Nicola Borrelli, the long-serving director-general for Cinema and Audiovisual at Italy’s Ministry of Culture, resigned late on 2 July. His departure follows mounting pressure over the ministry’s handling of film-industry incentives. The investigation centres on a €863,595 (about $1 million) production tax credit paid in 2020 for “Stelle della Notte,” a feature that was never made. The application was filed by Tintagel Films, fronted by U.S. citizen Charles Francis Kaufmann, who was arrested in Greece last month and now faces extradition to Italy on double-murder charges. Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli last week accompanied police officers as they seized ministry records and has told parliament he will tighten oversight of the incentive scheme. A successor to Borrelli has not been named. Borrelli’s exit comes only days after Chiara Sbarigia stepped down as chair of Cinecittà, underscoring the volatility at the ministry. Officials said the widely used 40 percent rebate for international shoots remains unaffected by the scandal. The turmoil also overshadowed Italy’s top literary award. Minister Giuli skipped the Premio Strega final on 3 July, where Andrea Bajani won the 79th edition with his novel “L’anniversario,” securing 194 of the 646 ballots cast. Elisabetta Rasy and Nadia Terranova placed second and third. The ministry has indicated it may relocate next year’s 80th-anniversary ceremony from Rome’s Villa Giulia to Cinecittà.