Apr 2011.
The 6th edition of the Sicilian Film Festival (SFF) of Miami Beach closed Wednesday, April 13, 2011 with the traditional dinner held at ‘Villa Viscuso’ – Miami Beach residence of Emanuele Viscuso, SFF President. In attendance were many international personalities known for their commitment to the world of culture, art, cinema, and business. The festivities have yet to end as the SFF crew moves on to Cannes with a presentation of the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ to Claudia Cardinale on May 18, 2011.
Reflecting the quality of films and events presented this year, festival administration reported record attendance. Festival-goers included local, national, and international attendees, as well as filmmakers and special guests.
“There are so many variables regarding attendance, from the weather to the economy, but we continue to excel by creating an exciting, innovative, fun, and affordable program for the residents of and visitors to Miami Beach,” said Emanuele Viscuso. “With the help of volunteers, committed staff, and sponsors we are able to continue to be the best showcase of Sicilian and Southern Italian film, art, fashion, food and wine, and culture.”
The week began with a successful ‘kick-off’ and press party at Etra Fine Art in Miami’s Design District along with photographic exhibit ‘Roberto Granata: Sicilian Photographer in Hollywood’; an opening ceremony the Miami Beach Cinematheque; a lecture by Italian film journalist Laura Delli Colli “An Evening With Recipes ‘Stolen’ From The Screen” and buffet at Café Milano in Miami Beach; and screenings throughout the week with some films making a US premiere.
The SFF also continued their partnership alliance with ‘Queer Frame’ (a project initiated by Atlantide Entertainment, Italy) demonstrating a commitment to a program that embraces inclusion and diversity in showcasing two non-Italian feature films “Save Me” by Robert Cary and “From Beginning to End” by Aluizio Abranches.
Winners at the 6th Sicilian Film Festival 2011 were:
Best Film Baaria by Giuseppe Tornatore
Best Short Film Rita by Grassadonia and Piazza
Best Documentary Return to the Aeolian Island by Giovanna Taviani
Audience Award for The Trick in the Sheet by Alfonso Arau
Best Actor Davide Coco for Man of Glass
Best Actress Isabella Ragonese and Valeria Solarino for The Sea Purple
Special Mentions:
Maria Grazia Cucinotta as producer of The Sea Purple and The Trick in the Sheet
Tilde Di Dio for: Short film The Wedding
Roberto Damiata for: Documentary Sicily for Africa
Luigi Valente for: Documentary From Ducrot Workshops to the National School of Cinema
Lifetime Achievement Award to Claudia Cardinale
Special Award to Beppe Fiorello
Claudia Cardinale was born on April 15, 1939 and has appeared in some of the best European films of the 1960’s and 1970’s. The majority of her films have been in either Italian or French. Cardinale has been honored in nearly every major film festival. Famous for both her beauty and talent, Cardinale is also involved in many humanitarian causes, including pro-women and pro-gay issues – including being a UNESCO good will ambassador for the Defense of Women’s Rights since 1999. In 2006, (World Water Year), she symbolically extended such a role for the Defense of the Rights of the Absolute Woman: Mother Earth while declaring her support for Powerstock, a sustainable electronic music festival that proposes a ‘water-consciousness’ for youth culture and seeks to make sustainability an integral part of mainstream culture.
The Sicilian Film Festival gratefully acknowledges the generous support of its 2011 sponsors that include: Ministero dei Beni e delle Attività Culturali, Assessorato Turismo Regione Siciliana, City of Miami Beach, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, Consolato Generale d’Italia Miami, Societa Dante Alighieri, Miami, Barry University – The School of Adult Education, Miami Beach Cinematheque, Rai, Rai Fiction, Accademia del Cinema Italiano -Premi David di Donatello, Filmoteca Regionale Siciliana, Queer Frame, Atlantide Entertainment, CinemadaMare, Salina Doc Fest, Fondazione Roberto Granata, Consiglio per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile Onlus, Di Santo LLP, Attorneys at Law, Gerson, Preston, Robinson, P.A. Certified Public Accountants, Com.Unica, Miami Art Guide, The Beach Channel, 89.7 Classical South Florida, The Eurochannel, Around Town Magazine, Biscayne Times, SunPost Weekly, DRW, Davie & the Ranches Magazine with the Weston Express also serving Cooper City, Speaker Web.tv, Radio Carini, Emanuele Viscuso Trompe L’oeil, Magnetude, RAC, Produttori di Sistemi di Riposo, G.H,Mumm, Donnafugata, BV Brands, Etra Fine Art, Café Milano, Miami Beach, Valentino sul Mare Ristorante, Miami Beach, Trattoria Sole, South Miami, Rosinella, Miami Beach, Pelican, Miami Beach, The Clay Hotel, South Beach, The Relaxing Hotels, Roma, Antico Palazzo Rospigliosi, Roma, Zaiera Resort, and Siracusa.
Sicilian Film Festival
www.sicilianfilmfestival.com
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