Avanti Italiani!
Museum of Photographic Arts and North Park Theatre are venues for San Diego Italian Film Festival
By Manny Cruz
Should it come as a surprise that the same country that gave us Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Pavarotti, pizza and Sophia Loren would also usher in some of the world’s top cinematic productions? Italian movies are among the best on the world’s big screen.
Now through Nov. 14, local movie buffs have the opportunity to view a series of major recently released Italian films at the third Italian Film Festival, with screenings at the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) in Balboa Park and the Birch North Park Theatre. All films carry English subtitles, have never been screened before in San Diego and were obtained from the Italian government.
Victor Lauruccia, executive director of the San Diego Italian Film Festival, describes this year’s film fare as “delicate and absorbing, definitely more upbeat than the ones we showed last year, which were kind of dark.” Included in the mix are “La Vera Leggenda di Tony Vilar” (the True Legend of Tony Vilar), the story of the search for an Italian crooner, and “Mater Natura” (Mother Nature), which follows the trials and triumphs of a group of people from Naples’ transgender community. The films will be shown at the North Park Theatre on Nov. 6 and Nov. 14, respectively, at 7 p.m. The Film Festival suggests an $8 donation for each screening. The remaining films will screen at the Museum of Photographic Arts (MoPA).
At the Nov. 6 showing of “La Vera Leggenda di Tony Vilar,” its director, Giuseppe Gagliardi, will introduce the movie. After the movie, patrons will be invited to Caffe Calabria where Peppe Voltarelli, a musician in the film, will perform. There is a $15 cover charge.
Three screenings already have been held (“La bella vita,” “Ferie d’agosto” and “Ovosodo.”
The remaining films:
Oct. 23 — “My Name is Tanino:” A young Sicilian goes to America to return a camera left behind by a tourist friend and finds that dreams don’t always match reality.
Oct. 31 — In this whimsical tale for Halloween night, “Una notte blu cobalto” (Cobalt Blue Night), a first-time pizza deliverer realizes that his deliveries involve more than just pizza.
Nov. 1 — “Uno su due” (One out of two): A 33-year-old attorney, following a devastating medical diagnosis, experiences a rebirth.
Nov. 2 — “Basta un niente” (Before you know it): Three neopolitan friends, determined to make a living, improvise as thieves with the help of one of their grandfathers.
Nov. 3 — “Se fossi in te” (If I were you): Three discontented men magically switch identities, each with the person most envied, but things do not turn out as expected.
Nov. 4 — “Apnea:” When a former fellow fencing champion dies mysteriously of a heart attack, Paolo, the lead character, decides to investigate, and discovers that his friend was not the person he thought he was.
Nov. 5 — “L’estate di mio fratello” (My Brother’s Summer): When Sergio learns that he will soon have a baby brother, his imagination kicks into gear in devious and alarming ways — and then life takes a devastating turn.
Nov. 6 — “La Vera Leggenda di Tony Vilar:” Tony Vilar, an Italian in Argentina, was a singing superstar in the 1960s, but suddenly disappeared. Peppe’s quest to find Tony needs help from some unforgettable characters.
Nov. 14 — “Mater Natura.”
The Film Festival will hold a gala reception on Nov. 7 — its major fundraising event — beginning at 5 p.m. at MoPA. An Italian dinner and music will be offered, followed by the 7 p.m. screening of “La seconda notte di nozze” (The Second Wedding Night): Kind-hearted Giordano was left with half a deck as the result of electric shock treatments. A letter from his sister-in-law changes his outlook. Tickets are $100 and must be purchased in advance. Visit www.sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com.
San Diego Italian Film Festival sponsors are the Linnie Cooper Foundation, The June & Mark Fabiani Family, The Janice & Victor Laruccia Family, UCSD and SDSU, The Miriello Family, Villa Capri, House of Italy and Don & Maria Santamaria. z
