TV personality Paolo Bonolis at Giffoni Film Festival creates a show in 60' presenting himself. His presence in front of a big young audience was a true performance in which he compared his past career with the kid's show Bim Bum Bam: "human entertainment is missing nowadays" - he said.
"Three, two, one, go: My name is Paolo Bonolis and I am 63 years old. I was born in Rome on June 14, 1961. I am the father of five children, with two grandchildren and a third on the way. I have been working in television for 45 years," Bonolis begins, seamlessly weaving his personal history into the time frame given.
The festival, which runs until July 28, witnesses Bonolis turning this brief introduction into a full-fledged performance. He continues, "I love reading, I love cinema, but most of all, I love the diversity in the world. Anyone who opposes diversity is, to me, a great fool because the most beautiful thing is that we are all different from each other and each of us can offer something to someone else."
Having successfully completed the challenge, Bonolis shifts focus to contemporary children's entertainment, contrasting it with the era of "Bim Bum Bam," a beloved children's show he once hosted. "Today, there are entire channels dedicated to children, but they are continuous streams of cartoons. What’s missing is an intermediary, a person who helps children distinguish between reality and fantasy. There’s no human figure to guide and accompany them—no young Virgilio to lead the little Dante into the world of imagination."
Bonolis then addresses the topic of trash TV, or "televisione spazzatura," with characteristic wit: "Trash depends on who collects it!" he quips, while receiving the Premio Sirena award at Giffoni. "Not everything is educational, and not everything is garbage. Television offers a vast array of content. You are always the filter, capable of discerning its value," he adds. "Television can give, but it cannot take away, because you can always turn it off."
Bonolis’ appearance at Giffoni is not just a showcase of his quick wit and eloquence but also a profound commentary on the evolving landscape of children's entertainment and the role of television in our lives. His words remind us of the importance of human connection in media and the power of individual choice in navigating the vast sea of content available today.