Scorsese, MOMA boost Perugia

ROME -- Italy's Perugia Intl. Film Festival is shaping as a possible high-profile event, getting forged a partnership with Martin Scorsese's The Film Foundation along with a close rapport with NY's Museum of contemporary Art, besides existing ties towards the Hamptons Intl. Film Festival. Headed by Hamptons topper Karen Arikian, this new non-competitive fest, situated within the Umbrian hillside college town, not not even close to Rome, held a preview event in Perugia over the past weekend, in front of its first edition, set to operate March 22-25. Perugia fest's soft launch composed spotlights on U.S. cinema verite pioneer D.A. Pennebaker and the pointing partner, and wife, Chris Hegedus as well as on digital photographer/filmmaker Bruce Weber, all whom were attending. MoMa's chief curator of film, Rajendra Roy, moderated conversations. A restored copy of Italo master Luchino Visconti's "Senso" opened up the pre-inaugural, thanks to The Film Foundation, whose controlling director Jennifer Ahn stated the program is perfect for Perugia to become forum for film upkeep discussion and education. Arikian stated the fest will center around Perugia's student population, its artistic heritage and culinary tradition. It will likewise target the rarely celebrated role of costume and production designers in the building of a film, and become from the city's famous Umbria Jazz festival. Fest is created and operated by Santa Barbara-based Stratus Media Group, that is financing startup costs. William Morris Endeavor Entertainment comes with an advisory role. The aim is allow it to be lucrative in 3 years from corporate sponsorships and tie-inches, stated Perugia fest prexy Emanuele Rossi. Board people include Berlin topper Dieter Kosslick, EFM chief Beki Probst, and triple Oscar-winning costume and production designer James Acheson. Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com