MESSINA. On the evening of Saturday 29th June, between music, cinema and colours, the fifth edition of the Celi AwardThe event was promoted and organized by the C.I.R.S with the patronage of the Municipality of Messinadell’Regional Department of Tourism, Sport and Entertainmentdell’Regional Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identitydell’University of Messinaof the New Imaiedell’Order of Journalists of Sicilyof the Accascina Regional Museum and with the partnership of the Cesv Messina ETS.
The initiative has focused on the territory and talents but also on solidarity, in line with the mission of CIRS. The proceeds will in fact be donated to Training and Job Placement projects for women guests of the Center.
The event began on Thursday 27th, with insights, readings, screenings and round tables. The highlight, however, was Saturday, with the gala evening at thearena Cicciò.
The terrace of the Palacultura Antonello has returned to shine, hosting the show hosted by journalists Marika Micalizzi e Fabio Mazzeo and conceived by the artistic director Christian Bisceglia.
The show opened with two videos showing the path taken by the event and its ability to unite art with social issues. The president of Cirs, Maria Celeste Celi he then reiterated its objectives, speaking of the “most beautiful face of Messina, all united to help those who suffer and network, each with their own skills and possibilities. Cirs is this and I can only renew the invitation to support us also through our fundraising to guarantee a future in society to the girls we host”.
The unforgettable actor Adolfo Celi, to whom the entire review is dedicated, was then remembered on stage by his children Alexandra e Leonardo. With them on stage the actor and director Messina Giampiero Cicciowho read a touching poem written by Vittorio Gassmann for Adolfo Celi.
There were moments of entertainment and surprises. Among these, the scenography of the Messina firefighters, demonstrating the closeness of the institutions to Cirs and to women victims of violence.
The performance of the boys of the Sistina Academy, Messina branch
There is also plenty of space for music with the Sistina Academy and with Christmas Munaio who paid homage to Adolfo Celi with the theme song of the famous drama “The Bitter Case of the Baronessa di Carini.” Also on stage Jacopo Gassmanappreciated director, son of the unforgettable Vittorio, a close friend of Celi himself.
A special moment was dedicated to publishing with Antonella Ferrarapresident and artistic director of Taobuk, which she recently led to a highly successful edition.
Awards for Messina’s excellences in cinema, art and fashion
The awards ceremony opened with the recognition of the founder of the Messina Film Festival and “soul” of Taormina Arte, Ninni Panzerawho “was able to give prestige to the city by combining cinema and opera.”
The second Messina awarded on stage, this time for his art “made of images and colors” went to the cartoonist and illustrator Lelio Bonaccorsowhose works are recognized throughout the world.
There will also be space for music and entertainment thanks to the performance of the prestigious The Sistine Academy is the seat of
Messinadirected by Max Romeo Piparo. The Artistic Directors collected the applause and the deserved award Birth of Acacia e Sarah Lanza.
Another Messina excellence in the fashion world was also awarded: Fausto Puglisicreative director of Cavalli. The internationally renowned designer has said he is ready to invest in Messina. The idea shared with the mayor Federico Basile is that of a permanent exhibition with his works.
Awards for film and TV stars
Great interest shown in Messina also on the part of Stephen Realiamong the protagonists of the fifth edition of the Celi Award. During the three days organized by Cirs, the well-known director, screenwriter and musician he had already presented his book at Villa Cianciafara “Shakespeare AENIGMA”then also introduced to the public present at the Palacultura. During the gala evening he also announced that he wanted to shoot a film in the city, recalling its history.
The director will tell the story of the meeting at the Maggiore hospital between Miguel de Cervantes and John Florio. “I will return to this city,” he announced, “to tell the story of a time when it was second to none.”
An award went to the actor Amedeo Gullàwho gained attention by playing Nino Bixio in the TV series “Mameli”.
Great enthusiasm also for Margherita Arestiwho was Nina in the second season of the hit TV series “A professor”. The young actress did not hide her emotion when she received the Adolfo Celi Memorial Award. With her on stage was also the actress from Messina Amy Tom ThumbRai producer and writer.
Another award went to the director and documentary maker Daniele Vicari who “boasts several international awards thanks to his talent that allows him to tell stories of difficult lives, reaching the audience’s gut.”
Solidarity awards
The event is however mainly oriented towards solidarity. For this reason, also this year, Cirs has provided special recognition reserved for those who have distinguished themselves for their spirit of service and attention to social issues.
Among these the prefect of Messina Cosima DiStani received the award from Maria Celeste Celi. Also awarded for their commitment to promoting solidarity were the Rai journalist Antonella Gurrieri and the chef Paul Romeo.
One of the Cirs awards went to the director from Messina Fabio Schifilliti author of the film on Omayma Benghaloumthe Tunisian cultural mediator brutally killed by her husband Faouzi Dridi in September 2015 in Messina. This recognition in particular was also an opportunity to raise public awareness on the delicate current issue of violence against women, which Cirs fights every day with the activities of its Casa Famiglia.
The grand finale, following last year’s success, featured the famous TV series “Ladies’ Paradise”with the producer Gianandrea Pecorelli and the actors Emanuel Caserio, Robert Farnesi e Gloria Radulescu.
The latter was also nominated godmother of the Cirs Family Homewith the symbolic delivery of a key by the director Patricia RacitiThe Roman actress has in fact brought to the screen the same themes dear to Cirs, playing the role of Marta Guarnieri, protagonist of a fundraiser to establish a family home.
The cast of “The Ladies’ Paradise”
