Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Picture House Regional Film Center. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.

March 2023 – Bronxville and Pelham, NY – The Picture House Regional Film Center (www.thepicturehouse.org) announced today that the Westchester Italian Film Festival will take place the weekend of April 21–23, in partnership with the Italian American Forum. Opening night, at The Picture House Bronxville, will begin with a dessert reception before a screening of the short film The Old Guitarist, made by local filmmaker Will Nunziata. Mr. Nunziata will appear for a Q&A following the screening and will present his friend and artistic collaborator Dominic Chianese with The Picture House Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr. Nunziata said “I’m very excited that my hometown independent movie theater, The Picture House, selected my film The Old Guitarist to open the Westchester Italian Film Festival. I’m also looking forward to presenting the star of my film, and longtime friend, Dominic Chianese with the Westchester Italian Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award. I can’t wait to see friends and family from Pelham and Westchester County during the festival — it’ll be a great homecoming weekend celebrating Italian cinema!”

The festival selection also honors the women of Italian cinema. Screenings include Big Night, featuring Isabella Rossellini, La Riffa, featuring Monica Bellucci, Marriage Italian Style, featuring Sophia Loren, Rome, Open City, featuring Anna Magnani, and That’s How We Women Are, featuring Monica Vitti.

In addition to the opening night Q&A, post-film discussions will also accompany the films Mister Wonderland with filmmaker Valerio Ciriaci and cinematographer Isaak J. Liptzin, hosted by filmmaker Anton Evangelista, and Saving Southern Italy with filmmaker Valarie D’Elia and producer Lydia Cannito.

Italian wine and beer will be available at The Picture House throughout the weekend.

In addition to Italian American Forum as lead sponsor, the Westchester Italian Film Festival is supported by DeCicco & Sons, Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP, Meridian Risk Management, and Paraco Gas.

For more information about The Picture House and to purchase tickets, please visit www.thepicturehouse.org, call (914) 738-3161, or email [email protected].

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About The Italian American Forum

The Italian American Forum, one of New York’s most active volunteer, charitable Italian American organizations, is a network of professional business and community leaders who serve as the catalysts where ideas and views on Italian American issues can be exchanged, while supporting worthwhile initiatives dedicated to promoting and preserving the Italian and Italian American heritage. Its core values include celebrating the rich and unique culture of Italians and Italian Americans, who have contributed to civilizations throughout the ages in art, theater, science, medicine, music, literature, film, cuisine, government, law… and beyond. It is dedicated to assisting individuals and families in need, by partnering with experienced, professional organizations. In addition, it actively supports education and cultural programs, working with public, private and parochial schools to expand the opportunities of the next generation to be exposed to our culture and heritage. Learn more about the IAF by visiting iafny.org

About The Picture House Regional Film Center

Housed in two historic theaters from the 1920s, TPH is a thriving regional film center providing dynamic film and education programs to a diverse and multi-generational audience in Westchester County and beyond. Across 5 screens in Pelham and Bronxville, NY, audiences see the best in new, independent, and classic cinema. TPH education programs provide students of all ages with the opportunity to learn about the art, science, and business of film. A mission-driven, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, The Picture House has two locations: The Picture House Pelham is located at 175 Wolfs Lane, Pelham, New York, 10803. The Picture House Bronxville is at 84 Kraft Avenue, Bronxville, NY, 10708.  Contact us at www.thepicturehouse.org, [email protected], or (914) 738-3161.