Desenzano’s Only Cinema Closes Amid Uncertain Future and Controversies

The «Alberti» cinema theater is closing for a period, until a new manager is found. Desenzano’s only cinema has indeed reverted to the ownership of the Bergamaschi family, after a lengthy standoff with the tenant-manager, culminating in an eviction order. The eviction was executed the other day, in the presence of the court officer and law enforcement, but without the typical uproar that often accompanies an eviction. In fact, the tenant and his family had already vacated the premises the day before, making the process much easier.

However, the future of this venue remains uncertain, a place once renowned for its theatrical companies and talented actors. Last summer, there was a notable development. After some disputes with the Comune di Desenzano, Patrizia Bergamaschi, co-owner of the property alongside her mother, was contacted by the Islamic Institute of Milan, which was interested in purchasing the theater to convert it into a cultural center and an Islamic mosque. Reactions were largely driven by opposition from the Lega Nord rather than the local Catholic community.

Reactions to the Islamic Institute’s Proposal

Our newspaper reported that the parish priest of Desenzano’s Cathedral stated that there would be no issue for the parish community if Islam were to establish a presence in Desenzano. Criticism of this potential choice also came from other political groups, such as Alleanza Nazionale, but without the intense controversy seen in Lodi. Regarding the Islamic Institute’s proposal, according to Mrs. Bergamaschi, everything remains on hold for now.

Instead, the owner would be willing to find a new operator capable of reviving Desenzano’s only cinema theater, the «capitale» of Lower Garda. However, several billion euros are needed to refurbish the building and install the safety systems required by law. This is the critical issue at the heart of the entire saga, with the Municipality, initially involved in seeking financial support alongside the property owner to revive the theater, withdrawing from the negotiations.

For multiple reasons, some legitimate, such as justifying the costs of structural interventions, the Municipality has pulled out. Unfortunately, this now risks a long winter season without cinema in Desenzano, considering that the other theater, the «Garibaldi», has been out of operation for over a decade and is now reduced to a pile of debris and soil in the lobby. The renovation project has been stalled in municipal offices for several years, with no authorization for work forthcoming.