MARIO VERDONE PRIZE

The European Film Festival, in collaboration with the Experimental Centre of Cinematography dedicates the 11th edition to Carlo Verdone, choosing with him some of his films, a photo exhibition and a monograph written by Enrico Magrelli. The author, along with his brothers Luca and Silvia, announces the creation of a prize named after his father Mario that will be assigned to an author who distinguished himself/herself during the last film season.

"I have accepted entusiastically the invitation of Alberto La Monica to the European Film Festival who will dedicate his 11th edition to me - Carlo Verdone states - Being anticipated by onorable Italian and International collegues, makes me proud to partecipate to a Festival focusing on an intense debate between authors and audience, always keeping the historical memory of the Italian Cinema alive, and that's not all. Because of the reliability that this festival gained, me and my brothers Luca and Silvia, requested to create a “Mario Verdone Prize” permanently in Lecce- says the director – to be assigned within the Festival, to an author who distinguished himself/herself within the last film season. Our father Mario has always been careful in identifying talented artists not only in the Cinema industry, but also in the world of arts in general. His numerous essays widely demonstrate it. I believe commemorating him through this prize assignes honour to this Festival and to his sons and daughter who loved him as a father and as a serious cinema historian”.

"The homage to Verdone - as stated by Alberto La Monica, the Festival Director - makes me very proud. He is an author I particularly love for his great sensibility and extroardinary irony. His presence, along with his brothers' and the creation of the “Mario Verdone prize", mark an important step in the artistic path of the European Film Festival.