The international vocation of the Centro Sperimentale: Oral history, personal memories and an interview with Roberto Perpignani

Abstract

This article seeks to provide an overview of the rich history of the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia (CSC) in Rome, as well as show the importance of preserving its institutional legacy. First, this article details the school’s connection to the Italian State, with particular attention to its fluctuating political affiliations over the years. Next, this article considers the international vocation of the CSC and offers reflections on the school’s pertinent influence on film abroad, with a specific focus on the CSC’s connection to the Escuela Internacional de Cine y TV (EICTV) in Cuba and its lasting mark on its alumni from across the globe. All of this will be followed by an interview with Roberto Perpignani, a prestigious Italian film editor and editing instructor at the CSC.