The screenwriter and director Bobby Moresco (2006 Academy Award®-winner for the screenplay "Crash" with Paul Haggis) has been named chairman of the second annual “LOS ANGELES, ITALIA” FILM, FASHION AND ART FESTIVAL” February 18th to the 24th, 2007 at the Mann's Chinese 6 Theaters at Hollywood & Highland Center.
"I'm proud of the chairmanship, which I assume with much respect towards Italian cinema and its traditions, not to mention the emotional ties that I have towards my Ligurian ancestry, who left for New York at the beginning of the last century looking for the American Dream" claims Moresco. The director will introduce over 35 Italian films, both current and classic, to the Hollywood public during the week preceding Academy Awards (Sunday, February 25th).
The “LOS ANGELES, ITALIA” FILM, FASHION AND ART FESTIVAL” features special screenings of contemporary and cult works by Italy’s most popular filmmakers, encounters with many of the key players in the film and television industry, conferences with students at the USC School of Cinematic Arts and performances and exhibits featuring award-winning costumes all offered free of charge to the public and press. Other activities include tastings of regional cuisine at our Italian VIP Lounge at Trastevere Restaurant in the Hollywood & Highland Center and an awards ceremony for "Friends of the Italian Arts". The festivities will culminate with Grand Gala of at the American Film Institute on Thursday, February 22nd honoring Jack Valenti, longtime president of the Motion Picture Association of America.
A special film program of the Academy Award-nominated works of Ennio Morricone will take place in anticipation of a Lifetime Achievement Academy Award being presented to this great director and composer.
An exhibition of costumes from the film "Marie Antoinette" will take place at Hollywood & Highland Center in anticipation of a Best Costume Academy Award nomination being presented to costume designer and previous Academy Award winner Milena Canonero.
Also at Hollywood & Highland Center, an exhibition of photographic film stills, curated by the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia – National Cinematheque, culled from the archives of many important films shot in and around the city of Venice.
The “LOS ANGELES, ITALIA” FILM, FASHION AND ART FESTIVAL” is produced by the Capri in the World Institute, with the support of the Film Department at the Italian Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Casinò di Venezia, the Sangemini Group, the National Italian American Foundation, the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts and Cim Group (owners of the Hollywood & Highland Center) and the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles.