Tugba Yazici/ Rome
Reporting from Rome – No, this is not a dream. I am here! I am in the capital of love, art and pasta. Why? Our American-Italian co-production film Echo, which I produced, won an award at the Rome Prisma Awards. So naturally, I found myself on a plane to Rome… My suitcase was packed; my soul had already gone to Rome.
This time Rome was a different kind of beauty…
As someone who has been to Rome many times before, I can say; the atmosphere of this visit was different. Maybe it was the pride of the award… Maybe it was the magic of Pizza Margherita… I do not know. However, something was different.
I would like to give a special shout out to the Roma Prisma Awards because they put on an incredible three-day festival. Nevertheless, this is not just an awards trip… It is a Roman fairytale decorated with red carpets, historical palaces, champagne bubbles and street pizzas.
First Stop: The Heart of the Festival
The Rome Prisma Awards were a wonderful cinema feast that lasted 3 days. On the first day, we opened with our feature film at the historical Cinema Farnesi. Applause in the hall, curiosity in our eyes, a sweet excitement inside us…
The second day has arrived: the award ceremony took place in the magnificent Palazzo Valentini, built in 1585. If you ask, “Can a plaque make you feel like you are in a Renaissance painting?” the answer is yes!
Palazzo Valentino / Rome
We were on stage with our director Livia Oya Proto. Our storyboard artist Meltem Eti was also with us. We all enjoyed the elegance, excitement and success together.
Tugba Yazici – Livia Oya Proto
Meltem Eti- Livia Oya Proto- Tugba Yazici
There is Style as Much as Cinema in Rome
On the third evening of the festival, we were back at the Cinema Farnesi, this time with animated films on stage. On another day, the winning short films were shown. In short, this city is not just history it is also art itself.
Tugba Yazici
Moreover, no, it was not all about cinema. Rome is full of surprises. For example, one day, accompanied by our guide Marcello Di Trocchio, we took a nostalgic walk from Fellini’s dream world to the waters of La Dolce Vita.
Houses where directors live, streets that have turned into movie sets… Hop! I found myself in a wonderful restaurant. Eye-catching plates! Elegant service! In addition, what is in my glass? There is nothing cooler! Why? Even my champagne is a Ferrari! So now, love to whoever can hold me.
Cherrrsss!
Via Margutta, Rome
Diplomacy, Cinema and a Little Bit of Pride
We were also invited to a nice lunch at the Turkish Consulate with our director Livia Proto. It was a great pleasure to meet our Consul Elif Çomoglu Ülgen. She inspired and proud us with her successful career and warm conversation. Discussing art and cinema-focused projects between Türkiye-America-Italy is like the seed of new dreams…
Tugba Yazici – Republic of Turkey Rome Ambassador Mrs. Elif Çomoglu Ülgen- Livia Oya Proto
Visiting an Exhibition: Fashion or Fairytale
I also visited the Dolce&Gabbana exhibition at Palazzo Esposizioni. The rebellious spirit of Sicily met with sparkling fabrics. The exhibition was more of a theatrical show than a fashion feast.
Suddenly, I was Alice in Wonderland, the next I was afraid Count Dracula would suck my blood. Impressive? Yes. Overly dramatic? A little. It is a fashionable language, but in this exhibition, it sometimes seemed to shout.
Also, be sure to go to the National Museum of Modern Art and see Nacho Carbonel’s exhibition on recycling and sustainability!
All the works in the exhibition, which is quite impressive, can be used. For example, the work you see above is an armchair… It reminded me of two things. The Stone Age form of the machines found in hairdressers or the ones that should be found in every home; “I don’t want to talk to you chair”.
So much so that when you sit inside, you do not see the person you do not want to talk to and you probably do not hear much. I think this work should be reproduced…
Finally, we traveled to the history of Rome with our beloved director, the talented Livia Proto. What a great chance to learn some things by seeing them! What caught my attention was that the place built as a memorial for the martyrs 100 years ago was built in the same old Roman architecture. That is why Rome always protects itself and its texture. The city is always like a living museum… I hope it will be an example for other cities and countries that do not do this.
A Small Packing Note for Those Going to Rome:
Do not leave the Fountain of Love without dropping a coin in!
Posing on the Spanish Steps is necessary.
Make sure to salute the Pantheon.
See the Colosseum and even take a gladiator selfie.
Skipping the gelato, pizza, spaghetti, wine quartet? Never!
In conclusion;
Rome shows a different face every time. This time it was a bit red carpet, a bit historical palace, a bit art, a bit champagne. Therefore, it was just right for me. Who knows what story I will write next time I come? Until then, Viva la Roma!
Tugba Yazici
Artist & Producer
Instagram: tugbayaziciofficial
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