PREMIO ALP/CERVINO

The Mayor of Valtournenche

Though I can not claim responsibility for this festival, since that belongs to Antonio Carrel who preceded me as mayor of the city of Valtournenche, I can instead definitely claim responsibility for speeding up the growth of the festival beginning with this edition, the first under my administration but the third one of the festival.
This decision was also carried out with an economic commitment in order to produce, aside from the normal program of events, special events to greater emphasize the desire of the City of Valtournenche to be considered a cultural center as regards the mountains and mountain cinema. As tangible evidence of this ambition, the City of Valtournenche has sponsored the restoration, by the National Cinema Museum in Turin, of "Maciste Alpino", 1916, which will have its national premier during the Grand Finale.
The approval of audiences and critics alike has confirmed our opinion that this is the path to follow. The festival must become more and more a chance to meet and discuss the various aspects of this sector. The participation of other international festivals, that we hope will increase in future, assures a high quality of films and featured personalities: mountaineers, writers, critics, publishers, directors and actors from all over the world. Along with the splendid background of the Matterhorn, they all make this place an irresistible center of attraction for anyone who wants to experience an important international event. The city of Valtournenche is ready to warmly and enthusiastically welcome all participants in this festival.
Finally, I would like to thank all those who have helped us to realize this year's festival. I reiterate the commitment of this administration to continuing and expanding an event that brings the world to our mountains and our mountains to the world.

Giorgio Pession
Mayor of Valtournenche