The prize for best short film at the DC Independent Film Festival, held in Washington from 19 to 23 February, went to Italian brothers Francesco and Neri Ricci Lotteringi for “Halina”. The film, set in Rome, follows the lives of three characters as seen through the eyes of Halina, a young Rom played by Mary Ibrahimovic, whose lives unexpectedly intersect as a result of an intricate and apparently chance series of circumstances.
Amb. Bisogniero: highly significant recognition of Italian independent filmmakers
“This is a highly significant recognition of our independent filmmakers”, commented Italian Ambassador to Washington Claudio Bisogniero, who received the Ricci Brothers. “I am very pleased that this prize comes at a time when we are making an enormous effort to promote Italian culture in the United States at all levels, through a series of initiatives and innovative instruments: this is the latest proof of the great interest in our culture here in America”. The Italian film was selected from 23 entries in its category. A total of 9 feature films made it to the finals, along with 14 documentaries and 16 animated films. Finally, there were 9 short films shot by high school students. Cinema-related workshops and forums were held on the sidelines of the festival, focused on everything from locations and soundtracks, to bureaucracy and web series.
