The 29th edition of the International Cinematography Award “Gianni Di Venanzo” concluded yesterday in Teramo, Italy. Among the various awards presented, we note the following:
The Esposimetro d’oro for an Italian Film was awarded to Francesco Di Giacomo CCS. Di Giacomo received the recognition for the film Rapito directed by Marco Bellocchio, with the following motivation: “For the ability to create period lighting without falling into the clichés of the historical genre and without sacrificing the modernity that the story of Rapito demanded.” “I am very moved,” said Di Giacomo in his thanks, “because my father was awarded here and was very attached to the Di Venanzo award and the city of Teramo.”
The “Marco Onorato” jury plaque was awarded to Giuseppe Maio CCS. “Thanks to this wonderful initiative. I proudly receive this award dedicated to one of the greatest cinematographers, Marco Onorato, who was an example of visual and artistic approach for me. I thank Ed Lachman, present there, and who introduced me to cinema through his films. After watching La Soufriere directed by Werner Herzog, I understood that cinema, beyond passion, is a great experience of life and courage. Thank you, Ed,” he wrote in a message read on stage.
The Esposimetro d’oro for Lifetime Achievement was awarded to Renato Berta, with the following motivation: “For his long journey through the best of European cinema, a journey that spans from the Swiss Nouvelle Vague of the ’60s and ’70s to the masters of auteur cinema, especially in France, from Louis Malle to Alain Resnais to Philippe Garrel. And for the special relationship that has tied him to Italy, where he trained at the Centro Sperimentale, and where he now often returns to work alongside Mario Martone.”
The Esposimetro d’oro for a Foreign Film was awarded to Edward Lachman. The prize was awarded for the film El Conde directed by Pablo Larrain. The jury’s motivation: “For having brought ancient models of black-and-white photography closer to our contemporary sensibilities as viewers. El Conde does not simply present us with a colourless image, but fully exploits the expressiveness of contrasts: a vast range of sensations, from the arsenal of horror to a lightness that borders on ‘comedy.’” In thanking for the award and emphasising his connection to Italian cinema, Edward Lachman said, “Vittorio De Sica’s film Umberto D made me realise that stories could be told in cinema solely through images.”
The Jury also decided to award the Esposimetro d’oro in Memoriam to John Bailey, who passed away on 10 November 2023 in Los Angeles at the age of 81. Bailey was a former Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president. The motivation reads: “For bringing to Hollywood the inspirations of the most refined European cinematography, particularly the tonal richness of Néstor Almendros’ lighting. Beyond the many films he beautifully illuminated, for masters like Paul Schrader and Lawrence Kasdan, John Bailey’s presence improved American cinema over the last thirty years, encouraging his colleagues to explore new solutions.” Jury President Stefano Masi accepted the award.
Inoltre Edizioni Artdigiland, partner editoriale di Collettivo Chiaroscuro, ha presentato il libro Una vita a Cinecittà. Conversazione con Pasquale Cuzzupoli. Sviluppo e stampa, colore, restauro, incontri, a cura di Gerry Guida. Il libro è promosso dal Premio Gianni Di Venanzo e realizzato in collaborazione con Cinecittà.
