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Institutional Letters of Support
JUSTIN P.J. TRUDEAU
The RT Hon., PC, MP, Prime Minister of Canada
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I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending the 10th anniversary edition of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF).
This festival offers audiences a wonderful opportunity to experience some of the best of contemporary Italian cinema while gaining insight into the fi lmmaking process. This year’s event includes the return of the popular Lavazza Drive-In Film Festival, featuring a selection of recent works from around the globe. I am certain that everyone in attendance will be entertained and engaged by the fi lms being showcased this year.
It continues to be a challenging time for planning and hosting events. That is why I would like to thank the organizers for their hard work and dedication in ensuring this year’s ICFF could still take place. You can take pride in your commitment to promoting a greater understanding of Italian culture and arts.
Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable and engaging experience.
MARCO E.L. MENDICINO
The Hon., P.C., M.P. Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
As Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, I would like to extend my greetings to everyone taking part in the 10th anniversary of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF) and the 2nd edition of the Lavazza Drive-In Film Festival. I would also like to commend the ICFF for its adaptability during the pandemic by allowing fans to connect across the country with the online component of the festival.
Over the years, ICFF has celebrated the many talented fi lmmakers of Italian heritage. We hope that Canadians of all backgrounds will take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy everything the festival has to offer this year. I invite all Canadians to learn more about our rich Italian heritage and celebrate the common values we all share, showing how Canada is stronger because of our diversity. Best wishes for another successful fi lm festival.
Buona visione a tutti!
LISA MACLEOD
Hon., Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries
On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I am delighted to welcome everyone to the 2021 Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF).
I would also like to congratulate the ICFF on its tenth anniversary, and for bringing some of the best of contemporary Italian, Canadian and International cinema to Ontario. The diversity and vision of our culture and its artists will help shape Ontario’s post COVID-19 economy and identity.
Thank you to the film creators, festival staff and volunteers for their hard work and for entertaining and inspiring us all.
Auguri!
onourable L isa MacLeod For many years, I have been involved with the Italian Contemporary Film Festival and have seen its growth throughout the entire and Culture province of Ontario. Every year, your films bring the Italian community together and attract those from all backgrounds Industries and walks of life.
During these difficult times, it’s amazing to see the 10th annual ICFF On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I am delighted to welcome everyone and 2nd Lavazza Drive-In Film Festival continue. I know this year’s events will be bigger and better than ever before. With so many to the people struggling with anxiety and stress, these events keep our community socially connected and bring a real sense of normalcy to everyone who attends. on its tenth anniversary, and for bringing some of the best of contemporary Italian, Canadian and international cinema to and its artists will help shape Ontario’s
From the bottom of my heart – thank you to the ICFF for bringing MICHAEL TIBOLLO happiness and joy to the lives of so many during such a difficult time. Today, we join all of you in celebrating the vibrant, rich heritage and Hon., Associate Minister of culture of the Canadian community of Italian heritage, and all of its Mental Health and Addictions incredible accomplishments.
ANDREA FERRARI
Italian Ambassador-designate
A lot has been asked of us during these difficult times, which I hope we will very soon leave behind. We have made significant sacrifices but it has not dulled our spirit of initiative or the desire to make art and enjoy life that are synonymous with our country.
The Italian Contemporary Film Festival is concrete proof of this will. Film is a powerful tool for cultural growth, thanks to its ability to convey feelings and emotions to a wide and varied audience directly and effectively.
At this critical time, the ICFF organizers have shown great resilience and creativity, as usual. By turning the Festival into a drive-in, while also making the programming available on an online platform, they have brought together innovation and tradition, two key elements of Italian culture.
This year’s film selection is once again rich and varied, and includes among others the North American première of Gabriele Muccino’s latest film “The Best Years.” And, we will also have the pleasure of rediscovering award-winning films from past editions, which are screening in celebration of the ICFF’s tenth anniversary.
Italy has a long and proud history of excellence in the film industry, with a wealth of outstanding actors, directors, screenwriters and composers, toghether with very skilled film crews. And still today, Italian cinema continues to amaze us with beauty and emotions that are unique to its cultural tradition.
In fact, the Italian film industry is recognized as a national treasure for its elevated cultural and economic significance, and it enjoys the full support of both the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
My very best wishes go to the organizers for another successful Festival, and to this year’s audiences for an engaging and enjoyable Italian film experience!
EUGENIO SGRO’
Consul General of Italy, City of Toronto
SILVIA COSTANTINI
Consul General of Italy in Montreal
It is with great pleasure that I extend my congratulations to the ICFF team on the 10th anniversary of its mission in celebrating the best of Italian culture!
Once again, the creativity, the ingenuity and the brilliance of everyone who is a part of the ICFF promise to dazzle and entertain all who take part in this year’s diverse, educational and inspirational festival events.
It is admirable that in addition to the much-loved cinematic offerings safely showcased through drive-in venues, outdoor theatres and online platform, the Festival infuses other compelling elements of the Italian culture such as architecture/design, technology, literature, fashion, music and culinary delights to its events.
In applauding the determination and imagination of the ICFF for continuing its efforts to meet the expectations of thousands of eager participants, I congratulate everyone who has collaborated and contributed to the success of another highly commendable season.
We are extremely proud of our Italian heritage and we are committed to its celebration!
