Miss Rocca, the Filming Italy Venice Award returns on August 31. What should we expect from this edition?
This year, we’ll honor two protagonists of international cinema who have left a profound mark: Alicia Silverstone and Ferzan Özpetek. The ceremony will take place in the Stucco Room of the Excelsior Hotel, during the Venice Film Festival—a venue that, for me, represents a unique and special stage.
You are the creator and founder of this award. Where does this strong connection with the Venice Film Festival originate?
It’s a relationship built over time. I began by organizing collateral events on the terrace of the Venice Casino, welcoming stars like Woody Allen, Meryl Streep, Sylvester Stallone, and George Clooney. Over the years, this professional and emotional bond with the Festival has transformed into a genuine mission: promoting cinematic excellence through the Filming Italy Venice Award.
What is the philosophy behind the award?
Our objective is twofold: on one hand, to valorize the artistic and cultural aspects of cinema; on the other, to acknowledge its industrial and productive dimensions. Each year, we honor artists who breathe life into characters or create powerful stories behind the camera, recognizing their journey while also looking toward future projects.
The Venice Film Festival is an international symbol. How does your award differentiate itself?
The Festival unites tradition and innovation, and with the Filming Italy Venice Award, we strive to capture its essence, reinventing ourselves annually. It’s an opportunity to celebrate international cinematic excellence, but also to advance fundamental themes such as inclusion and gender equality.
Over the years, the award has evolved into a genuine cultural platform. How have you accomplished this?
Through consistency and particular attention to young talent and female artistry. The Filming Italy Venice Award dialogues with other initiatives I’ve created, such as Filming Italy Sardegna and Filming Italy Los Angeles. The latter, especially, provides visibility to Italian excellence abroad—an aspect I consider fundamental.
Who will be the symbolic faces of this edition?
This year, we’re proud to have Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph as our ambassador and Italian actress Matilde Gioli as our godmother. Additionally, our Honorary President will be Franco Nero, a true icon of world cinema, who in 2026 will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
