Romanian PM To Discuss Case Of Controversial Film “Francesa” With Silvio Berlusconi

Boc pointed out this situation goes down to the freedom of expression, art and censorship.

"I think this is a case of intemperance we ought to clear out. I will talk (to Berlusconi -e.n.) about this aspect, because he is an open-minded person and easy to talk to about anything," Boc said late Monday on B1 TV.

Boc will visit Italy mid-September, following Berlusconi's invitation, and he will also meet with Pope Benedict XVI.

Romanian film "Francesca," directed by Bobby Paunescu and presented at the Venice International Film Festival, was banned in this town by the local cinema network after Alessandra Mussolini, the granddaughter of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, and Verona mayor, Flavio Tosi, complained that the film displays insults against them, according to cinemaitaliano.info.

In the movie, a certain character says: "Haven't you heard that bitch of Mussolini, who wants all Romanians dead?/ Non hai sentito quella puttana della Mussolini che vuole morti tutti i romeni?" or, "that stupid mayor of Verona/sindaco di Verona di merda."

Paunescu told MEDIAFAX that this situation is sheer censorship, adding the decision to ban the film in Venice belongs to Italian film distributor Fandango and the representatives of the Venice Film Festival.

If you liked this story, please follow MEDIAFAX.RO on FACEBOOK »

The content of mediafax.ro is for your information only. Republishing or using this content is forbidden without express consent of MEDIAFAX. For this consent, please ask for it by mail at vanzari@mediafax.ro.