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1-50 of 161
- Actress
- Additional Crew
- Director
Stefania Spampinato was born in Catania, Sicily, Italy and grew up in a small town at the base of the Etna Volcano called Belpasso. She started dancing at 6 years old. Her passion for the arts at a young age was undeniable so her mother started making her dance costumes so she could afford her daughter's tuition. After graduating high school with honors, she moved to Milan where she got a BA in performing arts. This lead to a very successful career in dance & theatre that lasted over 10 years traveling all over to locations like Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, Mumbai, Berlin and included collaborations with Joaquin Cortez, Kylie Minogue, Leona Lewis, The Voice UK and X Factor US & UK. In 2011 she bought a one way ticket to Los Angeles. Since 2017 she is a recurring cast member of the record breaking ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy and one of the leads of it's spin off show Station19 where she also portraits Dr. Carina Deluca. Among other projects she's been cast in the Oscar winning James Mangold movie "Ford vs Ferrari" starring Matt Damon & Christian Bale, in October 2019 she appeared as the leading female in the Italian comedy "Il Giorno più bello del mondo" written, directed and starring Italian comedy master Alessandro Siani. Her directorial debut, the short film titled "Zita Sempri" will premier worldwide at the Taormina film Festival on July 1st 2022- Simone Susinna was born on 14 November 1993 in Catania, Italy. He is an actor, known for 365 Days: This Day (2022), Heaven in Hell (2023) and The Next 365 Days (2022).
- Miriam Leone was born in Catania, Sicily, to Gabriella Leone, a municipal employee, and Ignazio Leone, a retired teacher. As a child, she lived in Aci Catena, where her parents were from.
In 2008, she was the winner of the 69th edition of the Miss Italy beauty contest that opened for her the doors of the entertainment world. She presented the TV show Unomattina Estate (1992), was the judge of the Ciak Award and the host of the Nastro d'Argento award ceremony in 2011.
She started her acting career doing small roles on TV and cinema before debut as lead actress in television series Distretto di polizia (2000), La dama velata (2015), Thou Shalt Not Kill (2015) and the trilogy 1992 (2015), 1993 (2017), and 1994 (2019) about the Tangentopoli scandal. In 2021, she played Eva Kant, the main role of the movie adaptation of the comics series Diabolik (2021).
She has been married to Paolo Carullo since September 18, 2021. - Editor
- Editorial Department
- Producer
Though he's cut celluloid for some of the best in the business, chances are many film lovers wouldn't even recognize the name Pietro Scalia in a lineup of Hollywood's best film editors. Born in Sicily in 1960, Scalia resided in Switzerland before heading to Los Angeles to continue his education. After receiving his M.F.A. in Film and Theater Arts from U.C.L.A. in 1985, Scalia began his career as an assistant editor to Oliver Stone on such features as Wall Street (1987) and Talk Radio (1988). Later coming into his own with such films as JFK (1991) (for which he received a Best Editing Oscar) and Sam Raimi's The Quick and the Dead (1995), Scalia continued to work on such high-profile films as Stealing Beauty (1996) and G.I. Jane (1997). Scalia also received Best Editor Oscar nominations for Good Will Hunting (1997) and Gladiator (2000), though he would have to wait until the following year for his next win at the Oscars, as he received the Best Editing Award for director Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down (2001).- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Giuseppe Fiorello was born on 12 March 1969 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He is an actor and writer, known for Fireworks (2023), The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) and Terraferma (2011). He has been married to Eleonora Pratelli since 16 October 2010. They have two children.- Actress
- Director
- Writer
Donatella Finocchiaro was born on 16 November 1970 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. She is an actress and director, known for Angela (2002), The Wedding Director (2006) and Galantuomini (2008).- Actor
- Stunts
Pietro Torrisi was born on 20 January 1940 in Catania, Italy. He is an actor, known for Popeye (1980), Casanova (2005) and The Arena (1974).- Actress
- Director
- Writer
Tea Falco was born on 11 August 1986 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. She is an actress and director, known for Me and You (2012), Ceci n'est pas un cannolo (2018) and La solita commedia: Inferno (2015).- Marianna started her career as a model when she was only fifteen years old, working with top brands like Ermanno Scervino, Fendi, Giorgio Armani and appearing in magazines such as Vogue, Elle and L'Officiel. In 2008 Marianna participated at the competition for the title of Miss Italia, gaining the silver medal. Soon after she left for New York City to attend acting classes at The Lee Strasberg's Theatre and Film Institute. Back to Rome, Marianna started her career as an actress starring in popular TV series such as Come un Delfino (1 & 2), Benvenuti a Tavola 2 and Matrimoni e altre follie. Her outstanding performance in her first film leading role, Un Fantastico Via Vai (by L. Pieraccioni), got her to win the Oscar dei Giovani 2013 given by the Italian Presidency. Her performance in Guy Ritchie's film, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., gave Marianna the opportunity to reach a worldwide audience, overwhelming Italy's borders. We recently saw her leading role in the independent movie Come Saltano i Pesci and in Hundred to go, futuristic mini-serie produced by Fox International in collaboration with BMW, where she plays a rough tattoo artist who's indispensable to save mankind's future. In autumn she'll be starring (again as a leading) in the Italo-Canadian production Voice of the Wolf, a thriller feature movie about the werewolf's's legend also starring Christopher Lambert.
