Rome's Cinema America Summer Screenings Halted by City Bando

The Rome city government, led by the Movimento 5 Stelle, has announced a public tender (bando) for the summer cinema screenings in Piazza San Cosimato, effectively ending the informal management by the Cinema America collective. The group, which had occupied the former Cinema America in Trastevere since 2012 and later expanded to the adjacent piazza, claims the city is 'assassinating' their free film series. The collective, known as 'i ragazzi,' had operated the screenings without formal permits since 2015, drawing large crowds and international guests. The city argues that a transparent, competitive process is necessary to regularize the event. However, critics note that the bando may impose restrictions—such as limiting screenings to five days a week (or possibly three)—that could undermine economic viability. The decision follows complaints from a local councilor whose apartment overlooks the piazza. The collective has refused to participate in the bando, asserting ownership of the concept. The controversy highlights tensions between grassroots cultural initiatives and municipal bureaucracy, with both sides accused of inflexibility.