Free air-conditioned cinemas opened in Rome to save residents from the heat
Rome authorities have launched a special program to support residents during the period of abnormal summer heat, called "The Great Cooling."
The initiative provides free film screenings in air-conditioned cinemas to give city residents the opportunity to wait out the hottest hours of the day in comfortable conditions.
The launch of the project was announced by Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri. According to him, the program is designed primarily for city residents who do not have air conditioners at home. The initiative is aimed not only at protecting the population from extremely high temperatures but also at creating additional opportunities for socializing, relaxation, and participation in cultural life.
According to the organizers, free film screenings will be held daily in the cinemas. During the day, viewers will be offered two sessions, and all participating venues will show the same program. If the hot weather continues, the project may be extended.
The repertoire includes modern Italian films of various genres, including the films "There's Still Tomorrow" directed by Paola Cortellesi, "Flaminia" by Michael Zeno, "Volare" by Margherita Buy, "Step by Step: Fabi Silvestri Gazzè" by Francesco Cordio, "Hey Joe" by Claudio Giovannesi, "Ten Minutes" by Maria Sole Tognazzi, "Romeo and Juliet" by Giovanni Veronesi, "One Hundred Sundays" by Antonio Albanese, "That Summer with Irene" by Carlo Sironi, and "I'm Not Who I Am" by Edoardo Leo.
The organizers emphasize that the program is intended specifically for permanent residents of Rome, not for tourists, who are usually accommodated in hotels equipped with air conditioning systems.
In addition to cinemas, other city cultural institutions have joined the initiative. The doors of the largest exhibition and concert venues will be opened free of charge to visitors, including the city concert hall and the Palaexpo exhibition center, where free exhibitions will be organized.
In addition, until August 4, residents will be able to use air-conditioned rooms in libraries, theaters, coworking spaces, and other public spaces free of charge. They will be open daily from 13:00 to 18:30, during the period of the highest air temperature.
According to Italian energy company Enel, less than half of the country's residents have air conditioners at home. Against the backdrop of the ongoing abnormal heat, many Romans are forced to use portable fans or seek cool public spaces, which became one of the reasons for launching the new city program.
