The documentary film entitled ''Nel cuore della Cina. Matteo Ricci'' (aka “In the Heart of China.  Matteo Ricci”) directed by Duilio Gianmaria, produced by RAI, Tg1, Rai World and CCTV (China Central Television), in collaboration with the Marche Region, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Development will be screened on September 17th at 6:00 p.m. on the premises of the Cinema Massimo theatre in Turin during the Prix Italia proceedings. 

The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Italy, Mr. Ding Wei, will be participating in the event along with the Mayor of the City of Turin, Mr. Piero Fassino and Duilio Gianmaria who is the author of the film.

The documentary travels through the main events in the mission of the Jesuit father Matteo Ricci:  the places, objects and men who marked his extraordinary “journey of knowledge”.  Thanks to this journey, western culture came into close touch with oriental culture for the first time. 

Through the voices of contemporary figures in China and Italy, who reinterpret the message and the teachings of the “wise man from the west”, the documentary film juxtaposes ideas and perspectives regarding those historical events.  But considerations are also made about the present, under the sign of renewed mutual interest between the two countries. 

A glimpse at the stories of companies and people who have developed activities by blending together know-how and skills, establishing success stories that renew and actualize Matteo Ricci’s path.  The narrative style is addressed towards dissemination, using historical iconographic sources but also images and outstanding figures from contemporary China and Italy.  Its aim is to strengthen the bond between historical and contemporary events, while underlining elements of dialogue and exchange from the past and the present. 

It is a fascinating documentary for those who love discoveries and travel.  A story of the great adventure of intelligence and knowledge, of the capacity to win over the “hearts and minds” of distant men and cultures through dialogue.  Admission to the screening is free to full seating capacity.