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Saro Urzì was born on 24 February 1913 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He was an actor, known for Seduced and Abandoned (1964), The Godfather (1972) and In the Name of the Law (1949). He died on 2 November 1979 in San Giuseppe Vesuviano, Campania, Italy.- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Very clever and versatile Italian comic actor, Jerry began his career in cabaret when he acted in the famous Italian group "Gatti di vicolo Miracoli", he composed and performed many songs with this group. He got married once to the famous Italian show girl, Mara Venier.- Francesco Foti was born on 24 September 1965 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He is an actor, known for Il cacciatore (2018), Tiger Boy (2012) and Il capo dei capi (2007).
- Franco Diogene was born on 20 October 1947 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He was an actor, known for Midnight Express (1978), The Name of the Rose (1986) and Interzone (1989). He was married to Mariella Denari. He died on 28 May 2005 in Genova, Italy.
- Mimi Aguglia was born in Palermo, Sicily, on a theater stage in 1884, when her mother, Giuseppina Aguglia, a famous Sicilian actress, was playing Desdimona in William Shakespeare's "Othello". The newborn was named Giroloma in honor of her grandfather, but everyone called her by her nick name: Mimi. Before she was four years old, Mimi was singing and dancing as a warm-up act before her mother's dramatic performances. By age 16 she was given supporting roles and soon became a major leading lady. At 18 she met Baron Vincenzo Ferrau, a Sicilian nobleman, and soon, against her parents' wishes, Mimi and Vincenzo eloped. Together with her theatrical colleagues, Angelo Musco and Giovanni Grasso, the first Sicilian Theatrical Company was born, with Vincenzo as the producer. The company began touring Italy, performing plays in the Sicilian dialect and became so successful that they expanded their tour throughout Europe and played command performances before heads of state, including the Kings of Spain and England as well as the King of Croatia. Mimi became one of the leading theatrical divas of her time and enjoyed the company of such personages as international opera star Enrico Caruso and the inventor of the wireless telegraph (known more commonly as radio), Guglielmo Marconi. She then began to do plays in Spanish and English. Her international tours soon included the US, Canada and Central and South America. In Mexico her company's performance even created a cease-fire between revolutionary leader Pancho Villa's forces and federal troops during the Mexican revolution, so all could enjoy her performance. While in New York, writer Henry Miller saw her perform and included a multi-page glowing critique of her work in one of his major novels, "Plexus, the Rosy Cruisfixion". In 1945 Mimi became a naturalized American citizen and expanded her work to include motion pictures in the US, Italy and Mexico. She had three children, one of whom, Argentina Brunetti, became a leading American motion picture character actress and journalist. Mimi continued to work as a character actress into her 80s. In 1970 she died of a stroke at the Motion Picture Country Home in Woodland Hills, California.
- A radio and TV show host, Diletta Leotta made her television debut in 2011 on Sky, in the weather forecast, and then later on Sky Sport where from 2015 to 2018, she hosted Sky Serie B and Goal Deejay. In 2018, on channel La7 she was the host of Miss Italy and the Gazzetta Sport Awards, while on Fox Life she emcees Il Contadino cerca moglie. Since July 2018, she is the leading woman of DAZN, where she hosts Diletta Goal and Linea Diletta. Also, on TV, for two years she graced the stage of the Sanremo Festival: in the year 2017 as a guest, while in last year's 70th show, she paired with Amadeus on the opening and the final evenings. In radio, since 2017 she has been one of the voices and faces of Radio 105 (channel 105 TV) where together with Daniele Battaglia she hosts 105 Take Away. In 2018 and 2019 she hosted the Grand Gala of Soccer, and also in 2019, the Sports Festival, too.
- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Fiorello was born on 16 May 1960 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He is an actor and writer, known for The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), Viva Raiplay (2019) and E viva il videobox (2024). He has been married to Susanna Biondo since 14 June 2003. They have one child.- Rebecca Casiraghi is a famous italian lingerie model. Rebecca Casiraghi worked for Aubade Lingerie brand, one of the most important lingerie brand in France, she also worked for famous photographers of South of France, like Sylvio Testa and Marc Laurin. in 2018 Rebecca was cover for Playboy Italy and the new face of Laura Biagiotti Eyewear
- Mario Opinato was born in Catania, Sicily, on July 26, 1964, where he began his career as a dancer in a contemporary Dance Theatre Company. In July 1990, after a year spent in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) where he studied Latin American dances such as salsa, merengue, and samba, he moved to Los Angeles where he studied at the Lee Strasberg Actors Studio in Hollywood.
He has since played leading and supporting roles in such American stage productions as "The Threepenny Opera" (by Bertolt Brecht), "Cecè" (by Luigi Pirandello), "Camino Real" and "27 Wagons Full of Cotton" (by Tennessee Williams), and "The Necklace' and "The Forbidden Fruit" (Guy de Maupassant). In 1994, he got his first part in The Dangerous (1995), starring Joel Grey and Elliott Gould. He has appeared in over 20 films, from large budget to independent films as well as television shows. His studio pictures include Double Team (1997), The Muse (1999), The Good War (2002), Paul, Apostle of Christ (2018), All the Money in the World (2017), 2047: Sights of Death (2014), Annamaura (2012), and The Card Player (2003). - Actor
- Additional Crew
- Producer
Leo Gullotta was born on 9 January 1946 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He is an actor and producer, known for A Respectable Man (1999), Cinema Paradiso (1988) and Zootopia (2016). He has been married to Fabio Grossi since 2019.- Tiziana Lodato was born on 10 November 1976 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. She is an actress, known for The Star Maker (1995), Gente di mare (2005) and Handsome Anthony (2005).
- Actress
- Producer
Ester Pantano was born on 29 June 1990 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. She is an actress and producer, known for Così è la vita (2012), Imma Tataranni sostituto procuratore (2019) and Màkari (2021).- Actress
- Additional Crew
- Production Department
Aurora Rosselli is an Artist, Photographer, Designer, Influencer, and Entrepreneur. Born and raised in Italy, she began her education at the Liceo Artistico and became devoted to the world of Art. After that, she enrolled at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Catania, where she continued gathering the tools necessary to express her passions you see today throughout her original artwork. She quickly gained popularity in Italy and later on her artwork was displayed in exhibits across Europe and the US. The extensive, formal background she gained of fine arts is today incorporated into her entrepreneurial perspective and has enhanced rather than formed her artistic viewpoint capturing the beautiful Art of everyday scenery and culture in her work.- Producer
- Production Manager
- Director
Giorgio Bruno was born in Catania on August 5, 1985. He started to take its first steps in the movie business shooting short films entirely self-produced. At 21 he began working as backstages author for various films and TV series and, successively, as a production assistant. In 2013 he founded, with Angelo D'Agate, the Explorer Entertainment with whom he produced his first feature film "The Perfect Husband", directed by Lucas Pavetto; a violent and bloody thriller, shot entirely in English, designed and built for a global market . The film has got great recognition around the international festivals and won the "Los Angeles Horror Competition" and the "Fantafestival" in 2014. In the same year Giorgio Bruno was executive producer of "The Voyage", a dramatic Road Movie with a great Gerard Depardieu. In 2015 he produced with Emanuele Moretti, young independent producer, the horror "Bite", directed by Alberto Sciamma. The film starring a great cast that boasts great names as Vinnie Jones (X Men - The Last Stand, and Euro Trip) and Costas Mandylor (The Saw franchise) got good reviews, and partecipated at the "Sitges" festival. This was also the first film that has been entirely post- produced by Explorer Entertainment and its in-house laboratory. Also in 2015, Giorgio Bruno co-produced and directed his first film "Almost Dead" for the international market, a good mix of horror-drama completely set in a car. Along with Almost Dead, comes "Uninhged" a visionary thriller directed by Giorgio Serafini with Sean Patrick Flanery as a protagonists (Powder, Dexter) and Eric Balfour (Texas Chainsaw Massacre), shot entirely in the United States. Both films got good foreign distribution that puts them right away in stand-out on the world market. 