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Showing posts from March, 2014

Sergio Leone: Recreating the American Cowboy

Henry Fonda in "Once Upon a Time in the West" He's an Italian filmmaker who left his mark on the world by telling uniquely American stories. Known throughout the world for his iconic Spaghetti Westerns, Sergio Leone comes from a family of filmmakers. His mother, Edvige Valcarenghi whose stage name was Bice Walerian, was a silent movie actress who gave up her career to become a wife and mother when she married Vincenzo Leone in 1916. Vincenzo whose stage name was Roberto Roberti, was a noted filmmaker who directed and acted in movies during the silent film era. He actually tried to discourage his son from pursuing a career in cinema, so Sergio Leone briefly studied law. But then fate stepped in and he landed a position as an assistant on Vittorio De Sica ’s "The Bicycle Thieves"   in 1948. Leone also briefly appears in the film, as part of a group of German priests taking shelter from the rain. Although he emerged during the rise of Neorealism, Leone mig

Pugliese Teacher Makes Middle Age Art Discovery in Basilicata

The region of Basilicata is one of the least explored places in Italy, and that is exactly why it is full of undiscovered treasures and natural beauty. From the rich soil of Rionero in Vulture, which produces renowned olive oil and Aglianico red wine to the ruins of the 11th century Castle of Melfi to the stunning beauty of the seaside coast of Maratea, Basilicata is home to countless sources of beauty.   Nicola Tricarico (right) with church pastor Writer and scholar, Nicola Tricarico, is from the neighboring region of Puglia. Born and raised in the beautiful seaside town of Manfredonia, Tricarico is an aficionado of Italian art and culture. In the early 1970's when he was working on his college thesis about art history, he made a huge discovery. While doing research at an ancient church in Basilicata, La chiesa di San Donato in the town of Ripacandida, in the provence of Potenza, he was literally touching and poking about the walls when he realized something was un

Tonight in Person in NYC: Valeria Golino and Jasmine Trinca

Valeria Golino on the set of "Miele" Valeria Golino will present her directorial debut film to New York audiences tonight along with her star, Jasmine Trinca. "Miele" (Honey) is the story of Irene, a woman who lives an isolated life. She works in a hospice setting, helping terminally-ill people die with dignity by giving them a drug. One day she supplies a supposed new client with a fatal dose, only to find out he’s perfectly healthy. Irene is determined not to be responsible for his suicide. From this moment, Irene and Grimaldi are locked unwillingly in a tense and unusual relationship which will change Irene’s life forever. Valeria Golino Valeria Golino is one of Italy's most celebrated actresses, but she is no stranger to American cinema. Born in Naples in 1966, Golino is most recognized in the U.S. for her role in "Rain Man." She's was the girlfriend of Tom Cruise's character, Charlie. The role put her on the map as an internation

The Center for Italian Modern Art in NYC Now Open

Located in Soho, The Center for Italian Modern Art (CIMA) in New York City recently opened its doors and is welcoming visitors to explore its opportunities and works. The center is currently exhibiting an installation of the work of Italian artist Fortunato Depero (1892–1960). The installation coincides with the Guggenheim's exhibition, Italian Futurism, 1909–1944: Reconstructing the Universe, which runs until September 1, 2014. The CIMA's mission is to promote scholarly research and public appreciation of modern and contemporary Italian art throughout the United States and around the world. Through research fellowships, annual exhibition installations, and cultural programming, CIMA advocates for a deeper awareness of 20th-century Italian art and its legacy today. By bringing into dialogue the work of Italian modern artists with contemporary artists from around the world, CIMA’s installations raise awareness of the legacy and lasting influence of 20th-century Italian ar