Cinema – Music

Within the celebrations of 160 years of diplomatic relations between Italy and the United States, the Embassy wishes to recognize the contribution made by cinema and music in strengthening the solid friendship between our countries and people.

Italian filmmaking has influenced international cinema since its onset and today the Italian film industry is one of the most vibrant in the world. Certainly, cinema has had a central role in bringing Italy and the United States closer: countless stories, images, faces and landscapes told with the inimitable force enclosed in film have marked the deep relationship between Italy and the United States and shaped the popular culture of our societies.

Italian passion and talent have captivated Hollywood over the years. The Academy has been remarkably receptive to films produced in Italy, making it the country that has won most Oscars for best foreign film. In turn, Italian society has been deeply shaped by American cinema and actors, many of which have been warmly celebrated on the red carpet of the Venice Film Festival, the world’s oldest film festival.

Every year, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation promotes “Fare Cinema”, bringing together actors, directors, and screenwriters, as well as cinematographers, composers, costume designers and set designers, to celebrate Italian cinema and film professionals. This year, the Embassy of Italy and the consular and cultural network in the United States joins the initiative within the framework of the 160 years anniversary.

Music has also been a vital element within the cultural ties between Italy and the United States. Italian music—from opera to the music of Italian cantautori (“singer-songwriters”)—is one of the cultural markers of Italian identity. In the United States, Italy’s musical heritage—be it, symphonic or contemporary music—is held up in very high esteem. Likewise, Italy has been deeply influenced by music produced in the U.S., importing many genres such as jazz, rock and hip hop.

The Embassy of Italy will be marking the 160 years celebrations by organizing film festivals—bringing together the most exciting talents of Italian contemporary cinema—and many concerts of Italian music of all genres, from classical, to jazz, to pop music. We are particularly pleased that the National Symphony Orchestra of the Kennedy Center will be performing a special concert, dedicated to the 160 years celebrations, under the baton of Maestro Gianandrea Noseda.

For more information on the cultural programs of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and its diplomatic, consular and cultural network world-wide, please visit the website “Italiana”.