This year?s San Diego Italian Film Festival has drawn from many inspirations - all of which bring together the sights, sounds, flavors, humors and commentaries of Italian life. Mark your calendars and join us for an exciting Festival which commences on October 22nd and finishes with a fabulous Gala Reception on November 5th.
In addition to the 15 wonderful movies that will be shown during the two weeks of the Festival, including a retrospective of director Marco Bellocchio?s films, SDIFF will present music, discussion and celebrations. Crazy Steps on Oct. 24th combines the beautiful music of Astor Piazzolla performed by Camarada, a chamber music ensemble, with Bellocchio?s Enrico IV at the beautiful Birch North Park Theatre. On Oct. 31st learn more about Bellocchio and his films at the roundtable which follows L?ora di religione (My mother?s smile).
Join us for these wonderful films, most are San Diego premieres, and events. The films are in Italian with English subtitles and each will be introduced by one of SDIFF?s professors who bring their study of Italian culture, history, film and art into the theater to give an added dimension to our viewing of these movies. - Victor Laruccia, Executive Director, SDIFF.
Tonight's Film: L'Ora di Religion (My Mother's Smile)
The artist Ernesto Picciafuocco struggles in Rome with terrible purpose but little clarity against familial and social forces. Things get more complicated when he is asked to participate in the efforts to make his mother a saint, a woman whom he despises for her hypocrisy, narcissism and prevarications, but whose sanctification will assure his son?s future, the only family relationship he treasures.
Caught up in the rigid background checks into his family and the fears for his son?s future, Ernesto finds himself at a loss for intimacy, comfort and identity. It is his identity as father and artist that constantly confront him as does the question of the role of art in society. Is art meant to inspire, confound understanding, or question who we are? This film brings a huge intelligence to questions concerning art and religion in society. The director is not offering answers but helps us clarify the questions.(in Italian with English Subtitles) - Victor Laruccia, SDIFF Executive Director & Clarissa Cl?, SDSU, Program Director SDIFF
Special Event: Weapons of Expression: Marco Bellocchio, Master Cinematographer of attitude adjustment.
Roundtable starts at 7:00 PM after L'ora di religione screening
Movies, food, wine, companions, all in the piazza of the San Diego Italian Film Festival. And then, above all the commotion, rises an interesting, even compelling, conversation at the next table. Listen in, that?s normal for Italians. Marco Bellocchio, our featured director for this year?s Retrospective, with his work, curiosity, intelligence and craftsmanship, lays out a whole evening full of topics for us to explore. We have at least five experts (more may join in! - our table in the piazza is always open) ready to trade opinions and pass the time in conversation. Lucky for us. Bellocchio?s L?ora di religione will be the lens through which our panel will explore many of the themes the director presents. As in all Italian conversations, however, you never know what interesting path the flow will take. Join us and join in. You know that there is always a place for you at our table.
Moderated by:
Silvia Bizio, Cinema journalist and founder/director of the Los Angeles festival, Cinema Italian Style, and of the L.A. monthly series, Italians in Movies.
Panelists
Clarissa Cl?, Director Italian Studies Program SDSU; Program Director SDIFF
Lesley Stern, Visual Arts Department, UCSD
Michael Trigillio, Filmmaker/Lecturer, Visual Arts Department, UCSD
Pasquale Verdicchio, Director Italian Studies Program, UCSD; Program Director SDIFF
Admission: Suggested Donation $5
Location:
Museum of Photographic Arts
Balboa Park
Sunday, October 31 - 5:00 PM (film)
Sunday, October 31 - 7:00 PM (discussion)
For more information, please visit: www.sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com
In addition to the 15 wonderful movies that will be shown during the two weeks of the Festival, including a retrospective of director Marco Bellocchio?s films, SDIFF will present music, discussion and celebrations. Crazy Steps on Oct. 24th combines the beautiful music of Astor Piazzolla performed by Camarada, a chamber music ensemble, with Bellocchio?s Enrico IV at the beautiful Birch North Park Theatre. On Oct. 31st learn more about Bellocchio and his films at the roundtable which follows L?ora di religione (My mother?s smile).
Join us for these wonderful films, most are San Diego premieres, and events. The films are in Italian with English subtitles and each will be introduced by one of SDIFF?s professors who bring their study of Italian culture, history, film and art into the theater to give an added dimension to our viewing of these movies. - Victor Laruccia, Executive Director, SDIFF.
Tonight's Film: L'Ora di Religion (My Mother's Smile)
The artist Ernesto Picciafuocco struggles in Rome with terrible purpose but little clarity against familial and social forces. Things get more complicated when he is asked to participate in the efforts to make his mother a saint, a woman whom he despises for her hypocrisy, narcissism and prevarications, but whose sanctification will assure his son?s future, the only family relationship he treasures.
Caught up in the rigid background checks into his family and the fears for his son?s future, Ernesto finds himself at a loss for intimacy, comfort and identity. It is his identity as father and artist that constantly confront him as does the question of the role of art in society. Is art meant to inspire, confound understanding, or question who we are? This film brings a huge intelligence to questions concerning art and religion in society. The director is not offering answers but helps us clarify the questions.(in Italian with English Subtitles) - Victor Laruccia, SDIFF Executive Director & Clarissa Cl?, SDSU, Program Director SDIFF
Special Event: Weapons of Expression: Marco Bellocchio, Master Cinematographer of attitude adjustment.
Roundtable starts at 7:00 PM after L'ora di religione screening
Movies, food, wine, companions, all in the piazza of the San Diego Italian Film Festival. And then, above all the commotion, rises an interesting, even compelling, conversation at the next table. Listen in, that?s normal for Italians. Marco Bellocchio, our featured director for this year?s Retrospective, with his work, curiosity, intelligence and craftsmanship, lays out a whole evening full of topics for us to explore. We have at least five experts (more may join in! - our table in the piazza is always open) ready to trade opinions and pass the time in conversation. Lucky for us. Bellocchio?s L?ora di religione will be the lens through which our panel will explore many of the themes the director presents. As in all Italian conversations, however, you never know what interesting path the flow will take. Join us and join in. You know that there is always a place for you at our table.
Moderated by:
Silvia Bizio, Cinema journalist and founder/director of the Los Angeles festival, Cinema Italian Style, and of the L.A. monthly series, Italians in Movies.
Panelists
Clarissa Cl?, Director Italian Studies Program SDSU; Program Director SDIFF
Lesley Stern, Visual Arts Department, UCSD
Michael Trigillio, Filmmaker/Lecturer, Visual Arts Department, UCSD
Pasquale Verdicchio, Director Italian Studies Program, UCSD; Program Director SDIFF
Admission: Suggested Donation $5
Location:
Museum of Photographic Arts
Balboa Park
Sunday, October 31 - 5:00 PM (film)
Sunday, October 31 - 7:00 PM (discussion)
For more information, please visit: www.sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com
