Donato Rotunno of Tarantula presents documentary on Cercle Culturel Curiel
Melissa Dalton sat down with the co-founder of Tarantula Luxembourg to discuss his latest documentary, 'What's Left?'. It explores the Cercle Culturel Curiel and its impact on Luxembourg's political and cultural scenes for over 50 years.
Luxembourg director Donato Rotunno set up Tarantula Luxembourg in 1995 and has overseen over 50 films. He directed 'Io sto bene' in 2020, which was picked as Luxembourg's submission for 'best foreign film' category of the Oscars.
On his third time on Melissa's show, he discusses his new film 'What's Left?' - a documentary all about Luxembourg's Italian cultural center, Cercle Culturel Curiel, premiering on 20 November.
The Cercle Culturel Curiel was not only a space to meet and discuss new ideas, it connected people through its trattoria and food.
Donato says, "it's about a community, it's about a family, it's about the need to meet and eat together...to dream about the new world."
Originally started by members of the Italian communist party and social democrat party in the 1970s, it was a space that offered books, information, family, and food. And with time, it shaped Luxembourg's politics and culture.
"A time where our internet was very physical, we needed places, bars and cultural spaces where we could just meet and talk"
The documentary explores the importance of space, and what it means for a community when that space is destroyed - which is what happened earlier in 2024 to the Cercle Culturel Curiel in order to make way for new real estate.
While experiencing the centre's loss is an emotional moment in the documentary, it also takes the time to recognise the importance of noticing the good things while they still exist.
And luckily, the documentary goes into what the space will become as it will be rebuilt on the original spot where it once existed. It begs the question of whether or not generations need physical places for cultural exchanges even in the new age of digital platforms.
The documentary features prominent figures from Luxembourg's cultural and political scene such as Corinne Cahen, Alexis Juncosa, and Enrico Lunghi.
Listen to the interview to hear what Donato has to say about what the Cercle has meant to him over the years. And be ready to go watch the movie in cinemas across Luxembourg starting from 20 November 2024.
Would you like to watch the film?
Here's your chance to win 2 tickets to the screening and to join in on the Q&A with the director of 'What's Left?' at Cine Utopia.
There are a few possible dates to choose from: 20, 24 November, and 3, 6, 15 December.
How can you get them?
Whatsapp your name and "WHATS LEFT" to Today Radio's studio line at 00352 621 52 5000.
For more giveaways with chances to go to exciting cultural events in Luxembourg, listen to The Melissa Dalton Show as well as the other fantastic Today Radio shows - also available on RTL Play.
