The 19th edition of the Magna Graecia Film Festival has just ended successfully (conceived and directed by Gianvito Casadonte), which brought many Italian and international films, documentaries and personalities to Calabria (to be precise to Catanzaro).
Among the most anticipated stars Richard Gere, who met the press (both in presence and via streaming) to have a chat and talk about cinema, spirituality, but also about his strong bond with Italy (in particular that of the South).
Spirituality and a sense of community
«This is my first time in Calabria and I am happy to return to Southern Italy, which for me is now a second home. Unfortunately in the last two years, inevitably, I have not traveled a lot “- thus begins Richard Gere, happy to be in a film festival -” I’m a dinosaur (and I’m proud of it), so I undoubtedly prefer the hall to streaming, because I have to admit that Covid has changed your viewing habits, including mine. The positive side of the platforms is the possibility that small independent films (which have always had distribution problems) are given to be seen on a large scale. However, in this type of use, the sense of community is lacking, which gave the origins to the story even before the advent of cinema, when people gathered around a fire to read and listen to stories. It is this dimension that is missing today “.
The connection with the spiritual dimension comes spontaneously, fundamental for the actor who has been a Buddhist for years. “There are eight billion people in the world and I think there should be as many religions. I don’t expect anyone to become a Buddhist, but that he can achieve happiness by following his own path. There is a prayer that I often repeat to myself, which is to create a connection with all religions, to go towards liberation and love, but also towards that connection with the universe that gives a sense of belonging and responsibility ”.
Cinema and Pretty Woman
In 1990, therefore 32 years ago, Pretty Woman, one of the most loved romantic comedies in the history of cinema, was released in the cinema, starring him along with Julia Roberts. And in this regard Richard Gere confesses: «The success of the film took us by surprise, we didn’t think it could create such a form of identification in the spectators. It was something magical. ” However, if you are dreaming of some sequel or remake you will be disappointed, because «every now and then the director Garry Marshall – who passed away in 2016 – would throw some ideas for a potential new film, but we never went further. None of us were anxious about the idea of making a second chapter of the story ».
Are you wondering if sooner or later he will try the direction of direction? “I consider myself very lucky, because I had the opportunity to work together with directors with whom it was possible to collaborate by making proposals, so I never felt the need to stay behind the camera. Of course, never say never, but that of the director is a job that takes a lot of time and I prefer to dedicate it to my children, not being too far from them ».
Richard Gere: «The success of Pretty Woman took me by surprise» – Silhouette Donna