A crowd of students, artists and citizens took to the streets of Naples today to defend the Metropolitan cinema, a historic cultural landmark of the city, closed on January 15.
The mobilization, which arose spontaneously after the news of the failure of the owner, Banca Intesa Sanpaolo, to extend the contract to the managers and of the subsequent sale to third parties, saw the participation of numerous personalities from the world of entertainment and politics, united in asking for clarity on the future of the structure.
The accusations are the lack of transparency on the intentions of the new owners and the fear of real estate speculation that could transform the cinema into another commercial activity. “We cannot allow another piece of our cultural identity to be sacrificed on the altar of profit”, the protesters declared, asking the institutions to guarantee the protection of the cultural use restriction imposed by the Ministry in 2023.
Touching appeal from little Enzo Cannavale, the actor's namesake nephew
Among the most touching moments of the day was the appeal of little Enzo Cannavale, nephew of the actor of the same name, who in his father's arms shouted into the microphone "I want cinema!".
Also present were Peppe Caccavale, of the outgoing ownership, Paola De Crescenzo, Luciano's daughter, and numerous other artists and prominent figures of Neapolitan culture.
The battle for the Metropolitan, therefore, does not stop. The city is ready to mobilize to defend a place that is a symbol of its history and its identity.
“Cinema must be saved at all costs,” said Alleanza Verdi Sinistra MP Francesco Emilio Borrelli, regional councilor Roberta Gaeta, and Benedetta Sciannimanica, councilor for Municipality 1.
“We cannot continue to dismantle the cultural system of our city, allowing other cultural institutions to close, making room for mere speculative actions. There is a lack of transparency in this affair, we do not know what the projects are and whether there is speculation underway.
We welcome the words of City Councilor Ferdinando Tozzi, with responsibility for the cultural and audiovisual industry, who speaks of a maximum commitment by the Municipality to find investors interested in respecting the constraint imposed by Sangiuliano. A constraint that Luciano Schifone, former advisor to the minister, has proposed to strengthen in Parliament, a measure that we are ready to vote for”.
Also present were the actress Antonella Stefanucci; the comedian Angelo Di Gennaro; the singer Monica Sarnelli; the actor Alan De Luca; Maria Basile Scarpetta, granddaughter of maestro Scarpetta; Enzo Rivellini president of Napoli Capitale; Rosario Visone, regional co-spokesperson for Europa Verde.
Article published on 26 January 2025 - 16:49
It is a situation that makes you think, the Metropolitan cinema is a symbol of our Neapolitan culture. The lack of transparency is worrying and we must act to safeguard this historical heritage before it is too late.