In the province of Lecco, they're going against the grain. The cinema in Bellano has said no to Checco Zalone, preferring instead the new chapter in James Cameron's sci-fi saga, Avatar: Fire and Ash. According to the source, the cinema management refused to accept the conditions dictated by the distributors of Zalone's new film.
"The unique aspect of showing Avatar: Fire and Ash is that the Bellano cinema is the only one in the province of Lecco to offer this title during the Christmas holidays. Many other cinemas showing "first-run" films will be showing Checco Zalone's new film, a title that we will only have in Bellano towards the end of January or even later," explained the management of the Bellano Cinema association. "This is not due to an independent choice by the cinema, but to a decision by the film's distributor. In short, those who wanted to show Zalone's film had to accept the condition of showing it for several consecutive weeks, without being able to show other films. All this considering that the distributor "conditions" those who choose Zalone to also program other imposed titles."
These are conditions that the Bellano cinema refused to accept, preferring to offer their loyal audience the screening of James Cameron's latest masterpiece, Avatar: Fire and Ash. Along with this film, the program includes four other titles: Zootropolis 2, A Little Mouse Under the Tree, the new biographical film about Eleonora Duse, and a historical film about Nuremberg. The mayor of Bellano, Antonio Rusconi, also commented on the situation:
"This situation, which leads to monotonous programming for cinemas throughout the entire province, requires reflection on the cultural and social value of cinemas like ours: theaters that remain reference points for areas far from the city, offering an opportunity for entertainment without having to undertake long journeys. Just think of those who, to see a film, have to travel from Alta Valsassina or Valvarrone to Lecco or Brianza," explains the mayor. "[...] Those who live in inland areas should, in my opinion, have the opportunity to see films near their homes, without waiting 6 weeks or having the same film for many weeks and not being able to program anything else. I also remember that cinema is low-cost entertainment for families, especially if enjoyed in municipal or parish halls." A truly courageous choice for the small cinema in Bellano, which has chosen plurality over the imposition of a "monocratic" screening. And speaking of alternatives, here are five comedies to see before Checco Zalone's new film.
Source: La Provincia Unica