Too much bureaucracy, "insufficient" financial support, and various organizational difficulties. These are some of the reasons that prompted the Chourmo association and its historic literary festival, Marina Cafè Noir, to bid farewell to Cagliari. A painful decision, made after thanking everyone for the outpouring of love and support following the announcement: news that took many by surprise and left a deep void in the hearts of those who love the event. "We have been literally overwhelmed by the affection, gratitude, and expressions of esteem. We have received countless public and private messages that we have greatly appreciated: unmistakable signs, in our eyes, of a work that for more than twenty years has engaged and captivated so many people, on, behind, and especially in front of the stage," the association's leaders wrote.
Gratitude aside, Chourmo wanted to put down in black and white some "useful elements for those interested in better understanding our choices," clarifying that there is no real casus belli and that the intention is not to "wage war" against the Municipality. The list compiled by the association includes "timelines for allocating spaces and grants that are totally inadequate for serious and ongoing work, a widespread lack—despite countless verbal exchanges—of real practical and logistical support, insufficient financial support compared to the overall scope of the project (in qualitative, quantitative, historical, and media terms), and a general lack of clarity and coherence on issues regarding safety plans, usability of spaces, and so on."
In short, they explain, "the 'de-bureaucratization' that so many of us hoped to see in recent years has not materialized." The Marina Cafè Noir is a completely free festival, "a project that has always taken place in the city's squares and streets," often "out of nowhere" and with all the difficulties that entails. "We obviously reject the nonsense of those who exploit an important and emotionally charged decision like ours for their own gain—partisan or professional—or for their own ego trips," the association concludes. "We promise you that we will always strive to be consistent and worthy of the history we are fortunate to have behind us. And of you, who have always supported us."
