The word diva is often used these days to denote bad behavior and outsized arrogance but in its original incarnation, it was coined to described someone whose artistic gifts were, in fact, divine….a gift from God. So, it is with this original interpretation that I acknowledge the presence at the Montreal World Film Festival of a true cinematic diva, the Italian actress Stefania Sandrelli.   Sandrelli has been part of the cinema firmament for over 60 years. As with her...

Director Mario Monicelli and Japanese film noir will play the lead in two of the Festival retrospectives. The work of Italian maestro Mario Monicelli and the specific treatment dedicated to film noir by Japanese cinema throughout its history will play the leading part in this year’s edition of San Sebastian Festival, to take place from 18-27 September. CLASSIC RETROSPECTIVE: MARIO MONICELLIComedy was one of the most important genres in the Italian cinema of the 1950s and 60s. Outstanding among...

ROME FOREVER IN THE ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL UK8 to 28 April 2005All roads lead to Rome for the 12th edition of the Italian Film Festival UK, the annual showcase for the best of il cinema italiano, supported by the country’s cultural institutions in Scotland and London and a whole host of companies with Italian connections. It runs in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Aberdeen and Dundee from 8 to 28 April 2005.The Eternal City will be the focus for a unique Retrospective and associated Exh...

ROME FOREVER IN THE ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL UK8 to 28 April 2005All roads lead to Rome for the 12th edition of the Italian Film Festival UK, the annual showcase for the best of il cinema italiano, supported by the country’s cultural institutions in Scotland and London and a whole host of companies with Italian connections. It runs in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Aberdeen and Dundee from 8 to 28 April 2005.The Eternal City will be the focus for a unique Retrospective and associated Exh...