L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013 www.italoamericano.com 19 Exclusive Interview with Italian Superstar Maria Grazia Cucinotta Continued from page 18 Seven Dreams Productions in Rome. Longtime husband and partner Giulio Violati is actively involved in the company. They have produced several movies in which "Il Maestro" a short film, directed by Maria Grazia won the Nastro di Argento (Silver Ribbon) in Venice for best director of the year in 2011. Her film, "Viola di Mare", which she starred and produced, is a love story between two young women in the 19th century. She considers the film an important body of work because it is a message against prejudice. "It has been fifteen years that I have been fighting against homophobia. To me, love is love. When two adults choose to want to live their love, they should be able to do so freely without anyone judging. We should accept that people can live free. I don't have any prejudices; I accept people for who they are. We have to fight for this. We need to raise children and educate them not to point a finger. Because pointing a finger is the same as pointing a gun. You can kill a person the same way. When you make a person feel different, you make them feel inferior which is like killing them." Her future projects include two films. "C'è Sempre un Perchè" is a romantic comedy filmed in Sicily and China. Maria Grazia is both producer and lead actor. The film is a co-production between Italy and China and features Huang Bo considered one of China's top actors. It is currently in post-production expected to be released early in 2014. The other, "Maldamore", an Italian comedy filmed in Italy features Maria Grazia, Luca Zingaretti, Luisa Ranieri, Alessio Boni, and Ambra Angiolini. The film is in postproduction and is expected to be released in February 2014. San Diego Italian Film Festival Gala & Film Event ANdREW BAGLEY Voluptuous Italian actor, producer and director Maria Grazia Cucinotta was the special guest at the Gala reception held in her honor in the Special Events room at the new downtown Central Library located on the ninth floor this past Saturday night. Guests were afforded with a beautiful backdrop view of downtown and the bay. Maria Grazia looked sensational; very friendly and outgoing. She was accompanied by her husband Giulio Violati and particularly accommodating to Maria Grazia Cucinotta at the SDIFF gala reception. Photo © Carol Sonstein guests as she provided a photo session for anyone who wanted to have their picture taken with her. It seemed everyone in the room jumped at the opportunity as she kindly posed with excited guests. Live musical entertainment played as attendees mingled and connected with each other during the reception. Pete Balistrieri of Tender Greens catered the event with delicious Italian appetizers. Sardinian wine was provided and served by friendly bartenders Scott and James. Espresso coffee was provided and served by brothers Phil and Domenic Arcidiacono of Caffè 1870 formerly known as Caffè Barbera the official coffee of the San Diego Italian Film Festival. After the reception, guests filed downstairs to the new state-of-the-art auditorium as approximately 250 people attended to hear Maria Grazia's presentation and watch the film L'Imbroglio nel Lenzuolo (The Trick in the Sheet). It turned out to be a very enjoyable evening as guests were treated and delighted with food, wine, captivating entertainment all set in a new beautiful civic building that the San Diego Italian Festival was proud to host. Nov. 1, Fri. - San Diego Italian Film Festival, MOPA, Balboa Park. SDIFF presents the film "Reality" which won the Grand Prix at 2012 Cannes Film Festival. 6:30 PM. Tickets: $14 general public; $11 SDIFF members. For information: http://www.sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com/film/reality/ Nov. 1, Fri. - Venerdì Convivio Performance Series, Convivio Center, Little Italy. Opera singers from SDSU's School of Music and Dance showcase opera classics and Broadway melodies. Doors open 7:30 PM performance begins at 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. $10 advance/$15 door includes refreshments. For information: http://conviviosociety.org/event/ venerdi-convivio-3/ Nov. 2, Sat. - San Diego Italian Film Festival, MOPA, Balboa Park. SDIFF presents "Gala 2013" which culminates and concludes Festival. Film "Scailla!" (Easy!) presented by director Francesco Bruni. 6:00 PM. Tickets: $130 general public; $100 SDIFF members. For information: http://www.sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com/event/gala-2013/ Nov. 5, Tues. - Sons of Italy La Costa dei Fiori, Elks Lodge, Encinitas. Monthly membership meeting. Dinner $7 donation. Open to the public. 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. RSVP to Mimi at 760-943-8494. For information: http://sonsofitalysandiego.org/?page_id=261 Nov. 7, Thu. - Documentary "The First Padres", Convivio Center, Little Italy. Chris Boyd presents a fascinating account of San Diego's first professional baseball team the San Diego Padres of the Pacific Coast League. $5 suggested donation. 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. For information: http://conviviosociety.org/event/the-first-padres-a-documentary-by-chrisboyd/ Nov. 8, Fri. - Kettner Nights, Little Italy. Come for a night filled with arts and design. 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. For more information: http://www.littleitalysd.com/events/ Nov. 9, Sat. - Convivio Performance Series, Convivio Center, Little Italy. Sacha Boutros performs with a full band singing a collection of Italian music from arias to Italian hot club, jazz, pop and bel canto including songs of Mina, Pavarotti, and Modugno. Doors open 7:30 PM performance begins at 8:00 PM. $25 general/$40 VIP. Includes refreshments provided by Mimmo's. For tickets: http://sachalittleitalysd.bpt.me Nov. 15, Fri. - Wine Tasting & Cabaret, Convivio Center, Little Italy. Wine tasting featuring Castellani Wines introducing six Tuscan varietals. Cabaret performance follows with tenor Rosario Monetti, Jim Bianchi and Dan Ochipinti. Tasting starts at 7:30 PM performance begins at 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM. $20 advance/$25 door includes appetizers by Cucina Caprese. For information: http://conviviosociety.org/ event/venerdi-convivio-4/

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