Sultan visits National Cinema Museum in Turin

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Thursday, visited the National Cinema Museum fitted out inside Mole Antonelliana, a major landmark building in Turin, Italy.

Sheikh Sultan toured the lobbies of the museum, which contains several floors housing a number of screens, paintings and pictures for the early beginnings of cinema in Italy. He also watched shows for several films, which document the beginning of the Italian cinema and the techniques used then.

He was briefed on the sections of the museum, which chronicles the history of cinema in Italy and the technical photographical and film editing equipment.

He also familiarised himself with the efforts that contributed to the development of the cinematic movement in Italy, the early works of cinema and the works produced by the artistic movement in Italy.

His Highness stressed the role of cinema in enhancing the artistic taste of the members of the society and its ability to document the cultures and civilisations of peoples and countries, preserve history and expand the perceptions and knowledge of the recipients.

At the Museum, His Highness stopped at the panoramic elevator in the museum, which allows visitors to view the city of Turin from a panoramic view.

During the visit of the museum, His Highness was accompanied with Omar Obeid Mohammed Al Hossan Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Italy; Abdullah Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture; Abdullah Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture; Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA); Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH); Ali Al Marri, Head of Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies (dara); Abdullah Hassan Al Shamsi, Consul-General of the UAE in Milan; Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA) and Dr. Amr Abdulhamid, Director of the Sharjah Research Academy.

Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi on Thursday evening, also met with Chiara Appendino, Mayor of Turin, Italy at the Turin Municipality headquarters.

The meeting is in line with Sharjah Cultural Days, which is launched in Turin concurrently with Sharjah’s selection as Guest of Honour at Turin International Book Fair.

During the meeting, His Highness and the Mayor of Turin discussed a number of topics of mutual interest. They also conversed on ways of enhancing cultural cooperation and coordination between the Emirate of Sharjah and the City of Turin to achieve a distinguished cultural exchange.

Sheikh Sultan praised the cultural and historical heritage of Turin, which is reflected in many museums and cultural exhibitions, as well as the distinctive architectural arts of the historical buildings and palaces.

The Mayor of Turin welcomed His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and expressed her pride in this visit, which, she said, reflects the common cultural interests between Sharjah and Turin. She also praised His Highness’ role in supporting cultural initiatives and promoting the true concept of civilised and cultural exchange between the East and the West.

In his statement to media, Sheikh Sultan said: “We are delighted to be with you this evening, in the heart of the historic city of Turin, with our sincere appreciation to the mayor of Turin and to all those who contributed to the event.”

He added: “We, in the Emirate of Sharjah, firmly believe as you do in Italy, in general and in Turin in particular, that building bridges of arts and culture of all kinds is essential for the development of peaceful and harmonious relations among the peoples of the world.”

“We are very pleased that Sharjah is a guest of honour at the prestigious Turin International Book Fair this year, and we will take this opportunity to showcase to the visitors of the Fair the exciting cultural development, modern achievements in literature, arts and publishing, not only in our country but also in different parts of the Arab Region.”

WAM