2016 started with a new international production boasting increasingly important names. Dominique Swain (Face Off and Lolita) and William McNamara (Copycat) are the protagonists of "Deprivation" a horror / sci-fi, directed by Brian Skiba. In early 2017, Giorgio Bruno has written, produced and directed his second movie "My little baby", a declaration of love for the 80's horror films. Shot entirely in Florida, USA, the film boasts the presence of a great cast, with John Ashton, the Sergeant Taggart from Beverly Hills Cop and Jeremy Sande co star of Thriller Deepwater Horizon by Peter Berg.- Producer
- Director
- Writer
Described by many critics as a promising director with a touch of Hollywood theatricality, Giovanni Marzagalli, known by his artistic name John Real, has made a name for himself in the Italian film scene with remarkable performances in genre cinema. This talented young artist from Catania has carved out a niche for himself by defining a distinct style and genre, offering a fresh perspective that sets him apart from the traditional offerings of Italian cinema. He strives to be recognized for his unique approach and the American influence that permeates his works, starting with his film titles.
In 2011, at the age of 21, Real won the Golden Globe for Best Breakthrough Director for his film "Native," marking him as the youngest director in Europe. The film premiered at the 68th Venice Film Festival in the festival's "digital expo" section and had the honor of opening at the prestigious Fantasy Horror Awards 2011. In 2012, John founded Real Dreams Entertainment Srl, a production company that immediately embarked on the creation of the thriller film "Midway Between Life and Death" (2013). Real Dreams made its mark in film distribution, releasing the film nationwide in Italy. The film received excellent feedback from critics, who praised its unique blend of suspense, drama, and paranormal elements, and was among the seven Italian films representing Italy at the 2014 Oscars. On August 7, 2014, Real was a guest at the Italian Horror Fest along with renowned directors such as Dario Argento, Ruggero Deodato, and Luigi Cozzi. He was honored with the IHF 2014 award, recognizing him as a director symbolizing a genre that has been a tradition in Italian cinema and was being revitalized by young filmmakers. In the following year, he also won Best Director at the I-Art Festival. In 2017, Real made his debut in the realm of episodic with the highly acclaimed TV series "Feel the Dead - Five Days," starring Estella Warren and William McNamara. The TV series received five awards at the monthly independent festival Oniros Film Awards in Aosta, Italy, including Best Director, Best TV Series, and Best Horror Drama. Real returned to the big screen with "The Music Box" (2019), winning him four more awards including Best Director. Soon after, Real delved into psychological thriller territory with his film "Obsessio" (2019), receiving eight awards including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Production.
Continuing his streak of success, Real's highly anticipated adventure fantasy film, "The Last Redemption," (James Cosmo, Kevin Sorbo, Angus MacFadyen) is in post-production and awaiting theatrical and distribution release worldwide. With its high-stakes plot, adrenaline-fueled action sequences, and Real's masterful direction, "The Last Redemption" is poised to be another captivating addition to Real's body of work.- Ada Pometti was born on 13 May 1942 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. She is an actress, known for Watch Out, We're Mad (1974), Acts of the Apostles (1969) and La pelle sotto gli artigli (1975).
- Ludovico Tomarchio was born on 6 January 1886 in Catania, Italy. He was an actor, known for Swiss Miss (1938). He died on 25 June 1947 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Director
Turi Ferro was born on 10 January 1921 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He was an actor and director, known for Malicious (1973), Mastro Don Gesualdo (1964) and Melissa (1966). He was married to Ida Carrara. He died on 10 May 2001 in Catania, Sicily, Italy.- Laura Torrisi was born on 7 December 1979 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. She is an actress, known for Tuscan Passion (2012), Sharm el Sheikh - Un'estate indimenticabile (2010) and A Beautiful Wife (2007).
