New Italian Cinema, presented by the San Francisco Film Society; New Italian Cinema Events of Florence, Italy; the Consulate General of Italy, San Francisco and the Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco wrapped up an eight-day run dedicated to celebrating the rich cinematic tradition of Italy and bringing the country's newest directors and films to audiences in San Francisco. Giorgia Cecere was on hand to accept the NICE City of Florence Award for her film The First Assignment.

Viviana del Bianco, Giorgia Cecere and Rod Armstrong

This year's New Italian Cinema featured a competitive series of eight feature films by emerging directors, a three-film tribute to acclaimed director Daniele Luchetti, including an Opening Night presentation of his latest film Our Life, and two sold-out Closing Night screenings of Nanni Moretti's comedy Habemus Papam. Total attendance at this year's landmark festival was more than 4,000.

The NICE City of Florence Award was decided by audience ballots from San Francisco screenings of films in competition and announced at the Closing Night award ceremony Sunday, November 20 by Rod Armstrong of the Film Society and Viviana del Bianco of New Italian Cinema Events.

In addition, the New Italian Cinema Events organization presented the Susan Batson Award for acting, given in its third year to Lorenzo Balducci (One Life, Maybe Two) and Isabella Ragonese (The First Assignment; One Life, Maybe Two; Our Life). The award acknowledges the talents of up-and-coming actors and provides them an opportunity to study their craft with acclaimed acting coach Susan Batson.

New Italian Cinema will return as part of the San Francisco Film Society's Fall Season in November 2012.

New Italian Cinema was presented with additional support from Birra Moretti; Comune di Firenze; Fondazione Sistema Toscana; Ministero dei Beni Culturali, Regione Toscana; media sponsor San Francisco Bay Guardian; venue sponsor Landmark Theatres; Closing Night sponsor Fior d'Italia; wine sponsor Siena Imports and Angela Caputi.