While the Mediterranean is crossed by tragic conflicts, there are still those who believe in culture as an act of resistance, openness to dialogue, look of hope. The Cassa di Risparmio di Calabria and Lucania Foundation has announced the Terne Finalists of the 19th edition of the Mediterranean Culture Prizea recognition that this year takes on a particular meaning with the focus on climate change.
The prize – whose final ceremony will take place on 3 October at the Rendano Theater in Cosenza – boasts a prestigious palmarès: in previous editions, giant culture have been recognized as Amos Oz, David Grossman, Ismail Kadare, Andrea Riccardi, Gustavo Zagrebelsky and Alberto Angelaconsolidating his international reputation.
“The recognition becomes the spokesperson for a positive narrative where the Mediterranean can return to being space for exchange, solidarity and peaceful coexistence”, explains Giovanni Pensabene, president of the Carical Foundation. A message that resonates strong in a historical moment marked by strong geopolitical tensions.
Among the over 150 nominations, internationally important names emerge. In the Civil Society section, Oscar Camps, founder of Proactiva Open Arms stands out, next to Don Dante Carraro del Cuamm and Rossano Ercolini of Zero Waste Italy. For the man’s sciences, the director of CERN Fabiola Gianotti competes with the diplomat Grammenos Mastrojeni and the philosopher Lea Ypi. The culture of information section is particularly significant, which sees the courageous journalist of Al-Jazeera Wael al-Dahdouh, a reporter from the Gaza Strip, together with Roberto Napoletano of Il Mattino and the Italian-Syrian reporter ASMAE Dacchan in the race. A triptych that perfectly represents the vocation of the prize: to give voice to those who tell the Mediterranean from its most difficult suburbs.
“The path of the prize in these 19 years has been exhilarating – says Mario Bozzo, founder and president of the recognition -. Africa, from a place of despair, is becoming increasingly central to hope. And all the South also has a lot to say to Italy and Europe ».
The prize also actively involves the new generations: over 400 high school students will decide the winner of the young narrative, choosing from Roberta Recchia’s “all remains”, “The night above Tehran” by Pegah Moshir Pour and “That night in Saxa Rubra” by Maurizio Mannoni.