Signs from the future

Meeting with Gianni Canova President of the jury for the Debut Film
by F.D.S.
  • thursday, 5 september 2024

Gianni Canova, as president of the jury for the Debut Film, was a choice proudly endorsed by Alberto Barbera, who praised his competent, intelligent, and independent perspective, far from the increasingly common trends of critical conformity. We interviewed him to discuss the present and, above all, the future of cinema, navigating between solid convictions and strong hopes.

As the President of the Debut Film jury, you award the best debut feature film across the various sections of the Festival. Can you explain the rules the jury has established to function effectively?
The Debut Film jury evaluates debut works from all sections of the festival: Competition (though there are no debut films in this year’s lineup), Horizons, Extra Horizons, Critics’ Week, and Giornate degli Autori, totalling around twenty films, with an average of three per day. We do not analyze them immediately after viewing; instead, we let them settle for a few days. We plan three meetings before the final one, where we discuss each work and set aside those we consider worthy of further consideration. Keep in mind that our jury awards a single prize, unlike other juries that have multiple awards to distribute. Our prize also comes with a $100,000 award. The basic criterion we have set for ourselves is that our task is not to map out the existing landscape, but to reward potential future talents. In other words, noble content alone is not enough; we’re looking for visions of future cinema.

 

Let’s compare Nanni Moretti’s debut film I Am Self Sufficient, made 50 years ago, with today’s debut films, such as Aftersun by the young Scottish director, Charlotte Wells, or April by Dea Kulumbegashvili. These represent two opposite approaches to creating a debut film; today’s films are often born as near-perfect works, marked by flawless self-control, without any youthful imperfections. What has changed over the past 50 years? Can we study debut films as a genre that evolves over time, or are they simply individual expressions of unique talents?
Debut films can certainly be shaped by their historical context, particularly by the production mechanisms of their time. A few decades ago, when cinema was less reliant on external support, filmmakers could take risks and pursue independence more boldly than today. The complexities of producing a film today, particularly in securing funding, often push new directors to aim for a fully realized form right from the start. As for my personal taste, if I have to choose between a well-crafted film that follows well-trodden paths and an imperfect yet highly talented debut, I will always choose the latter.

If we consider the recent winners of the Debut Film award, we notice that many of them are filmmakers who have reached the age of 40. Can we still consider someone in their 40s as ‘young’ in the world of cinema?
It is never a question of age, it’s always a matter of mindset. That said, even in the Italian cinema’s most vibrant periods, there was a policy in place that made it much easier for young talents to break into the industry than it is today. Those in charge of the system should really be asking themselves some tough questions…

As the rector of IULM, professor of cinema at the same university, and the president of the Scientific Committee of the Experimental Center of Cinematography, what insights can you offer about the pathways for young people entering the world of cinema? At the Venice Film Festival, we see thousands of young film enthusiasts, and it raises the question: how many of them will actually be able to make a living from cinema?
First, we need to start viewing cinema as part of the broader audiovisual sector. By doing so, it’s clear that employment prospects increase significantly. Universities and schools must recognize the importance of training professionals, rather than focusing solely on creating the next Wim Wenders of Garbatella or the David Lynch of Quarto Oggiaro. When a 4-minute short is defined as ‘the first film of…’, it’s a sign that authorial narcissism is taking its toll. On the other hand, preparing professionals who can handle less auteur-driven productions, those that might be less refined but still contribute significantly to the audiovisual industry, is almost an obligation.

Cinema is evolving into a mass profession, much like design. It’s no longer just the domain of a few great masters surrounded by their favorite technicians. We must embrace this shift, which has dramatically expanded the traditional boundaries of cinema to include video games, series, streaming platforms, and new media. In this regard, Venice showcases two extremes: on one side, the restored Classics, and on the other, Venice Immersive. What are your thoughts on the role of music in cinema?
During my time here at Venice, as I’ve watched numerous films, I have reflected on the significance of music in cinema. When used in a banal or overly obvious way, music can detract from a film, while excessively refined music can overly amplify the audience’s sensations of pleasure. Music has a profound impact on the emotional chemistry of a film. I believe the Biennale should consider establishing an official award for best soundtrack.

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