Lega Targets Migrant Festival Sabir in Palermo as Three Film Festivals Lose Ministry Funding

The Lega party, led by Matteo Salvini, has challenged the Sabir festival in Palermo, accusing it of anti-government bias and demanding that Rai withdraw its patronage. Sabir, a festival celebrating Mediterranean cultures and migration, is scheduled for October 11-14, 2018, as part of Palermo's year as Italian Capital of Culture. Lega deputies Simona Pergreffi and Daniele Belotti filed a parliamentary question against Rai's involvement, claiming the festival lacks impartiality and includes events critical of government policies. The festival features photography by Max Hirzel on migrant bodies, Grazia Bucca's rescue documentation, and Francesco Bellina's reportage from Niger, alongside workshops and debates on migration. Meanwhile, three Palermo film festivals—Sole Luna Doc Fest, Sicilia Queer Festival, and Efebo d'Oro—were denied recognition and funding by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage (Mibact), scoring below the required 60 points. The Sicilia Queer Festival received only 14 points, while Sole Luna and Efebo d'Oro scored 53 and 58 respectively. Palermo's culture assessor Andrea Cusumano criticized the decision, noting the city's cultural vibrancy as Capital of Culture and host of Manifesta 12. The Mibact evaluation committee, appointed in February 2018, included Giovanna Gagliardo, Marina Giovannini, Guia Loffredo, Gianfranco Rinaldi, and Francesca Rossini.