THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE 

Thursday, October 25---------As the Rome FilmFest moves into its final weekend, it offers a number of stellar talents and films on Friday. Director Susanne Bier and star Halle Berry will walk the Red Carpet for the film THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE. This is acclaimed Danish director Bier's English language debut, and it is a powerful story of love and redemption that co-stars Berry and fellow Oscar winner Benicio del Toro. The film had its European Premiere earlier this week at the London Film Festival, and tomorrow night the film's director and star will make their Italian bow.

Also screening tomorrow in the Official Competition section is JUNO, the follow-up film by director Jason Reitman to his succesful debut THANK YOU FOR SMOKING. Actress Ellen Page and scenarist Diablo Cody will be presented before the screening. Several local talents will also have their film premieres tomorrow. Local favorite Mimmo Calopresti will present his film L'ABBUFFATA, with actors Paolo Briguglia, Elena Bouryka, Lele Nucera, Lorenzo di Ciaccia, Nino Frassica and Valeria Bruni Tedeschi present. Also screening tomorrow will be PAROLE SANTE, by director Ascanio Celestini. There will also be a tribute to one of Italy's most famous film talents, the highly eclectic Pier Paolo Pasolini, with the world premiere presentation of TRIBUTE TO PIER PAOLO PASOLIINI---FABRICANTE DI PASSIONE, followed by a debate by film critics and historians on the work of the passionate director. Finally, to end the magical evening, there will be the gala screening of the fantasy film ENCHANTED, with director Kevin Lima and actors Amy Adams, Gabriele Muccino, Marco Risi, Barbara Palombelli, Patrizia Pellegrino, Monica Leofreddi, Pamela Prati, Amanda Sandrelli, and Gaia De Laurentis attending. The Disney film, which will have its European release later this month, also stars Patrick Dempsey, Susan Sarandon and James Marsden.

Sandy Mandelberger, Rome FF Dailies Editor