At the 12th Silk Road International Film Festival, Italian director Gabriele Mainetti took center stage as a main competition jury member for the Golden Silk Road Awards, highlighting film’s role as an emotional bridge between two millennia-old cultures.
In an interview with CGTN’s Zhang Meng, Mainetti shared his fascination with the Chinese mainland’s breathtaking landscapes and the rapid evolution of its film industry. “Film is an emotional vehicle for understanding culture,” he explained, pointing to cinema’s power to translate universal emotions across language barriers.
Marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Italy and the Chinese mainland, Mainetti—celebrated for fusing distinctly Italian narratives with global genre appeal—stressed how this milestone inspires fresh creative collaborations. “When two rich film traditions meet, new ideas take root,” he noted.
Mainetti believes Italian and Chinese filmmaking can learn from each other: Italy’s mastery of intimate, character-driven stories paired with the Chinese mainland’s epic visual storytelling and deep connection to nature promise a compelling cinematic dialogue.
As audiences worldwide seek authentic, cross-cultural storytelling, Mainetti’s vision underscores cinema’s ability to spark empathy, drive innovation, and connect viewers from every corner of the globe.
Reference(s):
Italian director: Film emotional vehicle for understanding culture
cgtn.com
