Freedom of expression has been extremely difficult in Italy in the last 20 years, especially under Silvio Berlusconi, say makers of an Italian film which is being screened at the 44th edition of IFFI here.

 

 Directors of a mafia-themed film "Salvo", Antonio Piazza and Fabio Grassadonia, who were speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the IFFI (International Film Festival of India), being held here, also said that funding for free cinema had nearly dried up.

 

 "Freedom of expression has dried up in Italy for the last 20 years, especially under the Berlusconi government. There could be really many reasons for this," Piazza said.

 

 "Salvo", about a mafia hitman, has already picked up two awards at the Cannes film festival.