On the first Friday of February (02/03) and the following Tuesday (02/07), the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) in Los Angeles with launch the first edition of “Filming on Italy [2].” In collaboration with Tiziana Rocca's Agnus Dei Production [3], the IIC Director Valeria Rumori [4], and the Consulate General of Italy in LA [5], the event will promote Italy in all of its beauty as a quintessential cinematic set.

The Consul General Antonio Verde [6] will open the event followed by a string of distinguished guests who will introduce a series of screenings, such as Oliver Stone [7]. An acclaimed screenwriter, film director, and producer, Stone is a strong proponent of Italy as the country remains a source of inspiration for his films. In a presentation curated by Variety [8], he will introduce the US premiere of the documentary Ukraine on Fire [9], which he produced alongside Claire M. Stain [10].

Another exciting US premiere on the schedule is Pericle il nero [11] (Pericle) directed by Stefano Mordini [12]. Riccardo Scamarcio [13] will present the film in which he stars as a henchman of his boss who rules a powerful Camorra group.

The last two documentaries to be screened include the emerging director Irene Dionisio’s [14] Sponde [15] (Shores) and Giorgio Treves’s [16] 60 Ieri Oggi Domani [17] (60 Yesterday Today Tomorrow). The latter pays homage to the most important Italian cinema award, the David di Donatello [18], as a reflection of Italian society and history of Italian cinema over the past sixty years through the memories and testimonies of Gian Luigi Rondi [19] and other protagonists of the big screen.

Cecilia [20] and Anthony Peck are also set to take the stage in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of their father, Gregory Peck [21]. Of Peck’s many notable films is Roman Holiday [22], a cult movie emblematic of “Filming on Italy.”

Baume & Mercier [23], the main partner for the initiative, will confer special awards to the select talent in attendance. The new IIC Los Angeles Creativity Award, which recognizes Italian excellence in the world, will be conferred to Scamarcio, who stars in the upcoming US action film John Wick: Chapter 2 [24]. Cecilia and Anthony Peck will also receive the award in memory of their father.