Claudia Conte and her Women in Cinema Award on the 77th Venice film Festival
Claudia Conte is an Italian actress, who fascinates with her passionate love of life, burning ambitions and outstanding courage. To her young age she has already written three popular books, continues playing in the theatre and movies, and working as a host on TV. We had the pleasure to meet Claudia for an interview in a pause of her busy schedule during the 77th Venice Film Festival.
- Claudia, what’s the purpose of your trip to Venice from Rome?
I came to the Venice Film Festival for an award that I present. I’m deeply concerned about the role of women in the cinematography, so I felt that my mission is to draw the attention of the community to the position of the female artists in cinema, in order to support their professional success. The Women in Cinema Award (WiCA) is dedicated to women in cinema, as well as to the men, who placed the women in the centre of their work. The award would be held on the 8th of September in Hotel Excelsior at 4 pm, and we will give this award to Francesca Comencini, an Italian director, also Pitzold, golden bear in Berlin and the french actress Seigner. - That’s impressive, and we know that you have another project here, in Lido.
Yes, I’m in Venice also for another working situation. I’m an anchorwoman for a special format on Fred Film radio. The title of my programme is «The colour of Venice 77» (Colori di Venezia 77).
- According to your feeling, what’s the colour of Venice 77?
For me, this year it’s definitely green. Not only because nowhere in Lido and in Venice everything is vivid green, but also because for me it’s a colour of hope. A great and sincere hope after a dark period for all humanity, I mean the pandemic, of course. The 77th Venice film festival, as you know, is the first main physical event that wasn’t cancelled. I find it very important for humanity. Green in this case is like a rebirth, a restart with life, with the cinema, with dreams, with light…
- Speaking about the Covid-19, had it somehow affected your career?Yes, I changed something. We should always be flexible, especially in the difficult moments we should alter the principles in our work, habits and customs. I like to be an anchorwoman, so I have a new TV-programme. During the pandemic something was cancelled, so I started with a TV-programme about life, beautiful places and food in Italy, and generally about the Italian culture, — (Ricette Stellate. Italy).
- You never give up and bring so much positivity in life! Yes, I love to smile, I think that when you are happy, you smile, life will smile back to you. That’s very important, to be positive. «Think Pink» — is my credo!
Interviewed by Olga Khlybova on the 7th of September
Photography Olga Khlybova and Brice Anxionnaz
Hairstylist and backstage manager Claudio de Martino