Gian Luigi Rondi is the new president of the Fondazione Cinema per Roma. He takes over from Goffredo Bettini, the man who created the Rome Film Fest and led its first two editions.

“I am honoured by this appointment and I hope I will be able to accomplish the task in the best possible way’, was Rondi’s opening statement at a press conference held this morning at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome. Also on the platform were the mayor of Rome, Gianni Alemanno, the president of the Lazio Region Piero Marrazzo, the president of the Province of Rome Nicola Zingaretti, the president of the Chamber of CommerceAndrea Mondello and the CEO of the Fondazione Musica per Roma Carlo Fuortes.

‘The 2008 edition of the Fest is already at an advanced stage’, explained Rondi, ‘I will make my proposals for 2009: I am very interested in Italian cinema and the national film industry’s relationship with the authors, additionally I would also like to expand the film market’. Rondi continued, ‘the Rome Festival should aim for entertainment that meets the audience, while safeguarding quality. I will present the Fondazione’s Board of Management with a plan to re-launch the cultural aspect of cinema and the art of the actor’. He concluded by saying ‘I am in favour of the red carpet, but only for the leading actors and actresses in important films”.

Outgoing president Goffredo Bettini confirmed that his decision ‘has saved the Fest’. ‘I made a calm choice’, he explains, continuing ‘To carry on serving the mandate seemed lacking in style and an imposition. Holding an important political role and also running the Rome Film Fest was a happy exception, which could nevertheless not last for long. It was a duty and an act of responsibility. Even so, the Fest worked because it was done with passion, love for the project prevailed’.

Bettini also spoke highly of new president Rondi. ‘My love of cinema started by reading his books’, recalled Bettini, ‘he is very a competent and prestigious figure but also a gentleman. He can count on my support at any time’.