RRA Exclusive Interview: US Attaché Scott Reese at Art Festin Făgăraș

Cultural Attaché of the United States Embassy in Bucharest, Scott Reese, offered an exclusive interview for Radio Romania News (RRA) on the occasion of his presence at the first edition of the Art Festin Festival that has been organized on 21-24 June in the City of Făgăraș, with the support of the US Embassy in Romania.

US Embassy participated with a movie selection, coordinated by Irina Margareta Nistor, that included both classical films such as Casablanca (1942) and recent films produced last year. Cultural Diplomacy and Education through Culture are the main directions suggested by the Embassy.

RRA Reporter: We are talking about the importance of Cultural Diplomacy.

Scott Reese: Yes, this is indeed what we are talking about, and I think it is important that countries have a better understanding of each other. Of course, we do have the Classical Diplomacy that takes place at government level, but it is more important for us to know people and people to know us. The better we understand each other, the better we will be able to work together for an enhanced cooperation and this is the essence of a long-lasting friendship between the two countries.

RRA Reporter: Romanians have had the opportunity to see American movies and listen to American music even before the fall of Communism, what is it that still can be done?

Scott Reese: I think that the amount of culture that reaches people through movies and music does not totally represent the overseas culture. I think it is important for the links between our countries that we have a better understanding of each other. Of course, we have the normal diplomacy between the two governments, but it is more important to get to know each other individually, and the better we understand each other, the better we can cooperate. This cooperation is a special and lasting one between the two countries and Cultural Diplomacy is the most important because it touches the everyday people. The United States is not to be seen only in terms of films and music, there is another facet of the American culture, that is, the everyday things that are happening.

America has much more to offer than the showbiz, as Romania is not only about Dracula and Bucharest. When I speak of Culture, I speak of two things: a) culture with a capital C, and here I refer to movies or classic music, such as an Enescu concert; b) then we have culture with a small c, that defines us as humans. In Romania, as well as in the United States, Culture is influenced by different nationalities - unity through diversity - and the United States is not only defined by violent sequences in American films, it is defined by ordinary people, by small orchestras and less-known artists. The better we understand each other, the better we can cooperate.

What you see from the American Culture is the well-known, commercial side. Romanians know the much-loved characters of the big screen and the stars of the moment, but this is not entirely American Culture. America has a much more interesting story than the one that is being presented, and this is what we want to highlight.

People do not understand how the United States works, and how the people think there, and mutual understanding will lead to emulation. I invite you to think critically of what is said, not only to accept the story of the film. Give yourself a moment of thought, make a choice after being very well informed, for the best decision.

RRA Reporter: Some Blockbusters have been filmed in Romania ...

Scott Reese: That's right, and that's due to the beautiful landscapes and natural places. If you live in Transylvania, you see villages that remained unchanged for hundreds of years, castles and churches. And the mountain landscapes are extraordinary. Another thing we enjoy is the parliamentary tax reduction initiative for companies wishing to film in Romania. This is a winning situation for both sides, more Americans will come to discover Romania and the cinema industry will generate countless jobs.

Source:RRA.Translated by Miruna Matei