(ANSA) - ROME, 09 FEB - He was born in Istanbul in 1959 but has been in Italy for 48 years, a much loved director and writer: Ferzan Ozpetek, when Turkey is mentioned in Italy, especially for some tragedy, is the first interlocutor.
"After 48 years in Italy - the director of Ignorant Fairies tells ANSA - being called for this made me think. Anyone who contacts me does not know that whatever happens in Italy, even the Turks seek me to comfort me or find out more, it happened for earthquake in L'Aquila or at the beginning of the pandemic when, after China, we seemed to be the only country infected: I am Turkish in Italy, Italian in Turkey. Instead, I think that this time, as with other misfortunes that have occurred, there are no nations: the Earth belongs to everyone, we are one people, we are one humanity. This change of perspective would be good for everyone,
it would really make us feel like brothers without fences.
Instead - observes Ozpetek - in my opinion referring to the 'other' is a way to remove the problem and the pain, passing it on to someone else". As for the aid, Ozpetek is giving them "as everyone is doing because solidarity is one of the most beautiful human drives" .
His show Ferzaneide, a sentimental journey through the narration of his memories, with him on stage only to tell the audience about his artistic career but above all about his powerful feeling for life, is sold out everywhere, including the three dates in Rome starting tomorrow at the Ambra Jovinelli and then in the subsequent ones at the Parenti in Milan.
"Part of the proceeds will go to Ahbap, a Turkish platform that I trust", adds the director who a few days ago launched an appeal for solidarity which was joined by other filmmakers to support the association which aims to create lasting cooperation networks and immediately deployed for the earthquake disaster to provide shelter, food and medical supplies.
"Those who bought the tickets don't even know it, I'll tell them myself in the show", says the director.
The actions of the Turkish government?
"Semi-blocking twitter is of a rare wickedness, a persistence, he would rather work to send aid in all places. And Assad in Syria? How can one ask for help and say that they will not go to the villages of the rebels.
Shocking".
(HANDLE).