A Waltz of Emotions: Messina Cinema Award Celebrates Monica Vitti

In the enchanting 17th-century Palazzo del Monte di Pietà, the magic of Shostakovich’s music merged with the emotion of the 60th anniversary of the cinematic masterpiece “Il Gattopardo” by Tomasi di Lampedusa. The “Danzando l’Ottocento” Association kicked off the 5th Edition of the Messina Cinema Award on July 29, with a sense of celebration.

This year’s event held a particularly special meaning as it was dedicated to the memory of an icon of Italian cinema, the unforgettable actress, director, writer, and screenwriter Monica Vitti, who spent part of her childhood in Messina.

The atmosphere of the event was masterfully orchestrated by the tireless and charismatic Artistic Director Helga Corrao, accompanied on stage by the extraordinary cabaret artist Gigi Miseferi, alongside the sculptural Ukrainian model Anastasiya Lytvyn, and directed by Claudio Bellezza.

The evening was organized by the Me.P.A. Cultural Association (Messina Progetto Arte) led by Pippo Scattareggia, an organization with over 40 years of experience in the field of productions and events, and formerly known as the Entertainment Commissioner of the metropolitan city.

The Messina Cinema Award, established in 2018, has become an annual event of great prestige, aiming to celebrate excellence in film and theatre production and paying tribute to Italian talents who have left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape.

The stage came alive with guests and awardees, creating an atmosphere of sharing and mutual recognition. The presence of Monica Vitti, represented through the painting by artist Gregorio Cesareo, seemed to smile and applaud along with the audience, underscoring how art can unite people, even beyond the barriers of time.

During the evening, awards were presented to:

Adriana Pannitteri – RAI Journalist and author of the special “Una, dieci, cento… Vitti.”
Michael Cavallieri – Sicilian-American actor.
Totò Cascio – Actor.
Massimiliano Buzzanca – Actor.
Walter Corda – Television writer, actor, dubber, and singer.
Ninni Panzera – Writer and former general secretary of Taoarte.
Manfredi Russo – Director and actor.
Fabio La Rosa – Actor and theatre Director.
Veronica Bartoli – Actress and showgirl.
Paola Barzi – Actress and dancer.
Federico Maio – Director and film producer.
Carmelo Cambria – Actor and producer.
Angelo Soraci CABRIO – Singer-songwriter.
Carmelo Guarnera – Pizza World Champion.

The evening also extended its recognition to highly promising figures in Messina’s culture:

Gaetano Alessandro – Founder of the “Donare è Vita” Association.
Elena La Fauci De Rosa – Artist and art scholar.
Giovanna Giordano – Writer and journalist.
Federico Vitella – Author and full professor at the University of Messina.
Anna Maria Deodato – Teacher and author.
Salvatore Curtò – Author.
Accademia Cinematografica.
Dr. Salvatore Leonardi.
Giuseppe Bevacqua – Journalist and Director of “Voce di Sicilia.”
Giusy Scirè and Mary Bellomo – Miss National Integration.

Also present at the event were the renowned master jeweller Antonio Palladino and Giovanna Lauretta, President of Mod’Art Agency Fashion Management Roma and Art Director of the Fashion Brand Enzo Scarlatti.

In this enchanting setting, art was celebrated in all its facets, from literature to cinema, from music to solidarity, demonstrating how it can be a powerful tool for connection and social change. The guests, captivated by the stories of the awardees and the emotions conveyed through their words, expressed their appreciation with thunderous applause and warm smiles.

After the ceremony, guests approached Monica Vitti’s portrait, paying homage to her memory and immense contribution to the world of cinema. The flashes of light captured the emotionally charged atmosphere, immortalizing a unique moment in the history of the Messina Cinema Award. As the evening drew to a close, the positive energy and enthusiasm of those present left a lasting impression, proving how love for art and cinema can unite people and overcome every barrier. The awardees, with their presence and talent, demonstrated that cinema is not merely entertainment but a means to reflect on society, to evoke emotions, and to inspire change.

The event concluded with the promise of a return, leaving the audience with hearts full of gratitude and minds rich with new perspectives. The Messina Cinema Award once again proved to be a shining beacon for 360-degree Italian art, an opportunity to honour those who have contributed to its splendour, and a launching pad for those making their way in the entertainment world. As the night descended upon the city of the Strait, the Messina Cinema Award was already preparing to write a new chapter in its history, with the promise of even more intense emotions and extraordinary stories to tell in the next edition, which is already in the works.

Art, culture, and cinema would continue to dance together, an endless waltz that transcends time and leaves an indelible mark in the hearts of those who participate. We can only await with great fervour the next edition signed “Premio Messina Cinema 2024”.