Sunday, February 23, the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood will host the world premiere of the TV movie Champagne by Cinzia TH Torrini, dedicated to the career of the legendary Peppino di Capri.
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THEevent's audience, promoted by Rai Fiction and the Capri Nel Mondo Institute, is part of the 20th Los Angeles Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Intesa Sanpaolo and sponsored by Anica, APA, Scabec and the Sistema Italia on the West Coast.
An international tribute
Raffaella de Laurentiis, chairperson of the festival, recalls the Californian homage already paid to the artist in 2012 at the Grammys Museum: “An unforgettable evening with Mike Stoller, Corkie Hale and Elisabetta Canalis. My father Dino, a regular at Capri, would have loved this new recognition”.
Tony Renis, honorary president, emphasizes: “Peppino has a loyal following in America. The screening of the film will be a gift to the Italian community on the West Coast”.
The story of “Champagne”
The film, directed by Torrini (known for Sei nell'anima on Gianna Nannini), retraces four decades (1942-1973) of the life of Peppino Di Capri, starring Francesco Del Gaudio, an actor and musician trained since childhood. Del Gaudio not only acts, but also plays the artist's iconic songs. The screenplay, written by Michele Pellegrini and Maria Sole Limodio, is based on a story by Pierpaolo Verga and Limodio herself.
The other protagonists of the festival
Until March 2 (the eve of the Oscars), the festival will welcome illustrious guests:
Pupi Avati will present The American Garden in USA preview;
Isabella Rossellini (Oscar for Conclave) and Sergio Castellitto, co-star of Edward Berger's film nominated for 8 Academy Awards;
A selection of young talents of Italian cinema, testifying to the link between tradition and innovation.
An event that combines cinema, music and culture, celebrating Italian excellence under the Hollywood stars
Article published on 2 February 2025 - 17:37
It is interesting to see how a film dedicated to Peppino di Capri can bring attention to Italian culture abroad, especially in Hollywood. I hope the event will be successful and that many Italians will participate.