Mumbai, Sep 9: Acclaimed Italian filmmaker Giuseppe Tornatore, known for his Oscar-winning work, is set to visit India for the first time. This visit will be in partnership with the Film Heritage Foundation, and Tornatore expressed his excitement about the trip.

“I am thrilled to come to India for the first time,” Tornatore said. “I have long admired the Film Heritage Foundation’s efforts in preserving and restoring India’s rich cinematic legacy.”

The visit will coincide with the “Cinema Italian Style” festival in Mumbai, which runs from September 27 to 29 at Regal Cinema. This festival, organized in collaboration with the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Mumbai, will feature several of Tornatore’s films.

“I am honored that my film ‘Cinema Paradiso’ is recognized and cherished in India. It is a privilege to have my works showcased alongside films from iconic Italian directors like Vittorio de Sica, Luchino Visconti, Federico Fellini, and Sergio Leone,” Tornatore said.

During the festival, Tornatore will present the Film Heritage Foundation’s second Lifetime Achievement Award for Cinema Projection. He will also conduct an interactive masterclass for film students and engage in a fireside chat with film enthusiasts and the Indian film community.

The three-day festival will offer a mini retrospective of Tornatore’s work, including screenings of his beloved films such as “Cinema Paradiso” (1988), “Malèna” (2000), and “The Unknown Woman” (2006). In addition, the festival will feature restored classics from other Italian cinema greats, including Luchino Visconti’s “Senso” (1954), Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” (1960), Vittorio de Sica’s “Marriage Italian Style” (1964), and Sergio Leone’s “Once Upon a Time in America” (1984).

Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, filmmaker and Director of the Film Heritage Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about Tornatore’s visit. “We are thrilled to welcome Giuseppe Tornatore to Mumbai. His presence supports our mission of film preservation and highlights the importance of maintaining cinema as an art form for future generations.”

Dungarpur also noted that Tornatore will present a 4K restoration of “Cinema Paradiso” during his visit. “These beautifully restored films remind us of the artistry of cinema and its need for preservation. We are honored that Tornatore, whose work pays tribute to film projectionists, will present our Lifetime Achievement Award,” he added.

Francesca Amendola, Director of the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Mumbai, emphasized the significance of the event. “Thanks to our collaboration with the Film Heritage Foundation, the stars of great Italian cinema will shine brightly over Mumbai during this exceptional event.”

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