Italy: Rome’s all new Cinema Troisi reopens

Rome: In an age when many cinemas are closing, hampered by streaming platforms and covid restrictions, Rome is bucking the trend.

A refurbished, state-of-the-art Cinema Troisi will open its doors on 21 September in the Trastevere district with the Italian premiere of Titane, screened in the company of director Julia Ducournau and stars Agethe Rousselle and Vincent Lindon.

The ‘body horror’ thriller – described by the BBC as “the most shocking film of 2021” will be shown in its original version with Italian subtitles, with tickets available via the cinema’s website.

Behind the ambitious venture are the Ragazzi del Cinema America, the collective of young cinema aficionados best known for organising free outdoor movie screenings in the summer, both in Piazza S. Cosimato and in the outskirts of the city.

Their latest project has seen them invest €1.5 million in refurbishing Cinema Troisi, named after the late, much-loved Italian actor Massimo Troisi, star of Il Postino.

According to Variety, the association obtained the funds from “a combination of national and local government grants and sponsors” and received a 10-year lease on the city-owned building by winning a public tender.

Valerio Cocci, the collective’s president, told Variety: “It will be a first-run cinema with a multi-programming schedule showing four different films a day, including thematic retros, presentations, and children’s workshops.”

The movie theatre will be equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology too, including 4K and a Dolby 7.1 surround sound system.

There will also be a study room with free wi-fi, open around the clock, and a rooftop terrace that will be used for events.

In a smart branding move, the cinema’s 300 seats will be the same maroon colour as the t-shirts worn by the collective and their many fans.