FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos at the The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest. They rolled out the red carpet for the stars at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Written and photographed

by Jude Bautista

In his speech during the Moviemov fest opening, FDCP (Film Development Council of the Phil) Chairman Briccio Santos made an important claim, “I am proud to announce that our partners in L’Immagine Ritrovata will be once again heading our next restoration project- Lino Brocka’s ‘Maynila Sa Kuko ng Liwanag’. This is in partnership with the Martin Scorcese World Cinema Foundation.”

(Center) Amb Luca Fornari is flanked by Glenna Fernan Guidicelli (left) and Matteo Guidicelli. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Maja Salvador at the The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest. They rolled out the red carpet for the stars at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

The relationship between Italian and Filipino filmmakers has been long and fruitful, “Moviemov will be highlighting this growing relationship between Italian and Phil cinemas. The history of Italian Phil cinema relations goes way back in 1952, when the Venice Film Festival was the first international film festival that recognized and honored the artistry of Filipino filmmakers with the inclusion of Manuel Conde’s ‘Genghis Khan’.”

Piolo Pascual is flanked by hotties from left: Ginger Conejero and Maricar Reyes. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Actress Vanessa Gravina, The Godmother of Moviemov. The Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista

2012 is an important year for the Fil-Italian relations, “Sixty years after, Phil Cinema continues to grace Venice year after year. This year alone, the restored version of ‘Genghis Khan’, that was made possible in partnership with the festival, was shown together with ‘Thy Womb’, Brillante Mendoza’s most recent masterpiece.” Incidentally, Filipino audiences will have the chance to watch lead star Nora Aunor in “Thy Womb” as part of the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Amb. Luca Fornari of Italy with Sea Princess Tessa Prieto Valdes beside the 2013 Ferrari California. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

The Moviemov film fest had a glitzy opening at the Ayala Museum with the screening of ‘Caesar Must Die’ at the Greenbelt 3, last December 4^th, 2012. The fest also flew in Italian actors: Andrea Bosca (Magnifica Presenza ), Salvatorre Striano (Cesare Deve Morire- Caesar Must Die!), Alessio Gallo (L’Intervallo-The Interval) and Davide Iacopini (Diaz). Vanessa Gravina was touted as The Godmother of Moviemov by Artistic Director Senator Goffredo Bettini.

Davide Iacopini (Diaz) and Serena Foddis pose on a fully restored Vespa PX150. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

from left: Matteo Guidicelli, Maricar Reyes and Andrea Bosca. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Not to be out done Pinoy Heart throbs were also in attendance: Piolo Pascual, Maja Salvador, Matteo Guidicelli, Sam Milby, Xian Lim, Denise Laurel, Maricar Reyes, Kuya Manzano, Maxine Mamba of TV5’s ‘Moneydrop’, Tessa Prieto Valdes, Gwendolyn Ruais, Priscilla Meirelles, Ginger Conejero, Qiyama actors Arnel Mardoquio, Glorypearl Dy and many more.

from right: Diether Ocampo, Phil Star EVP Grace Glory Go, Rustan’s Pres. Nedy Tantoco and Mario Borao. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

(Center) Senator Goffredo Bettini Artistic director Moviemov Italian Film festival (Right) Actress Vanessa Gravina, The Godmother of Moviemov and (Left) PIA Cultural Officer Cristina Moricca. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Moviemov has already grown in renown according to Santos, “Despite only being in its second year, the Italian Film Festival has grown to be one of the finest in the country. And the Film Development Council of the Phil is again honored to be its partner this year in this cultural exchange between the finest of Phil and Italian Cinemas.”

Alessio Gallo (L’Intervallo) at the The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest. They rolled out the red carpet for the stars at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

2nd from right: Amb. Luca Fornari of Italy in (white tux) with Sheika actors from left: Perry Dizon, Director Arnel Mardoquio and Fe Ginging Hyde (actor/producer). The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

According to him film fests have been an opportunity for different cultures to know each other more, “Today cinema serves as a diplomatic corridor that bridges cultures and nations. Through film we have the capacity and consequently are called to engage each other with mutual openness. There are opportunities to be explored and partnerships to be strengthened and rest assured, FDCP will continue to be at the forefront of such engagement. I would like to commend and thank the honorable Italian Ambassador to the Phil. Luca Fornari and Senator Gofredo Bettini for their commitment to see this festival through together with the Phil Italian Association. We hope you continue your unwavering passion to cultural endeavors and exchanges such as this.”

from left: Star Magic Chairman Emeritus Johnny Manahan and Piolo Pascual. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Santos also gave a salute to the outgoing Italian envoy who has made a lot of friends here, “To Ambassador Luca Fornari and his lovely wife Sylvana, Filipinos never like to say goodbye so we will await your return here to your second home.”

from left: Italian Ambassador Luca Fornari, Madame Silvana Norelli, FDCP Chair Briccio Santos and Mercedes Prieto. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Azkal Andrew Wolff, bagged the 1st Runner Up prize in Mr. World. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.