Francesco Sossai's 'Le città di pianura' Wins 8 David di Donatello Awards

At the 71st David di Donatello awards held at the newly inaugurated Teatro 23 di Cinecittà, Francesco Sossai's film 'Le città di pianura' dominated with eight wins from sixteen nominations, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor for Sergio Romano. The film, which premiered at Cannes the previous year, gained momentum through word of mouth and critical acclaim. Matthew Modine presented the Best Director award, criticizing the influence of algorithms on cinema. Gianni Amelio received a Career David, urging not to call it a career. Aurora Quattrocchi, at 83, won Best Actress for 'Gioia mia' and called for reopening large cinemas. The Best Documentary award went to 'Roberto Rossellini – Più di una vita' by Ilaria De Laurentis, Andrea Paolo Massara, and Raffaele Brunetti, highlighting the struggles of Italian documentary filmmaking. The Best Short Film award was given to 'Everyday in Gaza' by Omar Rammal, who dedicated it to those risking their lives in Gaza. Other notable winners include Margherita Spampinato for Best Debut Director, Matilda De Angelis for Best Supporting Actress, and Lino Musella for Best Supporting Actor. The ceremony underscored the fragility and artisanal nature of cinema as a free and independent space.