Rome's Cinema America saved from demolition by Italian court

The Cinema America in Rome's Trastevere district will not be demolished, following a ruling by Italy's Council of State (Consiglio di Stato). The court rejected an appeal by property owner Progetto Uno srl against the Ministry of Culture (MiC), deeming it 'manifestly unfounded'. The historic cinema, closed for years and later occupied by a youth group that now runs the nearby Cinema Troisi, is recognized as a significant example of the relationship between cinema technology, art, and architecture. The ruling imposes restoration and conservation costs on Progetto Uno srl. The Cinema America group, now a foundation, has offered to collaborate with the owner to reopen the venue, emphasizing that the building must become an active cinema again. However, questions remain about investment and economic sustainability, as many Italian cinemas struggle post-lockdown. The foundation stated they are available to help reopen the cinema, provided a sustainable economic model is found.