The Nuovo Cinema Palazzo in S. Lorenzo is celebrating "two years of liberation" and the "birth of a space where you can stay human” with a week-long programme of cultural events from 9-15 April.

The journey began in early 2011 after local residents, students, artists and activists learnt that the former Cinema Palazzo in the university area behind Stazione Termini was to be turned into a two-storey casino.

They formed a citizen’s association and occupied the building, leading to a court case. The courts ruled against the proposed development, allowing the group to retain and expand the building’s role within the arts and local community.

Two years later the building continues its original function of providing theatre and cinema (sometimes in English) as well as regular concerts, readings, debates, and workshops for children and young people.

For full details of the anniversary programme of events see the Nuovo Cinema Palazzo website.

Nuovo Cinema Palazzo, Piazza dei Sanniti 9a, S. Lorenzo, www.nuovocinemapalazzo.it.