- Writer
- Director
- Composer
Giovanni Grimaldi was born on 14 November 1917 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He was a writer and director, known for Brutti di notte (1968), I 2 deputati (1968) and Le inibizioni del dottor Gaudenzi, vedovo col complesso della buonanima (1971). He died on 25 February 2001 in Rome, Lazio, Italy.- Guia Jelo was born in Catania, where she graduated from Teatro Stabile in 1974. After that, she was trained by Giorgio Strehler at Piccolo Teatro in Milan. After a long career in theater, she debuted in cinemas with the films "Corleone", "Chiedo Asilo" and "Le Buttane" by Aurelio Grimaldi, which won her a nomination for Best Actress at Cannes Film Festival in 1994. She played in other numerous films among which: "Volesse il cielo" by Vincenzo Salemme, "E adesso sesso" by Carlo Vanzina, "Strangled Lives" by Ricky Tognazzi, "Il mio nome è Thomas" by and with Terence Hill, "L'erede", by Michele Zampino and "La scomparsa di Patò" by Andrea Camilleri and directed by Rocco Mortelliti. Recently, she was in "La befana vien di notte: le origini" by Guaglianone and Menotti and directed by Paola Randi. She appeared on television in numerous shows such as: "La piovra 9", "Il commissario Montalbano", "Incantesimo 7 e 8", "I Cesaroni 3", "L'onore e il rispetto", "Un caso di Coscienza" and "Le più belle frasi di Osho".
- Renato Montalbano was born on 17 May 1931 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He was an actor, known for Jesus of Nazareth (1977), Madame Bovary (1978) and The Conqueror of the Orient (1960). He died on 18 March 2019 in Rome, Italy.
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Lorenzo Patanè was born on 20 November 1976 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He is an actor, known for All the Money in the World (2017), Child K (2014) and Tatort (1970).- David Coco was born on 25 October 1970 in Catania, Italy. He is an actor, known for L'uomo di vetro (2007), Sposami (2012) and Il cacciatore (2018).
- Federico Pedroni was born in 1998 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He is an actor, known for Tarot: A Documentary Love Story (2014), The 10 Year Plan (2014) and H.P. Lovecraft: Two Left Arms (2013).
- Salvatore Billa was born on 31 March 1943 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He was an actor, known for Ginger & Fred (1986), Year of the Gun (1991) and The Big Racket (1976). He died on 22 May 2006 in Rome, Lazio, Italy.
- Actor
- Writer
- Casting Department
Maurizio Nicolosi was born on 13 May 1966 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He is an actor and writer, known for La piovra (1984), Vuoto a perdere (2020) and One Hundred Steps (2000).- Aldo Puglisi was born on 12 April 1935 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He is an actor, known for Seduced and Abandoned (1964), Marriage Italian Style (1964) and When Women Lost Their Tails (1972).
- Script and Continuity Department
- Writer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Sebastiano Riso was born on 3 July 1983 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. Sebastiano is a writer and assistant director, known for Darker Than Midnight (2014), A Family (2017) and Audrey la mer.- Actor
- Writer
Tuccio Musumeci was born on 21 April 1934 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He is an actor and writer, known for Acquasanta Joe (1971), Lo voglio maschio (1971) and L'adolescente (1976).- Director
- Writer
Ubaldo Ragona was born on 1 December 1916 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He was a director and writer, known for The Last Man on Earth (1964), Baldoria nei Caraibi (1961) and Una vergine per un bastardo (1966). He died on 15 August 1987 in Rome, Lazio, Italy.- Editor
- Writer
- Director
Daniele Gangemi was born in Catania. At the age of fifteen he was fascinated by the world of photography and began experimenting, photographing and printing with an "analogue" reflex camera and all the tools of the time at his disposal. In those years he too began to work as an author and host in two local TV stations in his city. His versatility soon led him to radio too, where for more than fifteen years he was speaker and author of several and successful Sicilian radio programs. Between 2002 and 2003 in Bologna is the moment for him to make his debut as director, producer and screenwriter of the short film "Alter Ego" (a single sequence shot in super8 film). In 2007 Daniele was hired to take care of the photography of the historical-religious film "Petali di Rosa", with Claudia Koll and Antonella Ponziani, one of Federico Fellini's latest muses. In 2008 he is back in Catania to direct his first film, "Una notte blu cobalto", for which he also writes the story and the screenplay. He thus has the opportunity to select and direct well-known and talented actors and actresses such as Alessandro Haber, Corrado Fortuna, Regina Orioli and Valentina Carnelutti, and to entrust the composition of the original soundtrack to Giuliano Sangiorgi, the Negramaro frontman. In 2009 he was officially invited to compete at the 42nd Worldfest International Independent Film Festival in Houston, Texas (the oldest independent film festival in the world, known for having discovered over the years masters such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Ang Lee, Ridley Scott , Robert Rodriguez, the Coen Brothers, Spike Lee, Oliver Stone and David Lynch, giving them the first awards and the first opportunity to present their works to the public) where he will present in world premiere his film "A cobalt blue night" obtaining the prestigious award for "Best First Feature", which will give Gangemi the consecration as a leading talent and author of the indie scene of international cinema. In 2010 Bolero Film decided to bring his work to Italian cinemas and in 2011 CG Home Video began to market the DVDs of "A cobalt blue night" on the home video circuit all over the world. In 2013, on the occasion of the "XVII Child Victim Day", the historic organization "Meter", of the brave Don Fortunato Di Noto, contacted him to direct a campaign-spot against pedophilia and dedicated to the children victims. The same year sees the work of Daniele Gangemi appreciated by the "BBC Music Video Festival" with the music video "Safari Now", which he conceived, written and directed. From 2013 to today he also has the opportunity to work as Director of Photography for several young and promising directors, helping them in their debut. Since 2018 he has been the Founder and Artistic Director of the Militello Independent Film Fest, the international festival of independent cinema nicknamed Anti-Venice by the national press (due to its indie vocation and the coincidence with a few days of the Film Festival). the title of best independent Italian festival is taken by right, a record that until a few years ago was an exclusive of the Turin Film Festival, so much so that the much sought-after doors of the Italian Pavillon of the infamous Cannes Film Festival were even opened, for the official presentation of its second edition. Recently Gangemi has made as author and director the award-winning music video of the song "Silence in silence" by the well-known and appreciated Sicilian singer-songwriter Mario Venuti. At the end of October 2020 he launched the now cult Pilot Episode of the series entitled "Fratelli Noir", interpreted by Renny Zapato and Francesco Turrisi, with the original music by Salvo Bruno Dub, who in about a year was officially selected in the competition for almost 100 prestigious international film festivals, bringing home more than 40 awards. In 2021 he made the documentary entitled "Ti racconto tuo padre", on the figure of the well-known actor Fabrizio Bracconeri, undisputed glory of Italian TV of the 80s, who during a sea voyage (between the waves of the Mediterranean and the curves of memory) tries to tell about himself to his severely autistic son Emanuele, hoping that one day he too will understand his words, his story, his choices, his hopes and dreams as a father. On the other hand, 2022 is the time for Gangemi to devote himself to another documentary entitled "Qualcosa brucia ancora", which aims to be the cinematic opportunity to retrace the history of Mario Venuti, one of the most important and beloved contemporary Sicilian singer-songwriters, reviewing his first memories, his first steps in music, in a still underground and mysterious Catania, the "epic" decade with Denovo and subsequent years of success as a soloist that have led him to the present day. The latest "creature" and cinematographic challenge of the Director and Artistic Director Daniele Gangemi is the Latina Independent Film Festival, always under the banner of independence and auteur cinema. In April 2002 Gangemi, at only 41 years old, boasts already more than 60 prestigious awards officially certified by IMDb, the world cinema database.- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Gaetano Russo was born on 14 January 1950 in Acireale, Catania, Sicily, Italy. He is an actor and writer, known for Ladyhawke (1985), Crazy Blood (2006) and Trhauma (1980).- Editorial Department
- Actress
- Visual Effects
Manuela Spartà is an Italian actress. She appeared in several films, like Maschile Singolare (2021), Amici come noi (2014), Baaria - La porta del vento (2009), Family Game (2007), Lezioni di volo (2006) and Uno su due (2006). She also appeared in tv shows like Romanzo Famigliare (2018) and Squadra Antimafia (2015).- Actress
- Additional Crew
Goliarda Sapienza was born on 10 May 1924 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. She was an actress, known for Fabiola (1949), Times Gone By (1952) and Gli sbandati (1955). She was married to Francesco Maselli and Angelo Pellegrino. She died on 30 August 1996 in Gaeta, Lazio, Italy.- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Vincenzo Salvatore Bellini was born on November 2, 1801 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He was the first of seven children in a musical family. His grandfather gave him first piano lessons at the age of 3, and at the age of 5 young Bellini could play good piano to an audience. His first composition dates from around that age. He was granted a scholarship from the municipal government of Catania to study music at the Conservatory of Naples.
