Ministry against redevelopment of occupied Trastevere cinema

The campaign to save Cinema America Occupato from demolition has received a major boost after the Italian culture ministry recognised the historic and artistic value of the structure and “invited” local authorities to implement "all necessary and specific initiative aimed at protecting the building."

The cinema and former theatre on Via Natale del Grande in Trastevere is at risk of being turned into 20 apartments by its owners, something the culture ministry has made it clear that it opposes. It has been occupied by artists since November 2012, and it presents a regular stream of cinema, concerts, debates and exhibitions, and even screens football matches.

The occupiers have received support from a range of Italian actors and cultural figures including Carlo Verdone, Ascanio Celestini, Giancarlo Rosi, Stefano Benni and, most recently, from director Paolo Sorrentino.

For more details on Rome's occupied movement, see related article.

Photos La Repubblica