February 25, 2025: Prominent filmmakers Martin Scorsese, Jane Campion, and Wes Anderson have signed an urgent appeal to prevent the transformation of several of Rome’s iconic movie theatres into shopping centers and supermarkets. The move comes after a real estate auction, where nine of Rome’s cinemas were purchased by asset management firms for EUR50 million ($52 million). These cinemas, such as the central Cinema Adriano multiplex, are integral to the city’s cultural fabric.
The concern deepened with the introduction of new regional legislation that could allow such cultural spaces to be repurposed into non-cultural businesses. The legislation, currently under review, would eliminate protections preventing theatres from being converted into hotels or retail spaces, a change seen as a significant threat to Rome’s rich cinematic history.
Renowned director Martin Scorsese, in a letter inspired by architect Renzo Piano, expressed his opposition to these changes, emphasizing the cultural loss such transformations would cause. “This is a profound sacrilege not only to the city’s rich history but also to the cultural legacy for future generations,” Scorsese wrote. He also urged global cultural figures to join in the appeal and called on Italy’s President and Prime Minister to intervene.
Valerio Carocci, president of Cinema America, further warned that the new legislation could lead to the closure of active movie theatres, undermining the city’s cultural heritage. This legislation is feared to lead to the abandonment of cinematic spaces, which are an essential part of Rome’s identity.
The call to action has garnered widespread support from international film figures, including Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Alfonso Cuarón, among many others. Together, they aim to save these “cathedrals of culture” from being irreversibly altered, urging Italian leaders to act before it’s too late.