LUCA GUADAGNINO MEETS THE INDIAN FILM INDUSTRY DURING A SERIES OF EVENTS ORGANISED BY THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF ITALY IN MUMBAI AND THE ITALIAN INSTITUTE OF CULTURE
The Indian film industry witnessed a momentous convergence with Italian cinema as the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai and the Italian Cultural Institute hosted renowned Italian director, Luca Guadagnino, during the prestigious Jio MAMI Film Festival 2023. This significant cultural exchange provided a platform for dialogue, recognition, and celebration of cinematic excellence.
Luca Guadagnino, acclaimed for his work on films like “Call Me by Your Name,” was bestowed with the coveted “Excellence in Cinema Award.” This accolade is a testament to his extraordinary contribution to the world of cinema. The award was presented by the evening’s patroness and highly accomplished actress, Priyanka Chopra, who enjoys immense popularity both in India and the United States.
As part of the festivities, Luca Guadagnino also engaged in a masterclass, where he shared his invaluable experience and unwavering passion for cinema with an enthralled audience, primarily consisting of students from Mumbai’s film schools. The masterclass served as an enriching experience for budding talents, offering them insights and inspiration from one of the industry’s most celebrated figures.
“We are very honored to have the opportunity to host a luminary like Luca Guadagnino. His presence has not only enhanced the reputation of Italy as a global cinematic benchmark but also contributed to fostering greater cooperation in the artistic and cultural sphere between India and our nation, particularly among young people,” remarked Alessandro De Masi, the Consul General of Italy in Mumbai, during the masterclass event.
The director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Mumbai stated, “The presence of an Italian delegation of the caliber of Marco Muller, Carlo Chatrian – artistic director of the Berlinale – along with Luca Guadagnino and his colleague Tomaso Santambrogio at the Jio MAMI festival is an important moment not only to celebrate Italian cinema but also to consider future film productions and collaborations with the vast world of Indian cinema.”
The event culminated in a graciouss brunch hosted by the Consul General at his residence, in tribute to Luca Guadagnino and esteemed film producer and critic Marco Muller. This exclusive gathering was graced by notable luminaries from the Indian film industry, including producers, critics, and distributors. Joining in the celebration were Indian celebrities Jacqueline Fernandez and Pooja Hegde, both influential stars with a combined following of over 90 million fans. The event was further enlivened by the presence of Giorgia Andriani, a renowned Italian Bollywood actress with 1.6 million followers.