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When in Rome, Don't Invite Hollywood

Could Clooney, Leo, and the rest of Hollywood's Rat Pack be turned away at this year's Rome Film Fest? If the city's newly elected right-wing mayor has anything to say about it, yes. Gianni Alemanno thinks inviting "a catwalk of Hollywood stars" is the wrong move, since Romans aren't interested in our image-driven industry. Italians not concerned with image? Riiiight.

Directors from around the world have released statements in support of an internationally flavored festival, cautioning that removing Hollywood would be a major momentum stall for the two-year-old event, which has already achieved major standing in the festival world.

It's another five months till the festival kick-off on October 21, so who knows where this might lead. Considering Italy's ever-changing politics, Rome may have a new mayor by then and this can all be forgotten. Or maybe everyone will just head to Venice instead.

Related Stories:
· Directors back Rome Film Fest [Variety]
· Rome Film Fest [Official Site]
· Film Festival Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Daylife]