Cinema Italiana: Rome Film Festival

Rome was once the center of the world, and recently was the center of the film world for a few days. Although the Venice Film Festival is Italy's largest cinema-related event, the 8th annual Rome International Film Festival is also a major event for the film industry and cinema fans. 

The festival ended yesterday, with Italian-Croatian director Alberto Fasulo winning the top prize for his documentary-style movie Tir, according to Hollywood Reporter.  The entertainment industry website noted that Tir is the second Italian documentary film to win accolades at a major film festival within the past three months. Sacra GRA, directed by Gianfranco Rosi, won top honors at the Venice Film Festival in September. 

Photo credit: DearCinema.com

Variety reported that Italian comedy Fifth Wheel opened the festival on November 8, with the festival's advance ticket sales up by 20 percent in 2013. This is great news! An increase in ticket sales is not only a surge in tourist economy for the Eternal City, but I think it also means that the film festival is building a bigger name. 

Two familiar names also had a successful trip to Rome. Actors Matthew McConaughey and Scarlett Johansson won top acting awards, according to UPI. 

I would love to see some of the Italian entries, such as Fifth Wheel, and hope these films come to the United States soon. Congratulations to all who participated in the 8th Annual Rome Film Festival! 

Sources: 

http://variety.com/2013/film/news/rome-kicks-off-with-italo-comedy-fifth-wheel-1200809495/

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/rome-film-fest-tir-wins-656746

http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/Movies/2013/11/17/Matthew-McConaughey-Scarlett-Johansson-win-big-at-Rome-Film-Fest/UPI-26831384711722/

La Bella Vita Around the World: Lavazza Italian Film Festival

Today I came across the headline "Largest Italian Film Festival outside of Italy opens in Adelaide," and needed to learn more. An entire Italian film festival in a different country!? How fascinating!

The 2013 Lavazza Italian Film Festival opens on October 22 in Adelaide, a major city in Australia. It opens with a Cannes hit, The Great Beauty, set in Rome. The festival's focus is on "scenic Italy," and "a particular romance with Rome," according to a representative from Palace Cinemas, the theater at which the festival is held. 

Adelaide, South Australia
Photo Credit: TravelBlat.com

Fellini's Roma, will close out the festival on November 11. I love the festival's focus on Rome - historically, it is the center of Italian cinema and so many of the country's classic films are set there. To this day, Rome exudes the same romance it did when classic Fellini films were in production - it is the perfect focus for a film festival.

This sounds like a magnificent experience, I wish a spur of the moment trip to Australia was possible!

Italian Film: Cinecittà

One of the highlights of my study abroad experience was visiting Cinecittà. Located in the outskirts of the city, Cinecittà is considered the home of Italian cinema. From classics to modern, movies to television, the studio is a link to Italy's cinematic history. 

Cinecittà entrance. 

The following were filmed at Cinecittà:

La Dolce Vita
Romeo & Juliet
Gangs of New York 
The Passion of the Christ
HBO's Rome

Set of HBO's Rome

My classmates and I were lucky that a tour was one of our field trips; after exploring the website, I realized that the only tab about visitors was for corporate events! 

Costumes from Cleopatra (1963)

Originally founded by Mussolini as a propaganda factory, Cinecittà is now home to studios, sets and props. The museum is beautiful! Housing costumes from iconic films, it is also decorated with quotes from Italian film professionals. A screening room, gift shop and event area are nearby as well. 

Set of Gangs' of New York 

Touring Cinecittà was one of the highlights of the courses I took while in Rome. It was a true joy to connect media, culture and history in one activity. If you ever have the opportunity to visit this iconic studio, please do! Everything about it will amaze you. 

Outside sources: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinecitt%C3%A0

http://www.cinecittastudios.it/