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| Event Summary: Italian cinema has always had a soft spot in the hearts of cinema fanatics, and this past November, students and film lovers across Los Angeles were invited to indulge their passions with a memorable and dynamic program of Italian films at the University of Southern California. The newly born non-profit organization “Fondazione Azzurra” celebrated Italian cinema on two distinct occasions; the first was a weekend-long event at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, which featured contemporary and classic film screenings, a live orchestral performance, plus lectures and Q&A’s with invited directors; the second was a foundation benefit with invited guests at a villa in Hollywood, California. |
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| The event at the University of Southern California was held from Friday, November 9th – Sunday, November 11th, 2007. It was organized by Alessandro Ago, the Special Events Coordinator for the USC School of Cinematic Arts and funded by Vision and Voices, The USC Arts and Humanities Initiative. It was a cultural programme and film-extremist heaven called “Honoring the Italian Maestri”, the Masters of Italian Cinema. The movies ranged from restored classics to new releases, including the final instalment of Dario Argento’s ‘Three Mothers’ trilogy, The Mother Of Tears, which attracted a packed house of over 300 horror fans from across the city. Argento’s famed trilogy was complete at the festival, which also featured the landmark Suspiria (1977) and Inferno (1980). Other screenings included a documentary about Federico Fellini’s 8 1/2 titled The Lost Ending (2003), directed by Mario Sesti, who was on hand to field questions from the audience and respected film critic Leonard Maltin, as well as two works by venerated director Ermanno Olmi. Olmi’s acclaimed Il Posto (1961) was paired with his latest achievement, Centochiodi (2007), which was introduced by the director via pre-recorded interview. |
| Highlighting the artistic future of Italian cinema, the festival also brought audiences Private (2004) and In Memory of Myself (2007), both by emerging talent Saverio Costanzo, who also participated in the festivities. As a rare and sumptuous treat for film lovers, a newly restored version of Luchino Visconti’s masterpiece, The Leopard (1963), also drew an appreciative crowd. Sunday night proved to be a night full of excitement as members of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra played a live performance in Norris Cinema Theatre. The festival receptions were catered by Angelini Osteria and La Terza Restaurant, both considered amongst the finest Italian dining in Los Angeles. |
| The benefit exceeded everyone’s already high expectations, including the Fondazione Azzurra’s President and host of the event, Marcella Spinotti. In her opening speech she explained the mission of the Fondazione Azzurra; “to develop relationships with universities, museums, theatres and other foundations, in order to connect Italian and American people who are advancing the cause of human dignity and expression through art, education and culture”. With a variety of international guests from different backgrounds, there were no wasted conversations. |
| The location, a beautiful, secluded villa nestled in the Hollywood Hills belonging to famed director and producer Brett Ratner (Rush Hour, Red Dragon), opened its doors to over 200 excited and hungry attendees . Catering was again provided by La Terza, offering guests the many pleasures of exquisitely prepared Italian cuisine and of course, wine. |
| Both initiatives were important to the birth of the Fondazione Azzurra. The foundation has a valuable and complex goal – that of creating solid values through education and culture and connecting Italians and Americans. As Mrs. Spinotti said in her own words, “we should all encourage the seeking mind to rejoice supporting those who have artistic talents and a richness of heart. Culture and art are not just accessories or decorations, what matters is that they both enrich the essential substance of our lives”. |
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