Bellini studied under composer Niccolo Zingarelli and a vocal teacher Girolamo Crescenti. His fellow student soprano Isabella Colbrani eventually became his wife. Bellini's graduation opera "Adelson e Salvini" generated a commission from the Royal court. Impresario Domenico Barbaja secured a commission for Bellini's opera for La Scala in Milan. "Il Pirata" started Bellini's fruitful partnership with the librettist Felice Romani, who complemented Bellini's flowing serpentine vocal lines with meticulously chosen words. Their tandem created 7 Bel canto operas in about six years.
In Paris Bellini received a commission from the Theatre Italien for "Il Puritani", which he composed on the libretto by Count Carlo Pepoli. It became a triumph over his competitor Gaetano Donizetti. Bellini was recognized by the leading cultural figures of his time; Franz Liszt, Mikhail Glinka, Frédéric Chopin, George Sand, Alfred de Musset, Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas, among others. Heinrich Heine was fond of Bellini's works; But he predicted that Bellini will die, like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Raphael, at the hight of his genius. Bellini died of peritonitis on September 23, 1835, in Paris, France, and was laid to rest in the cemetery of Pere Lachaise in Paris. In 1876 his remains were moved to the cathedral of his native town of Catania, Italy.
Bellini's opera "Norma" became a hallmark of the Bel canto style. It was premiered on December 26, 1831 at the La Scala, Milan, and initially had a cool reception on its first night. The title role is still considered the most difficult role in all of the soprano repertoire. Its performances by Maria Callas are among the finest. The extremely popular cavatina "Casta diva" was used in soundtracks for many films, such as A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999), The Game of their Lives, The Bridges of Madison County (1995), Atlantic City (1980), and Lorenzo's Oil (1992) among other films.- Fabrizio Corona was born on 29 March 1974 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He is an actor, known for Italian Business (2017), Squadra antimafia - Palermo oggi (2009) and Bedroom (2012).
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Guido Leontini was born on 21 March 1927 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. He was an actor, known for Tough Guys (1974), Il marchese di Roccaverdina (1972) and The Valachi Papers (1972). He died on 26 April 1996 in Catania, Sicily, Italy.- Actor
- Art Director
- Additional Crew
Cristian Lo Presti was born on 23 November 1994 in Catania, Italy. He is an actor and art director, known for The Liberty Show (2021), La Légende du Roi Arthur (2015) and Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2021 (2021).- Art Department
- Director
- Writer
Chris Darril is an Italian artist, writer and director. Creator of indie classic Remothered:Tormented Fathers, acclaimed from both public and critics and winner of numerous awards including "Game of the Year". With Remothered: Tormented Fathers, first chapter of the series, Darril gained the "Best Writing in a Drama" nomination at the NAVGTR 2019, competing against colossi such as God Of War, Marvel's Spider-Man and A Way Out. The title generated a video game sequel and a graphic novel spin off. Darril is a nominated academy member at the BAFTA Awards and juror but also committee member at SIG-IGDA.
Co-director of CVA nominee Forgotten Memories: Alternate Realities and nominated member and teacher of the scientific academy board committee for IUDAV: Institute of University Digital Animation and Videogame, his career includes experiences of work with Takashi Shimizu (Ju-On/The Grudge), Masahiro Ito (Silent Hill), Nobuko Toda (Metal Gear Solid IV: Guns of Patriots, Halo V), Kiyoshi Arai (Final Fantasy) and many others.
Darril was awarded with the highest recognition at the DStars Awards, the Game World Observer, defining him "the most important professional for his contribution to the Italian scene in 2020".
He is working on a new ambitious film together with John Ottman, Academy Award winner for Best Achievement in Film Editing for Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) and his Bye Sweet Carole (2024), announced at the Summer Game Fest 2023, is already on post production: a traditional animation homage to Disney and Don Bluth classics.- Grazia Di Marzà was born on 18 January 1922 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. She was an actress, known for Il marchese di Roccaverdina (1972), The Beast (1970) and Malicious (1973). She died on 17 April 1993 in Rome, Lazio, Italy.