It is my pleasure to extend to you the invitation and to welcome to attend the 10th edition of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF).
This year’s movies will be presented both with in-person drive-in screenings and online for the streaming viewers. However we choose to experience it, the festival will guarantee us the possibility to connect through the symbols and images of our Italian lifestyle and artistic heritage.
I am really proud of the efforts that the Italian movie-makers and troupes have overcome in a period of such working hardship. By effectively disseminating the Italian cultural diplomacy and thereby upholding our global honour in the industry under any circumstances. I therefore look forward to watching the creative potential of Italian productions and welcome the audience to the open “theatres” which, as the late Gigi Proietti said, are “where everything is fake, yet nothing is false!”
Let the reel spin again and buona visione a tutti e tutte!
FABIO MESSINEO
Consul General of Italy, City of Vancouver
VERONICA MANSON
We are thrilled to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival that, thanks to its online platform, will be available also in Western Canada where we will be able to enjoy a selection of Italian fi lms from the comfort of our homes.
It will be a real pleasure for the vast Italian-Canadian communities who live here, with the hope to soon overcome these challenging times and to resume watching a movie in a theatre together with our family and friends as we used to do in a recent past that feels so far.
The Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver thanks all the ICFF staff and is proud to contribute to the promotion of this event also in Western Canada, where Italian lifestyle is greatly appreciated and we are certain that it will be enjoyed by a large crowd of Italian cinema lovers.
Molti auguri e buona visione a tutti!
Some say that a picture is worth a thousand words. A motion picture is even more powerful. 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 narratives to the screen to talk about modern day Italy.
The Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Toronto is very glad to support l’Altra Italia and this year’s eventful 10th edition of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival – even more so in these trying times – 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.
PROUD SUPPORTER
OF THE 2021 TENTH ANNUAL ICFF
JOHN TORY
Mayor of Toronto
It is my pleasure to extend greetings and a warm welcome to everyone participating in the 10th Italian Contemporary Film Festival.
I commend festival organizers for fi nding a unique way to present the best in Italian fi lm and culture featuring a special selection of online fi lms as well as showcasing Italian architecture, cuisine, fashion and more.
Toronto’s Arts and Culture sector has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving forward with events like the Italian Contemporary Film Festival not only brings a sense of hope and joy to people’s lives but they are also an important way of supporting the diversity within our city. Events like yours promote intercultural connections including tolerance, understanding, friendship and social cohesion.
On behalf of Toronto City Council, I wish everyone an enjoyable and memorable event. Please accept my best wishes for continued success.
MAURIZIO BEVILACQUA
Mayor of Vaughan
I am pleased to extend greetings to everyone participating in the 2021 Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF).
As we continue to respond to the global COVID-19 pandemic, I am encouraged to see ICFF creating new and innovative ways to support local and international talent and provide opportunities for artists to develop their skills.
Celebrating art and cultural expression enriches people’s lives and helps foster a welcoming and vibrant community. We recognize the important role this year’s event will play in showcasing artists and entrepreneurs from around the world who highlight the best of Italian culture and cinema.
I want to thank the volunteers and supporters of ICFF and the talented artists for celebrating Italian heritage and creating an opportunity for fi lm buffs to enjoy the magic of contemporary cinema. Your dedication and passion for the arts keep our communities connected and provide opportunities to fi nd adventure and inspiration through fi lm.
Please accept my best wishes for a memorable and successful event.
CHRISTA DICKENSON
Executive Director, Telefi lm Canada
MATTEO PICARIELLO
Italian Trade Commissioner
A celebration of artistry in fi lm, festivals provide an important venue to showcase Canadian creativity across the country and beyond. That is why we are proud to support the 2021 Italian Contemporary Film Festival!
This past year more than ever, Canada has shown the many innovative and resourceful ways in which we make our audiovisual sector thrive. We have given the world many reasons to take notice of Canada and why we continue to be a Partner of Choice!
Our mission to foster and elevate authentic storytelling from Canadians of all backgrounds, especially those of underrepresented communities, is more pressing than ever before. At Telefi lm, our priority to create a more representative screen-based industry continues as our efforts across all our initiatives, including our funding programs, increase.
Stronger together, I want to thank and congratulate the 2021 Italian Contemporary Film Festival for continuing its work of uplifting a diversity of voices through fi lms and celebrating the brilliance of Canadian content at home and around the world.
As always, continue to watch Canadian fi lms wherever they are available and tell others to do the same!
The Italian Trade Commission is highly involved in the audiovisual sector facilitating synergies between producers, directors, broadcasters and distributors and nurturing growth and work towards the widest possible distribution in Canada. With this directive in mind we work closely with many organizations in Italy such as ANICA, Luce Cinecitta, DOC IT and many others by aiding Italian audiovisual experts in accessing and participating in key North American markets such as TIFF HOT DOCS and ICFF.
It is with great pleasure that the Italian Trade Commission participates at ICFF Industry Day as it is an exceptional gateway into Canada and a showcase of Italian contemporary cinema that encourages Italian-Canadian co-productions and distribution.
The organizers and staff of ICFF continue to show a strong commitment to the audiovisual industry.
We commend this initiative and trust that this year Industry Day will further strengthen and stimulate Italian Canadian collaborations in the audiovisual industry given the wonderful outcome of last year’s edition.
