L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 www.italoamericano.org 30 L'Italo-Americano SAN FRANCISCO ITALIAN COMMUNITY O n September 23, movie lovers in San Francisco will celebrate Lina Wertmüller, the Italian director who has been the first woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director. Lina Wertmüller's success burst in the '70s thanks to a collection of movies able to combine satire, social issues, political topics, and provocative sex. They all left an unforgettable mark and influence on the entire industry. Born in Rome, the love for theatre had her enroll in theatre school. After graduating, her first job was touring Europe in a pup- pet show. While working as an actress, director, and playwright, she met Italian actor Giancarlo Giannini, who later starred in many of her movies. Her career took a big turnaround when she met Federico Fellini, who offered her the role as assistant director on 8½ in 1962. Amelia Antonucci, Cinema Italia Director, started the pro- gram four years ago, with the aim of bringing the best of the classic Italian cinema to the Bay Area. In 2013, she first intro- duced Pier Paolo Pasolini to the local audience, followed by Bernardo Bertolucci, Vittorio de Sica, Anna Magnani, and Dino Risi. Since then, Cinema Italia SF has become a must-attend event for both movie lovers and all people willing to learn about Italy and its history through cine- ma. On the sixth edition of all time and the second of the year, Cinema Italia will give the opportunity to watch four narra- tive movies by Lina Wertmüller in 2K Restoration DCP, all star- ring Giancarlo Giannini, and one documentary film, Behind the White Glasses, by Wertmüller's assistant director, Valerio Ruiz. Amelia, why Lina Wertmüller? After the tribute to Anna Magnani, which honored one of the most representative women in the Italian cinema scenario, we could not help but have Lina Wertmüller's movies for this edi- tion at the Castro Theatre. Given she has been the first woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director, I con- sider this homage both a duty and a huge pleasure. What's your special connec- tion with her and her movies? I grew up in Italy and I have many memories of the '70s, when the feminist movement started and Lina Wertmüller was considered a great female direc- tor, yet not a true feminist. Many also remember that she was put aside by the left political party in spite of her great talent. Personally, I find Lina an incred- ible director who has been able to portray the reality of her time with irony and sarcasm. She has been able to bring the magic of the balance between the two sexes to the big screen. Although her movies are sometimes sad, some others comical or romantic, they are always inspired by the reality and represent a celebra- tion of all human feelings. Her vision of the society after the devastation of the war can be summarized in the final scene of Pasqualino Settebellezze and Enzo Jannacci's song Tira a campa'. Why will people be blown away by Lina's talent? I would say because of her wit and her ability to portray all kinds of feeling, such as love, hate, disappointment, and resig- nation. They are shown as all parts of the same person and as facts of life. Given the enthusi- asm already shown by the public, I will expect a wonderful wel- come for the movies that we will be screening, and also for our special guest, Valerio Ruiz, and his documentary. What makes this festival, once again, a not-to-miss event? Cinema Italia is a special event, the first ever with the help of local Italian and American sponsors, who all sent out a clear message to public: they want Cinema Italia San Francisco to SERENA PERFETTO The unique talent of Lina Wertmüller comes to San Francisco thanks to Cinema Italia continue its mission of spreading Italian culture in the Bay Area. This is the only Italian classic movies festival presented in San Francisco on a regular basis, and this is also possible thanks to the support of the Italian Cultural Institute and the Italian Consul General. Movies Preview Love and Anarchy (1973) Considered an epic tragicome- dy, this movie stars Giancarlo Giannini as Tunin, an anarchist who stays in a brothel while he prepares to assassinate Italian dictator, Benito Mussolini. While Tunin falls in love with one of the women working in the broth- el, Mariangela Melato as Salomé, the movie goes deep into the characters' emotions, among which love, the hate for fascism, and the fears of both killing and being killed. Behind the White Glasses (2017) The documentary directed by Wertmüller's assistant director, Valerio Ruiz, shows unpublished pictures from Cinecittà and some places where her most famous movies were set. They all reveal the artistic and human worlds of a talented director and a special woman. Swept away by an unusual destiny in the blue sea of August (1974) The movie features the story of wealthy woman whose yacht- ing vacation with friends in the Mediterranean Sea takes an unex- pected turn when she and one of the boat's crew are separated from the others and they become stranded on a deserted island. This is considered Lina Wertmüller's most famous and controversial film focusing on sex, love, and politics. Seven Beauties (1975) This movie was nominated for four Academy Awards, including one for Best Director. It stars Giancarlo Giannini as Pasqualino, a petty thief who lives off of the profits of his seven sisters while claiming to protect their honor at any cost. When the Germans capture him, he is sent to a concentration camp where he plots to make his escape. The Seduction of Mimi (1972) This comedy brought interna- tional fame to Lina Wertmüller, and Giancarlo Giannini gives a comical performance as Mimi, a Sicilian dockworker who inad- vertently becomes embroiled in an increasingly complicated array of personal conflicts. When he falls in love with the beautiful Fiorella, he starts a new life as a reliable husband and father. Cinema Italia screening will be at the Castro Theatre on September 23 starting at 11am. For schedule and tickets, visit http://www.cinemaitaliasf.com Amelia Antonucci launched Cinema Italia in 2013, now on its sixth edition of all time

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