L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014 www.italoamericano.com L'Italo-Americano 17 L'Italo-Americano celebrates its 106th anniversary The Los Angeles, Italia Film Festival pays homage to David O. Russell Families of Italian Lineage Presents "Fiori e Cuori" Americano underwent major improvements, including the transition to the tabloid format. In the 1980, it bought out the San Francisco newspaper L'Eco d'Italia, remaining the only and oldest Italian American publica- tion of the West Coast. Fr. Mario Trecco was in charge until 1990 – succeeded by Fr. Augusto Feccia, and then by Fr. Ermete Nazzani -, and again from 1998 until 2004 when the paper became property of L'Italo American Foundation, owned by Mr. Robert J. Barbera. A native of New York and of Sicilian descent, Robert J. Barbera moved to California in 1955 and graduated from the California State University Los Angeles. His profound attachment to his Italian background is testified by his involvement in several caus- es and organizations such as the Italian Catholic Federation, the Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California, the depart- ment of Italian studies of the University of Long Beach, the Pepperdine University, and the California State University Northridge, the Patrons of Italian Culture, the Italian American Scholarship Club of Pasadena, the Italian Heritage and Culture Foundation, Fondazione Italia, and Lingua Viva offering Italian language classes at the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles. In recognition of his outstand- ing service on behalf of the com- munity, he was also awarded the title of Commendatore by the Italian Government. Under his direction, Fr. Mario Trecco was confirmed as editor in chief until 2009, followed by Laura Battaglia Mesrobian and, in March 2011, by present direc- tor Simone Schiavinato. Over the last 3 years, a signifi- cant effort has been put in the modernization of the newspa- per's image and content, in order to keep pace with the contempo- rary Italian reality and to involve the new generations of Italian The attendance during the first night of the Los Angeles, Italia Film Festival 2014, taking place February 23 through March 1, confirms the awakening and the interest in the Italian film indus- try - a long-awaited sleeping (great) beauty. The Silver Lining Playbooks director, David O. Russell, was introduced by Mark Canton to the warm and welcoming audi- ence of the 9th edition of the Hollywood based most awaited pre-Oscar event as a true "mae- stro". Russell made his appear- ance on stage towards the end of the 2014 opening ceremony that vaunted a massive attendance hardly contained by the theatre that could not accommodate all the press and guests who came to participate in the event. Giuseppe Perrone, Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles, said on Russell's Italian recogni- tion. "Our country is so very proud. You are not just an American and an International artist, you are an Italian artist and most importantly, you are Calabrian as well", concluded Giuseppe Perrone referring to Russell's mother and maternal grandparents' Italian-American origins. The American Hustle director was honored and grateful for the recognition received yesterday night as he revealed "I do feel at home when I am in Italy". Russell also explained what a great honor and privilege has been to meet "the greatest Italian film maker ever", Lina Wertmuller, even though "she could not explain why she has a German name when I asked her", he jokingly clarified. Russell told the audience that Americans. By developing new sections and innovative digital services, the newspaper is continuously growing in terms of subscrip- tions, outreach, and prestige. Participation is also encour- aged through periodical newslet- ters and Facebook contests, relating to the most interesting events taking place in the areas of California covered by the paper. Information about Italy are provided in the Italian language section, while the English one mainly focuses on the life and activities of the local communi- ties. Besides the updated web site and the brand new digital edi- tion, future additions will include a video section and a smart-phone application, aimed at making quality information more and more accurate and accessible to the public. Over a hundred years have passed since L'Italo- Americano's first edition, which demonstrate the serious com- mitment towards and in the interest of the entire Italian American community. "L'Italo-Americano is a sounding board for knowing not only what happens here, but also for keeping future genera- tions informed about our histo- ry, culture, and traditions", says publisher Robert J. Barbera. On March 1, the history and crucial role of L'Italo- Americano newspaper will be acknowledged on the occasion of a magnificent gala organized by Mr. Barbera at the Casa Italiana, inspired by the famous Carnival in Venice. Presented by Emcee Fernando J. Scarpa, the event will feature exquisite food - an authentic Venetian menu including salted codfish and polenta -, live music with soprano Elisabetta Russo Commedia dell'Arte entertainment with actors from the renowned company Actors' Gang, amazing gifts and raffle prizes provided by prestigious sponsors. Among them are tick- ets to Italian composer Ennio Morricone's concert taking place at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on March 20, Italian language classes, typical Venetian masks, original Italian products like espresso coffee and chocolate, and much more. Complimentary carnival masks and gift bags will be given to all the guests, to create the perfect party atmosphere. Gathering together a large number of loyal friends and readers, it will be the occasion not only to enjoy an awesome Italian-style celebration, but also to show appreciation and support towards one of the most distinguished sources of infor- mation about Italy and of shared values. The extraordinary achieve- ments obtained in over a centu- ry, also thanks to the generous contribution of the members of the Italian American communi- ty, associations, and institu- tions, represent just the first steps towards a brilliant future development. L'Italo-Americano's long standing mission to preserve the Italian heritage reflects a com- mon objective and the feeling of unity that has been binding the community together since the early 1900, and that will always continue to keep it alive. ELENA VIPERA VENuS M. FRANcESchI Robert J. Barbera and his wife Josephine Continued from page 1 "It's a great privilege to be telling stories", and he then thanked all his family and friends who came to support him as "it's support that gets me through making films", he admitted. Given the promising inaugura- tion, it's easy to anticipate an even bigger crowd and success animating the rest of the whole week at the TCL Chinese Theatre. Love was in the air on Sunday, February 16, 2014 at the Mission Viejo Country Club. F.I.L. held its annual Valentine Dinner Dance which was a great success. The tables were decorated with large red hearts engulfing the entire Banquet Room, which upon entering was a beautiful sight to see. As usual, Chairlady Camille Szymczak was intent on having every detail "carried out to per- fection". Starting with a long table con- taining a variety of antipasti, fresh fruit, cheeses, cold cuts, crackers, olives, etc. etc. which was beautifully displayed, tempting all the members and guests to fill their plates. The dinner was also excellent in all aspects, i.e. How it was prepared, how it was presented, and how it was served. Everything was "first class", so much so that Camille asked that the Chef come to the middle of the Banquet Room where he received a standing ovation. Why is F.I.L. so popular? The reason is that the members make everyone including new members and guests feel wel- come, so much so that every guest has requested to become a member of this very active club. Also, F.I.L.'s Board of Directors and Founder Venus Franceschi, plan all the events for the year which consist of unique and interesting trips. This club does not just go to events that other organizations plan, we plan our own. On March 22, F.I.L. is going to have a Bus Trip to the Famous Queen Mary in Long Beach for a guided tour throughout the ship PLUS a special luncheon in a private area for our group. The main goals of F.I.L. are to have its members enjoy the various activities but and more important to me, is to have the 1st and 2nd generations of Italian lineage learn about the greatness of the many Italians who have contributed in all aspects, to the world. Italy has contributed more in its inven- tions, etc. than any other "sin- gle" nation. Be proud of your heritage. Italian actress Elisabetta Canalis, Lady Monika Bacardi, president of the Los Angeles, Italia Film Festival, and Consul General of Italy Giuseppe Perrone David O. Russell

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