Mira Sorvino Dreams of Embracing Neapolitan Heritage
Los Angeles: Oscar-winning actress Mira Sorvino expressed her heartfelt desire to connect with her Neapolitan roots during the Los Angeles Italia film festival held at the Italian Institute of Culture in California. Sorvino shared her aspiration to honor her father, actor Paul Sorvino, and her grandfather Fortunato, who lived in Naples’ Vomero quarter.
According to Ansa News Agency, Sorvino, 57, conveyed her wish to embrace her Italian heritage while presenting an award to singer and actor Francesco Merola, son of the renowned Neapolitan performer Mario Merola, as part of the festival’s 20th edition. Sorvino’s acting accolades include an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in Woody Allen’s “Mighty Aphrodite” in 1995. Her father Paul, who passed away at 83 in 2022, was celebrated for his role as a Mafia boss in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” (1990).
The festival was organized with support from the Italian Ministry of Culture and Italy’s largest bank, Intesa Sanpaolo, in collaboration with the tourism agency Enit, Scabec, Adamantis Europe LTD, Riflessi, and Givova. The evening commenced with the American preview of the film “The di Opera-Arie per un eclissi” by Paolo Gep Cucco and Davide Livermore, depicting the story of Orpheus and Eurydice.
Iconic Django actor Franco Nero presented the ‘LA Italia Marina Cicogna Award’ to acclaimed artist and director Julian Schnabel, who is anticipated to release his film “In the Name of Dante” in 2025. Additionally, the event honored set decorator Cynthia Sleiter, nominated for an Oscar alongside set designer Suzie Davis for ‘Conclave’. The award was presented by producer Raffaella De Laurentiis.
Edward Berger’s work was recognized as ‘Film of the Year’ in Los Angeles, with the director and actors Ralph Fiennes and Sergio Castellitto accepting the award. The song of the year was awarded to ‘The Journey’ by Diane Warren. Another ‘LA, Italia Award’ was given to director Mauro Borrelli for ‘The Last Supper’, which concluded the festival founded by Pascal Vicedomini and promoted by the Capri Institute, traditionally held during the week leading up to the Oscars.