Netflix unveils plan to renovate Rome’s Europa Cinema Theater
Netflix is celebrating ten years of its presence in Italy today in Rome with co-CEO Ted Sarandos in the city to announce a new project with the national film school Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia (CSC). This will renovate and reopen the Europa Cinema Theater in Rome.
The announcement, which Netflix describes as “symbolic,” was made this morning at the Italian Ministry of Culture during a busy month in Rome, which is currently hosting the MIA Market event down the road from Netflix’s swanky local office, and the Rome Film Festival from October 15-26.
Europa Cinema Theater – Known for hosting the first public showing of a film in Italy, Filoteo Alberini La Brisa di Roma – It was closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, but will be renovated and re-equipped to become a space for cinematic culture, education and research. Netflix will contribute to the costs, and will use them to host its non-commercial initiatives and special events.
The CSC will manage the theater and supervise its programmes, and the goal is “to create a space that becomes a reference point for the theatre’s cultural awareness activities.” [the CSC]The National Film Archive and the projects of the National Film School students – the new talent of the future.
This move comes as Netflix reaches 10 years in Italy, during which it has launched shows such as Subura, Supersex and Cheetah. Netflix says it has worked on “more than 1,000” Italian films and TV shows and filmed in more than 100 cities since 2015, Sarandos said today.
Addressing several industry and political figures today, Sarandos said: “Coming to Italy is always fun, but this visit has a special meaning because this year marks the 10th anniversary of Netflix in Italy. In just one decade, we have embarked on an amazing adventure.”
The strategy was to “showcase every aspect of Italy – the unparalleled cultural heritage, the vibrant landscapes, the delicious food, and of course the warmth and affection of the Italian people,” the Netflix boss said.
He spoke of the many “tangible” impacts that the global streaming company had in those ten years, most notably that Netflix “supported more than 5,500 jobs in the Italian audiovisual sector” and that it “contributed more than 1.1 billion euros to the Italian economy” between 2021 and 2024.
He said the Cinema Europe initiative was “more than just a restoration project.” Instead, it was “a collaboration with one of the most prestigious film schools in the world and guardians of the heritage of Italian cinema.”
“Cinema Europe is integrated into the creative fabric of Italy and was built on the site of the first outdoor showing of an Italian film, exactly 120 years ago,” he added. “Bringing it back to life is about giving the creative community a place to come together, share ideas and celebrate storytelling.
Sarandos appeared at the press conference, which opened with a video address from Culture Minister Alessandro Joli, alongside host Gabriella Bontempo, president of the Fondazione Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia.
“This agreement between Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia and Netflix represents a concrete example of virtuous cooperation between the public and private sectors, between tradition and innovation,” Joly said in his speech. “This agreement benefits the professional growth of young talents and the promotion of Italian cinema culture throughout the world. Netflix shows a special sensitivity and interest in Italy by producing films, TV series and documentaries that tell the story of our nation.”