ICFF Italian Contemporary Film Festival 2018

ICFF Italian Contemporary Film Festival 2018 had a very successful 7th year. With over 180 screenings in cities coast to coast (Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Niagara, Montreal, Quebec City and Vaughan and Vancouver) the festival shared the best of Italian culture with all Canadians. The bond between the Italy and Canada continues to get stronger every year.

Antonio Albanese & Cristiano de Florentiis

Giuseppe Battiston

Italian Contemporary Film Fesrival 2018

The opening night film at TIFF LIghtbox started the festival right with the screening of ” Come un Gatto in Tangenziale/ Like a Cat on a Highway.” The comedy stars  Albanese as Giovanni and Paola Cortellesi who are polar opposites brought together.
The party afterward was held at QRC- Ricarda’s and it was one fantastic evening. Guests got to sample fantastic Italian cuisine from Ricarda’s, Ardo Restaurant, Cibo Wine Bar, Culinary Studio, San Daniele charcuterie), Speducci, Sotto Sotto, Galbani and Pizza Nova. Desserts were from Sicilian Ice Cream, Dolcini by Joseph, Punto Gelato, Molisana, Coco Espresso Bar.
Specialty drink stations featured Campari and Peroni.

The graffiti photo wall was a big hit where guests had their picture taken riding a Vespa. Among the musical performers were “The Orchestra” who had the crowd dancing the night away.
Some of the guests attending were actors Antonio Albanese, Guiseppe Battiston, Fabio Rovazzi, ICFF co-founder and artistic director Cristiano de Florentiis, ICFF co-founder and managing director Maurizio Magnifico, and ICFF director of operations Mara Cataldi.
During the festival week, attendees got to experience some exciting events.
Industry Day featured panels on Italy and Canada co-productions, behind the scenes with “The Shape of the Water” and virtual innovations.
“Tulips in the Vineyard” was held at the Two Sisters Vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake where the film “Tulipani” was screened, and a reception was held at the winery.
ICFF Moda, held in Yorkville Village featured Italian food, wine and fashion with a competition among graduates of Ryerson Fashion.

Grey’s Anatomy star and now producer Giacomo Gianniotti had his short film”Azzurro” screened.

The closing night film was “The Music of Silence,” the biography of singer Andrea Bocelli, was enjoyed by the audience.
At the closing dinner, held at the Ritz Carlton, the awards were given to celebrated talent who have made their mark in film and several who have received Academy Awards. Claudio Bisio, the Oscar-winning star of “Mediterraneo,” received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Empire Community Award was given to the team from the Oscar-winning “The Shape of Water,” including producer Miles Dale, visual effects supervisor Dennis Berardi, Deluxe VP Nick Iannelli, concept artist Luca Nemolato and choreographer Roberto Campanella. The Award of Excellence was given to actors Toby Sebastian (The Music of Silence ), Daniel Baldwin (The Joke Thief), Marta Gastini ( Compulsion), Antonio Albanese (Come un Gatto in Tangenziale), Fabio Rovazzi (Il Vegetale) and Giuseppe Battiston (Nastro D’Argento). Best Producer was given to Andrea Iervolino of Ambi Films ( The Music of Silence). The TFCA Critics Award was given to “Couch Potatoes.” The People’s Choice Award went to the film ” Tulipani, Love, Honour and a Bicycle.“