L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 A restored version of Bread and Chocolate commemorates Nino Manfredi Families of Italian Lineage "Costumi Internazionali" PIC to celebrate Gassman's Scent of a Woman 40th anniversary at the IIC 'Bread and chocolate' usually makes people think of their youth, their home, and family traditions dear to the heart. On the contrary, the comedy- drama Pane e Cioccolata (Bread and Chocolate), released in 1974 by Italian director Franco Brusati, leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. And yet, it is undoubtedly a masterpiece of Italian cinema, starring the late actor and director Nino Manfredi (1921 - 2004). The movie describes the mis- adventures of a young Italian immigrant to Switzerland in the 1970s, who loses his work per- Wow, what a night! On May 4, 2014 F.I.L. held its first International Attire dinner dance at Mission Viejo Country Club. Conjuring a little magic for the members of FIL was the chal- mit but refuses to give up a life of opportunity, even if far from his home and family. Hilarious and moving at the same time, the film is a portrait of Italy and the Italians as they looked like from abroad. Sadly, even if it was made over thirty years ago, those immigrants and their sto- ries don't look so unfamiliar after all. Along with Alberto Sordi, Ugo Tognazzi, and Vittorio Gassman, Nino Manfredi is considered one the most talented performers and a symbol of the Commedia all'Italiana film genre, very popular in Italy in the second half of the 20 th century. L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 www.italoamericano.com 4 On the occasion of the 40 th anniversary of the movie and the 10 th anniversary of Nino Manfredi's death, a restored version of Bread and Chocolate was presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood on Friday, May 9. The event was attended by representatives of the Italian Institutions, including the Consul General of Italy Giuseppe Perrone, the IIC acting director Massimo Sarti, the Trade Commissioner Carlo Bocchi, as well as by members of the local Italian American community and of the show business. Special guests were Erminia Manfredi, the actor's widow, his daughter Roberta and her husband Alberto Simone, director, and his grand- daughter Sarah Masten. Introducing the screening, Erminia Manfredi – accompa- nied by journalist Silvia Bizio – underlined the importance of this particular film for Nino, due to the fact that it contributed to solidify his reputation at an international level but also that his own grandfather was an immigrant to the U.S.A. in the late 19 th century. According to her, such a film will never become obsolete because people constantly migrate for one rea- son or another. As Nino Manfredi used to say: "Nowadays people emigrate from their soul." The Hollywood screening of Bread and Chocolate opened the celebrations Nino! Tribute to Nino Manfredi to be held in Italy and abroad throughout the year 2014. It was organized by Dalia Events and Onni, and sponsored by NIAF and Lavazza. In Los Angeles, the initiative was promoted by the Consulate General of Italy, the Italian Cultural Institute, the Italian Trade Agency, the Italian Film Commission, Cineteca SILVIA SIMONETTI VENuS MAzzONI FRANcESchI Silvia Bizio and Erminia Manfredi Bologna, Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia – Cineteca Nazionale. It also featured a selection of Nino Manfredi's most acclaimed films, screened at the IIC May 12 through 16, including Between Miracles (1971), Moon Shadow (1995) – director Alberto Simone, pro- ducer Roberta Manfredi, and Erminia Manfredi were in atten- dance -, The Treasure of San Gennaro (1966), We All Loved Each Other So Much (1974), and Bread and Chocolate (1974). In addition, the IIC hosted a preview of the photographic exhibition dedicat- ed to the actor's personal and professional life that will open in Rome next Fall. lenge for Chairlady, Sharon Gambino and she chose a "fail safe" theme, i.e. Costumi Internazionali. Sharon is known for her atten- tion to the miniscule of details including having some of the members read about the different countries which were represented. While members wandered through the beautifully decorated room, they could not help to notice all the beautiful interna- tional attires. Sharon obtained The Patrons of Italian Culture, continuing their long standing collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles, are presenting a special screening in celebration of the 40th anniversary of acclaimed Italian stage and screen actor Vittorio Gassman's performance in the original "Profumo di Nino Manfredi in Bread and Chocolate flags from the different countries that were represented and used them as centerpieces. After the Gourmet Dinner, a contest was held by the members who wore costumes from differ- ent countries. The waiters and the Col. Robert Szymcak, Mary Lou Jacobs, Venus Franceschi, Camille Szymcak, Sharon & Frank Gambino, Fiorenza Watson personnel of MVCC were the judges and the winner was… Sharon Gambino who was wear- ing an authentic "Moulin Rouge" dress. As usual the evening was suc- cessful with members and guests having a terrific time. Nothing beats the "at home" bash for social intimacy. There the mem- bers could relax and get to know other people who are of the same great Italian Heritage. To comple- ment the evening, Tony Ciaramitaro kept all dancing with his "danceable" music. F.I.L.'s next event will be a Family Picnic on June 22, 2014. Chairladies, Franca Masdea and Linda Restivo. For information regarding F.I.L.(949) 363-5348. Donna' (Scent of a Woman), that gained him the 'Best Actor Award' at Cannes Film Festival in 1975. The event will take place on Saturday, May 17, at 4 pm in the Sala Rossellini theater of the IIC. Refreshments and lite foods will be served after the screening. Reservations are mandatory, please contact Jo Barbera (626) 584-1174. Visit the PIC website: picla.org. PAuL ROMANO

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