miracle that even after 40 years, people talk about it. I am often taken aback when young people, who weren’t even born during its release, come to me wanting to discuss the film. I think this is why the restoration of cinema is so important in today’s time. It can make films and stories eternal. The language of images is the most important one, and we need to conserve and protect it. And I am so thankful that the Film Heritage Foundation is working so closely on this,” Tornatore added.
It was Tornatore’s first visit to India, and he shared his long-standing fascination with the country. During his time in Mumbai, he explored the city and captured moments of daily life on the streets.
“One week wasn’t really enough to feel the culture and atmosphere, and I hope to be back soon,” he said.
Tornatore further shared that when he was strolling around the city, he felt a sense of familiarity, noting how both countries have several similarities. “The crowd, the energy was just the same as in my city. It felt like I was home. I really feel both countries have the same energy, and that brought me a lot of happiness,” he said.
Comparing the two countries’ tastes in films and filmmaking, he added, “The love for realism is something that I found similar in films made in India and Italy. I remember watching Satyajit Ray’s films and instantly falling in love. It was about a world that one doesn’t know about, but the point of view was so close to what Italian filmmakers would also have. The worlds may be different, but the vision had a familiar connection, and I think that remains even today.”
The acclaimed director mentioned how he loved watching The Last Film Show (Chhello Show) a year ago. The Gujarati film by Pan Nalin, as readers would know, was India’s entry at the Oscars in 2023: “It’s a story inspired by Cinema Paradiso, and I loved the homage that the Indian director made to my film.”
When asked if he has any advice for young and upcoming filmmakers, Giuseppe Tornatore said, “Work on stories that you fully love; never make a film for strategy. Follow your heart, and it will take you to the right path. Also, in this way, even if your film is not a success but you loved the story, you can continue to live with joy. You will be able to look into your eyes when you stand in front of the mirror. But if you work as per commercial strategy, and it’s not a success, you will feel let down from all sides.”
Sharing his next aspirations, the filmmaker admitted that he’s working on a movie and will start shooting for it next year.
“I cannot reveal much about it as I believe in protecting my films and their stories. Only after we are done with the shoot will I talk about it,” he concluded.
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