LA-Italia Festival: A Radiant Tribute Bringing Together Hollywood and Italian Cinema, Guided This Year by Screen Icon Franco Nero

2024’s edition, dedicated to Marcello Mastroianni and Eduardo de Filippo, featured the presence of the Oscar-nominated Italian director Matteo Garrone

The 19th Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion, and Art Festival concluded on the night of Saturday, March 9, one day before the Oscars, in the iconic TCL Chinese Theatres, right next to the Dolby Theatre. As has been the tradition since 2005, the festival brought together luminaries of the film industry to celebrate excellence in Italian cinema. This year’s edition was particularly poignant, coinciding with the centenary of the legendary Marcello Mastroianni and paying homage to the late Italian playwright Eduardo de Filippo.

The opening ceremony honored esteemed figures such as Oscar-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss, acclaimed songwriter Diane Warren, and Matteo Garrone, director of the Oscar-nominated Italian film Io Capitano. Renowned Italian screen legend Franco Nero hosted the event alongside actress/model Antonella Salvucci. Guests witnessed appearances from industry stalwarts such as producer Raffaella de Laurentiis and director Michelle Danner, as well as Oscar winners Nick Vallelonga, Barry Morrow, and Bobby Moresco.

Among the personalities participating in the opening night were the Italian Consul general Raffaella Valentini, the director of the Italian Trade Agency Los Angeles Office, Alessandra Rainaldi, and the director of the Italian Institute of Culture, Emanuele Amendola. The festival had the support of the Ministry of Culture (DG Cinema and Audiovisuals), the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the General Consulate and the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles, together with ICE, ANICA, APA, and with the adhesion of Special Partners: Intesa Sanpaolo, Givova, Riflessi, together with Ilbe, Rs Productions, Rai Com, Rai Cinema, Medusa, and Minerva Pictures. It featured a lineup of 112 film screenings, including 47 in theaters and 65 available on the online platform eventive.org.

Pascal Vicedomini, the festival founder, expressed pride in the event’s longstanding legacy of promoting Italian cinema in Hollywood since 2006. He highlighted the festival’s role in championing major Italian movies and artists, carrying forward the vision of late cofounders Lina Wertmüller and Marina Cicogna.

The festival’s program included previews, screenings, and retrospectives, showcasing the richness of Italian cinematic talent. Marcello Mastroianni’s legacy was celebrated through discussions and screenings, while director Edoardo De Angelis and actress Lina Sastri delved into the works of Eduardo de Filippo.

A special focus was on Matteo Garrone’s acclaimed film “Io Capitano,” nominated for Best International Feature at the Oscars. Garrone, along with his two main actors Seydou Sarr and Moustapha Fall, was feted with the L.A. Italia Excellence Award 2024 during the first night of the festival at the Chinese Theatres. The festival also featured a screening of Garrone’s “Dogman” as part of the tribute to the director.

The event culminated in a gala at the Italian Cultural Institute, coinciding with International Women’s Day. The ceremony featured esteemed guests such as Oscar-winning actress Mira Sorvino and directors Rory Kennedy, Luca Barbareschi, Francesco Mandelli, Ilaria Borrelli, and Michelle Danner. In addition to honoring cinematic achievements, the festival recognized individuals who have made significant contributions beyond the screen. Trudie Styler and Andrea Iervolino received the LA, Italia – People Award 2024 for their philanthropic endeavors.

With its stellar lineup of films, discussions, and awards, the 19th Los Angeles, Italia Film Festival continued to serve as a beacon for Italian cinema, bridging cultures and celebrating artistic excellence on the global stage.