Cultural ambassadors play an important role in making Los Angeles the Creative Capital of the World. The U.S. capital remains in Washington D.C., so the term is figurative. Figurative is also a good description for the svelte “Fashion Ambassadors” that Alitalia has flown to Los Angeles from Italy as part of the Los Angeles Italia week of cultural activities.
The centerpiece of the Los Angeles Italia cultural program is a week of screenings of Italian cinema and documentaries at the Mann 6 Theater complex, directly across from the home of the Oscar Award Ceremonies, the Kodak Theater. Last night, this included a special tribute to Italy’s own high frequency Oscar nominee, Dante Ferretti. Ferretti is both an artist and a production designer. He previously won Academy Awards for his contributions to “The Aviator” and “Sweeny Todd.” This year, he has been nominated once again as art director of “Hugo.” His wife, set director Francesca LoSciavo was also nominated for “Hugo.” Another Italian talent, Enrico Casarosa will also attend the Oscars ceremonies as a nominee, for “La Luna” in the category Best Animated short film.
This engaging cultural program has also promoted ties between Los Angeles and its Italian Sister City, Ischia. Countess Marina Cicogna, a film producer who also organizes the Ischia Film Festival, is accompanying the Italian delegation as Co-Chair of Los Angeles Italia. The Countess’ family also founded the Venice film festival. A documentary about her career, filmed in Ischia, was shown Friday evening. In addition to showcasing Ischia’s spectacular natural beauty, the program shared an inside view of the private villa of legendary Italian film director Luchino Visconti.
The Instituto Cervantes selected New York for its special program “Spain goes to the Oscars.” This discussion with Agustí Villaronga, director of “Black Bread (Pa Negre).” This film was selected as the Spanish entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards. Producer Isona Passola and actress Nora Navas joined the discussion. While Los Angeles had to defer to New York in hosting this program, the success of Los Angeles Italia may improve our chances to welcome a new cultural diplomacy program from Spain next year.
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