Editor

Academy Award® winning director Quentin Tarantino will be honored at the opening of The 5th Annual Los Angeles – Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest, Sun., Feb 28, 9:45 p.m. at The Mann Chinese 6 Theatre. Singled out for his commitment in promoting world cinema, Tarantino will be presented with ‘The L.A. Award 2010’ by Enzo G. Castellari, director of the original Inglorious Bastards (1978) and the inspiration for his own Inglourious Basterds, the recipient of eight Oscar nominations, including Best Director, Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
In honoring Tarantino, the presentation of ‘The L.A. Award 2010’ will take place between the 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. screenings of Castellari’s Inglorious Bastards and Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds. LA Italia salutes Tarantino as an ‘ambassador to world cinema,’ recognizing his achievement in creating a film whose story is conveyed in three languages, bridging film communities worldwide. Joining Castellari in the ceremony will be actor Franco Nero, the Consul General Nicola Faganello, and the Director of Italian Institute of Culture in Los Angeles, Francesca Valente. LA Italia gives special thanks to Honorary Board members and Inglourious Basterds executive producer Harvey Weinstein and producer Lawrence Bender for their role in creating this memorable evening.
“Quentin Tarantino’s incredible talent, imagination and artistry have been a constant inspiration to filmmakers worldwide,” says Pascal Vicedomini, founder and producer of the Festival. “It is our privilege to present ‘The LA Award 2010’ to Tarantino while also being able to highlight the inspiration provided to him from Italian director Castellari’s work – and with back to back screenings – what a rare treat!”
The 5th Annual Los Angeles – Italia Film, Fashion and Art Fest (Feb. 28-March 6) is a week of screenings, symposia and special musical events at The Mann Chinese Theatre complex at Hollywood & Highland that showcases the best of Italy’s contribution to the arts, with an authentic Italian style and spirit.
Among the many additional Fest highlights include: A salute to Grammy® winning international singing superstar Andrea Bocelli and Grammy winning producer David Foster on Mon., March 1, 6:30 p.m. at Grauman’s Chinese Theater. LA Italia will also celebrate with Bocelli as he receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, March 2, 11:15 a.m.
Italian-American screenwriter and Oscar winning director Bobby Moresco (Crash) and noted Italian producer Aurelia De Laurentiis serve as Festival Chairmen. Co-Chairs are Marina Cicogna, Franco Nero, Shaul Kuba (CIM Group) and Jack and Leslie Kavanaugh. Golden Globe-winning and Oscar-nominated composer Tony Renis is Festival President. Joining in the festivities will be prominent members of the Los Angeles and International film communities and celebrity friends.
Screenings and programs are offered at no charge to the public – admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please visit www.losangelesitalia.com .