The World Premiere of AMBI’s IN SEARCH OF FELLINI, a coming-of-age drama directed by Taron Lexton, has been selected as the closing night film of the 2017 Los Angeles Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Fest. The 12th Annual Los Angeles Italia Film Festival runs from February 19-25, 2017 at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood. It was announced today by festival founder-producer, Pascal Vicedomini along with AMBI principals, Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi, that Golden Globe® nominated actress and human rights activist, Maria Bello, who stars in the film, will be in attendance for the February 24th screening. She will also be accepting the LA Italia Excellence Award during the Awards Ceremony, which director, Gianfranco Rosi (“Fire At Sea”) will open as the Master of Ceremony.
As in prior years, the 2017 festival will take place at the Chinese Six Theatre complex at Hollywood & Highland, adjacent to the home of the Academy Awards®. It will put Italian cinema in the spotlight through a series of premieres, screenings retrospectives, and exhibitions.
“We are extremely thankful that AMBI has given us IN SEARCH OF FELLINI as our closing night film,” said Vicedomini. “Aside from focusing on a revered Italian filmmaker, it also displays some of Italy’s most historic and beautiful locations to audiences around the world.”
Taron Lexton’s feature directorial debut IN SEARCH OF FELLINI stars Maria Bello (“Prisoners”, “Max Steel”), Ksenia Solo (“Black Swan”, BBC America’s “Orphan Black”) and Mary Lynn Rajskub (Fox’s “24”, “Little Miss Sunshine”). The screenplay was written by Nancy Cartright, best known as the voice of Bart Simpson in Fox’s long-running TV show “The Simpsons,” and Peter Kjenaas based on Cartwright’s life. The film was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio, as well as Venice, Verona, Milan, and Rome.
IN SEARCH OF FELLINI is the story of a shy small-town Ohio girl who loves movies but dislikes reality, discovers the delightfully bizarre films of Federico Fellini, and sets off on a strange, beautiful journey across Italy to find him.
Cartwright executive produced the film under her Spotted Cow Entertainment production banner alongside AMBI Pictures’ Andrea Iervolino and Lady Monika Bacardi, Kevin Burke and Maria Bello. Peter Kjenaas, Monica Gil, Taron Lexton, Nathan Lorch, Milena Ferreira and Michael Doven produced the film. “This is a 30-year-labor-of-love,” said Cartwright. “Finding and working with Taron, Maria, Mary Lynn, Ksenia, and the entire crew has made this a real dream-come-true.”
Bello is represented by CAA. Solo is represented by Armada Partners. Rajskub is represented by Innovative Artists.
LA, Italia 2017 is presented by Capri in the World Institute with the support of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities (DG Cinema) in collaboration with ANICA, the ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION, as well as Mediaset, AMBI Group, and ISAIA. It is also sponsored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Italian Consulate General in Los Angeles.
