Nov 23, 2010
SFFILM
New Italian Cinema, presented by the San Francisco Film Society, the Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco and New Italian Cinema Events of Florence, Italy, wrapped up an eight-day run dedicated to celebrating the rich cinematic tradition of Italy and bringing the country’s newest directors and films to audiences in San Francisco. Cowriter and actor Marco Bonini was on hand to accept the NICE City of Florence Award for his film 18 Years Later.
This year’s New Italian Cinema featured a competitive series of seven feature films by emerging directors, a four-film tribute to acclaimed director Ferzan Ozpetek including an Opening Night presentation of his latest film Loose Cannons, and two sold-out Closing Night screenings of Paolo Virzì’s family drama The First Beautiful Thing. Overall, nine sold-out screenings contributed to a total attendance of 4,450.
The NICE City of Florence Award was decided by audience ballots from San Francisco and Seattle screenings of films in competition and announced at the Closing Night award ceremony Sunday, November 21 by Rod Armstrong of the Film Society and Viviana del Bianco of New Italian Cinema Events.
In addition, the New Italian Cinema Events organization presented the Susan Batson Award for acting, given this year to Alessandro Sperduti of I Am Glad You Are Hereand Ksenia Rappoport of The Double Hour. The award acknowledges the talents of up-and-coming actors and provides them an opportunity to study their craft with acclaimed acting coach Susan Batson.
New Italian Cinema will return as part of the San Francisco Film Society’s Fall Season in November 2011.
New Italian Cinema was presented in collaboration with New Italian Cinema Events and the Italian Cultural Institute, San Francisco under the auspices of the Consulate General of Italy and with sponsorship from Birra Moretti, Comune di Firenze, Ministero dei Beni Culturali, Landmark Theatres, Cigar Bar & Grill, Fior d’Italia and Siena Imports.