Farinelli Named Artistic Director of David di Donatello Awards
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- Gianluca Farinelli has been appointed artistic director of the David di Donatello Awards, Italy’s highest film honor, taking over from Piera Detassis after her mandate ended.
- Piera Detassis stepped down as head of the David di Donatello Awards after becoming the first woman to lead the event in 2018, having held dual roles as president of the academy and artistic director.
- David di Donatello Academy has split its leadership roles, appointing Silvia Calandrelli, a high-ranking RAI executive, as president of the academy in a newly separated ceremonial position.
- Il Cinema Ritrovato festival, led by Farinelli, is a major international event dedicated to restored and archival cinema, reinforcing his authority in film heritage and curation.
- Farinelli stated he will approach the role with responsibility and enthusiasm, aiming to celebrate Italian cinema by representing all professions and sensibilities within the industry.
Why it matters: The separation of the academy presidency and artistic director roles changes the power structure behind Italy’s top film awards, with Farinelli now shaping the creative direction while Calandrelli assumes a symbolic leadership role—reflecting a strategic shift toward curatorial expertise over journalistic oversight in the award's programming.
