Abstract

This essay aims to analyse the first elements of the multifaceted relationship between cinema and the State in Italy, reconstructing the interest in cinema shown by the institutions during the Giolitti era. After the early stages of cinema as a travelling show, the growing success of film screenings required specific regulation. The first regulation on cinema dates back to 1908, but it was only in 1913, thanks to pressure from film producers, that a central film review service was established at a special office, followed by the definition of the first regulatory framework for the sector