When the terms “Italian” and “cinema,” come together, many think of the classic like the “The Godfather” or “Goodfellas.” However, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) aims to broaden this perception with its “De Laurentiis Film Prize Program,” celebrating the wider Italian and Italian American experience. This competition, named after film maker Aurelio De Laurentiis, offers emerging film makers to showcase stories that delve into Italian and Italian American life.
Gabriella Mileti, NIAF’s Director of Special Programs and Public Relations, highlighted the initiative as a means to impact the Italian American community positively. Open worldwide, it invites submissions across documentary, narrative, and fiction genres, aiming to kickstart a new renaissance in Italian American storytelling.
The program will award five film makers with $10,000 grants, supporting them in creating films that contribute to the Italian American narrative. These projects will be reviewed and then showcased at the NIAF Gala weekend, with the top film receiving additional promotion support and mentorship opportunities.
Finalists will also see their work featured at NIAF’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2025, marking their contribution to the foundation’s cultural legacy. Millet sees this as just the beginning, with hopes for the competition to evolve into a festival celebrating Italian-themed cinema, potentially in Rome or Naples.
Beyond the competition, NIAF’s cinematic contributions include financing the film “Cabrini,” a biopic on Francesca Cabrini, showcasing their commitment to illuminating significant Italian American stories. Through the De Laurentiis Film Prizes Program and other initiatives, NIAF is setting trends and creating platforms to celebrate the depth of Italian heritage in cinema, much like the Medici family’s influence on the Renaissance.
