6 minute read
Institutional Letters of Support
from ICFF 2022 - Program Booklet
by ICFF
ANDREA FERRARI
Ambassador of Italy, in Canada
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EUGENIO SGRO’
Consul General of Italy, in Toronto
In just a decade, the ICFF has become one of the most important events in Canada for the promotion of Italian arts and culture, with a special dedication to cinema. Film has the magical power to connect us, across societies and borders and to convey important messages and deep emotions, uniting audiences in the power of a shared experience. I am glad to see that this year the Festival is returning to in-person screenings and that several will take place under the stars in some of Toronto’s most pleasant outdoor spaces. The fi lms in the program are fi rstclass productions and I am sure you will be delighted by them, as they are among the best new titles from major Italian directors. From comedies to dramas to documentaries, you will not want to miss this “assaggio“, this taste, of Italian culture and lifestyle as you enjoy the Canadian summer. The Festival also represents a great opportunity for the industry side of fi lmmaking, with important business events that further build and strengthen the connections between Canada and Italy in this dynamic sector. Special appreciation goes to the organizers, who have done a wonderful job of bringing to Canada this varied and engaging selection of fi lms, among them the not-to-be-missed “Ennio“ by Giuseppe Tornatore, a loving look at the life and work of the late maestro Ennio Morricone, the Italian icon, whose music has marked the history of contemporary cinema. On this note, I wish you warm summer evenings under the spell of a captivating story, enjoyed once again in the company of fellow fi lm lovers.
“Buon cinema“ to all.
I wish to extend my strongest appreciation to the directors, members of the Board and volunteers of the ICFF for this 11th edition of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival that has truly become an anticipated yearly appointment to discover Italy’s most recent fi lm productions. Cinema is indisputably one of the forms of elaboration of a cultural vision of an era, in a specifi c historical moment. Spreading Italian cinema abroad therefore means spreading the cultural subjectivity of our country, its values, and distinctive characteristics. Cinema is a privileged instrument of guidance and understanding of the social and cultural dynamics in an evolving society, such as Italy. The ICFF in Canada is proudly supported by the Italian Embassy in Ottawa, the Consulates General of Italy in Toronto and in Montreal, along with the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Toronto and in Montreal and the Italian Trade Commission, underlining the constant institutional support to this event. We congratulate ICFF as the Festival continues to bring a rich selection of fi lms featuring some of Italy’s latest movie releases, along with timeless classics, in hopes that this event will stimulate the processes of thought and memory in its users which ultimately will bring our community closer to that of the country that hosts us.
SILVIA COSTANTINI
Consul General of Italy, in Montreal
FABIO MESSINEO
Consul General of Italy, in Vancouver
As Permanent Representative of Italy to ICAO and concurrently Consul General of Italy in Montréal, I warmly welcome and greet the audience, organisers and sponsors of the 11th edition of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF).
The resilience of the Festival and its ability to adapt to the diffi cult circumstances in these last 2 years and more of the pandemic embodies the strength, the passion and the dedication shown by the Italian creative community, which has been able to continue its excellent, outstanding work. I am more than confi dent that Italian talented fi lm-makers, as well as everyone who is involved in one of the many professions which bring the magic of movies to life on screen, will once again be able to capture the imagination of the public here in Canada like in Italy and everywhere in the world.
ICFF has become a reference in the movie industry also in Quebec, where Italian citizens and people of Italian origin or heritage have long held a prominent place in shaping the local cultural and artistic scene in a variety of ways.
I wish everyone a good and enriching experience at the Festival!
We join with enthusiasm the celebrations for this new edition of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival, which - with its vast program - is able to convey the best of Italian cinema across Canada as it has been doing for more than a decade.
The Festival-goers can enjoy the exciting experience to travel with their imagination to our Country thanks to the movies and many other ICFF special events, sharing a wider understanding of Italian lifestyle and culture.
The Consulate General in Vancouver will proudly contribute to the promotion of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival in our jurisdiction: we are certain that this edition will transmit feelings and emotions, which will engage the Western Canadian audience and the local Italian community.
Buon Festival a tutti!
VERONICA MANSON
There is no better way to discover Italy than through its rich cinema. Storytelling via a cinematographic medium is a formidable and immediate way to portray a country, its people, and its culture. Italy is renowned worldwide for its great fi lm directors from Fellini to Antonioni, to Rossellini to name a few. But there is a whole new generation of visionary, contemporary Italian fi lm directors that bring their own narrative to the screen to talk about modern-day Italy and the Italian Contemporary Film Festival is a formidable way to discover today’s Italy and its newest or more recent movie releases.
The Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Toronto is very glad to support ICFF and this year’s 11th edition as the Festival continues to bring a rich selection featuring Italy’s latest movie releases.
We congratulate ICFF for another season full of exciting initiatives and great cinema.
MAURIZIO BEVILACQUA
Mayor of Vaughan
Benvenuti! Welcome to the 11th annual Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF) – where the beauty of culture, creativity and community come together to celebrate the power and magic of fi lm.
I am pleased to support the ICFF and its mission to promote creative expression and the art of storytelling through movies. Vaughan is proud to be among the host cities screening ICFF fi lms in our local theatres.
The ICFF has captured the imagination of artists and movie lovers alike. This annual event has grown to become the largest Italian Film Festival outside of Italy, and continues to attract attention and interest from fans around the globe.
Film is a powerful and captivating medium that can be enriching, entertaining and a truly defi ning element of our personal and national identities. I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to the artists, creators and organizers for their important role in bringing this magnifi cent production to life.
