, the newly appointed CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, kicked off his charm offensive with the international film community at the Venice Film Festival, telling a small audience of journalists that the Academy’s “future is with international cinema as much as it is with American cinema.”
The executive, who was appointed CEO of the Academy last month, added: “When the Academy was founded in 1927, it was more focused on Hollywood and industry and PR and optics, and over time, we’ve grown into an organization that’s so much more international. Crediting his staff, new screens and improved tech in the festival complex and efforts like the Venice Production Bridge and the Biennale College Cinema, Barbera said: “Our ability to react to the aggressive competition of other international festivals have obliged us to change our profile and capacity.”