06/05/2011

Riccardo Tozzi has been named the new president of ANICA, the umbrella organisation for Italian film, audiovisual and multimedia industries. Nominated unanimously yesterday by the association’s assembly, he replaces Paolo Ferrari, who had headed the organisation for five years.

Tozzi’s previous position, as president of the producers of ANICA, will now be filled by Angelo Barbagallo.

"The challenge facing the association is an important one, at a time of great changes within the film and audiovisual market,” said the newly elected president. "Italian cinema is stronger and ANICA wishes to be stronger as well, creating a shared spirit and participation among all the associates that I would like to have define my presidency from the get-go”.

"It is fundamental that the film industry speak to national and local institutions, and all interlocutors, with a united voice,” said Paolo Protti, president of AGIS (General Italian Entertainment Industry Association), who is very pleased with Tozzi’s appointment. "But it is reasonable to hope for a market that is stronger only within a stronger theatre system".

"Riccardo Tozzi will be a synergistic asset for the entire film industry,” according to Carlo Bernaschi, president of ANEM (National Association of Multiplex Exhibitors): "Years ago, he understood how the structural changes of film exhibition would have brought about important reform. He thus produced films that appealed to all audiences and is certainly one of the key players behind the rebirth of the national film industry."

Congratulations also arrived from Italian Minister of Culture Giancarlo Galan: "Under his presidency, I’m certain it will be possible to continue a fruitful and constructive dialogue in the shared interest of Italian cinema".

(Translated from Italian)