The Lavazza IncluCity Festival 2024, held in Toronto’s Distillery District, was a monumental celebration of international talent, diversity, and inclusivity. Running from June 27 to July 21, the festival attracted approximately 240,000 visitors. I had the honor of attending this vibrant event, which showcased a blend of Italian and global filmmaking excellence.
A Festival Highlighting Inclusivity
The Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF) organizes the Lavazza IncluCity Festival. The annual event features a diverse range of films dedicated to multiculturalism and marginalized communities. This year, inclusivity took center stage, with many films highlighting diverse perspectives and experiences. Films such as “Un p’tit truc en plus” (A Little Something Extra) and “The Braid” captured the hearts of audiences. Both reflect the festival’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and representation in cinema.
Award-Winning Films and Talents
The festival concluded on July 21, announcing several prestigious awards. The People’s Choice Award for the ICFF went to “Nata per te” (Born of You) by Fabio Mollo. “Un p’tit truc en plus” by Artur won the People’s Choice for the Lavazza IncluCity Festival. These films exemplified representation and advocacy for equal rights.
The IncluCity Jury awarded the prize to “The Braid” by Laetitia Colombani. The film accurately represents the hardships faced by women in Canada, Italy, and India and has received much praise. The TFCA Angela Baldassarre Award went to “L’ultima notte di Amore” (The Last Night of Amore) by Andrea Di Stefano for its innovative approach to the crime-thriller genre.
Lifetime Achievement and Excellence Awards
This year, the ICFF presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Rocco Papaleo, who took part in screenings of his award-winning films, “Basilicata Coast to Coast” and “Una Piccola impresa meridionale” (A Small Southern Enterprise). The festival honored Isabella Rossellini with the International Lifetime Achievement Award at the Closing Gala on July 26, celebrating her illustrious career in film, television, and modeling.
The festival also honored Canadian cinema, with the IncluCity Excellence Award presented to Atom Egoyan for his film “Seven Veils,” starring Amanda Seyfried. Egoyan’s mastery and craft in depicting art, trauma, and healing were highly appreciated.
Best Directors and Actors Recognized
The ICFF Best Director award went to Neri Marcoré for his directorial debut, “Zamora,” a film that blends comedy with themes of belonging. The IncluCity Best Director award was given to Miguel Ferrer for “La Sombra del Sol” (The Shadow of the Sun), a touching portrayal of the Deaf community.
Best Actor awards were presented to Alexandre Machafer for his role in “Jorge Da Capadocia” and Edoardo Pesce for “Martedì e venerdì” (Tuesday and Friday). Best Actress awards went to Kaimana for her role in “Next Goal Wins” and Vanessa Scalera for her role in “Napoli Milionaria.”
Celebrating Iconic Directors and Films
The festival honored legendary Canadian director Norman Jewison with a retrospective, featuring screenings of his iconic films and insightful discussions.
The Fellini Forever Exhibition offered a unique glimpse into Federico Fellini’s world, with rare memorabilia, photographs, and original costumes. Special screenings of Fellini’s classics complemented the exhibition.
Architecture, Design, and Industry Days
The festival’s Architecture and Design program featured the documentary “Green Over Gray” by Francesca Molteni, exploring architecture in wineries. The ICFF Industry Days included conferences and networking events, discussing entertainment industry topics in Canada and worldwide. Panels covered book-to-screen adaptations and the horror genre, featuring notable filmmakers and industry professionals.
My Personal Experience at the Festival
Visiting the Distillery District in Toronto was a delightful experience. I met Mariachiara Patruno, producer and anchor at CHIN Radio/TV, who showed us around before the film screening. The atmosphere was enchanting, with sparkling string lights and an immersive cinema experience with personal headsets.
We watched “La Seconda Chance” (The Last Chance), directed by Umberto Riccioni Carteni and starring Max Giusti. The film was introduced by Stefanie Macchiusi from Bell Media, and both the director and main actor spoke briefly about the film via a pre-recorded video, adding a personal touch to the screening. The film, touching on relatable themes for parents, was enjoyable and funny.
The Distillery District: A Cultural Hub
The Distillery District is a dramatic fusion of Victorian industrial architecture and modern design. Opened in 2003, it has become Canada’s premier arts, culture, and entertainment destination, featuring unique stores, galleries, restaurants, and theatres.
The district’s history dates back to 1832 when Gooderham & Worts began as a windmill and grew into the largest distillery in the world. Today, the Distillery District is a vibrant cultural hub, inspiring creativity and celebrating Toronto‘s rich heritage.
Conclusion
The Lavazza IncluCity Festival 2024 was a remarkable event, celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and international talent. With its wide array of films, seminars, and cultural experiences, the festival left a lasting impression on Toronto’s cultural landscape. If you’re living in or visiting Toronto in 2025, be sure to check their website at icff.ca for details on next year’s festival.
All photos by Lisa Morales
