Pietrangelo Buttafuoco Nominated As Venice Biennale Foundation President
The Venice Biennale Foundation, which oversees the Venice International Film Festival, has nominated right-wing writer Pietrangelo Buttafuoco to become its new President, according to multiple Italian media sources.
Buttafuoco is set to replace Roberto Cicutto after being appointed by Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano of Italy’s right-wing coalition government. He will take up the post when Cicutto’s run comes to an end in March 2024.
More from Deadline
Telluride Wraps And Now Let The Oscar Buzz Begin As Venice Continues & Toronto Looms
Sam Mendes Talks Jury Experience As Hollywood Wins Big On The Lido - Venice
The appointment needs to be ratified by Italy’s parliament, with the Culture Commission from the chamber and senate announcing their opinions on November 14.
According to Italian news agency Ansa, which first reported the news, Buttafuoco practiced similar far-right politics as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as a youth but now takes more traditionally conservative views and even writes for left-wing newspapers. He is considered a maverick thinker.
Rome Mayor and cinema association ANICA President Francesco Rutelli told ANSA Buttafuoco is “never a banal intellectual” and “is sure to promote the richness and pluralism of what is one of the greatest cultural institutions in the world, and amongst the oldest.”
“Historically, the strength of the Biennale has been being a great instrument of freedom. I am certain that Buttafuoco, a free spirit, will be able to continue this and interpret it in the best way,” he added.
Cicutto has been in post since 2020, when he was installed by the previous left-wing government. Since Meloni’s Fratelli d’Italia took power, many cultural institutions have been placed under the leadership of those with more right-wing views.
A La Biennale confirmed Buttafuoco’s appointment but noted the foundation does not make the appointment itself.
Best of Deadline
SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreements: Full List Of Movies And TV Series
2024 Presidential Election Debate Schedule: Dates, Times, Who'll Be There And Who Won't
2023 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming
Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.