Pietrangelo Buttafuoco Nominated As Venice Biennale Foundation President

The Venice Biennale Foundation, which oversees the Venice International Film Festival, has nominated right-wing writer Pietrangelo Buttafuoco to become its new President, according to multiple Italian media sources.

Buttafuoco is set to replace Roberto Cicutto after being appointed by Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano of Italy’s right-wing coalition government. He will take up the post when Cicutto’s run comes to an end in March 2024.

The appointment needs to be ratified by Italy’s parliament, with the Culture Commission from the chamber and senate announcing their opinions on November 14.

According to Italian news agency Ansa, which first reported the news, Buttafuoco practiced similar far-right politics as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as a youth but now takes more traditionally conservative views and even writes for left-wing newspapers. He is considered a maverick thinker.

Rome Mayor and cinema association ANICA President Francesco Rutelli told ANSA Buttafuoco is “never a banal intellectual” and “is sure to promote the richness and pluralism of what is one of the greatest cultural institutions in the world, and amongst the oldest.”

“Historically, the strength of the Biennale has been being a great instrument of freedom. I am certain that Buttafuoco, a free spirit, will be able to continue this and interpret it in the best way,” he added.

Cicutto has been in post since 2020, when he was installed by the previous left-wing government. Since Meloni’s Fratelli d’Italia took power, many cultural institutions have been placed under the leadership of those with more right-wing views.

A La Biennale confirmed Buttafuoco’s appointment but noted the foundation does not make the appointment itself.