April La Dolce Italia Festival 2015

Inspired by Fellini's landmark film, La Dolce Vita ('the sweet life"), La Dolce Italia is a week long festival coming to Melbourne in October at the Flemington Showgrounds to highlight all aspects of the Italian way of life– food, family, music, arts, fashion and fun.  Staged by Eventcepts, the event will feature seven nights of entertainment and a three-day exhibition of gourmet and designer delights, including the delicious foods, fashion and culture that make Italy so special.
 
As a preview to the full La Dolce Italia October program five incredible events are planned for April this year including a Gala Dinner with international guest Sophia Loren in support of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation – a charity devoted to protecting children from bullying and violence.
 
Italian culture has had a huge impact on the Australian identity and way of life. Drawn by the promise of the Victorian gold rush, Italians have been settling here since the 1850s and their positive influence on the way we live shows. Italian Australian's are now the second largest ethnic group in Victoria's capital city, Melbourne. From our love of fresh produce to our fashion Italian-style eat streets and a growing passion for the beautiful game, the effect of Italian cuisine, art, sport, fashion, religion, folklore and tradition on the city is obvious at every turn.
 
April 2015 La Dolce Italia program

Charity Gala Dinner with special guest Sophia Loren in partnership with Alannah & Madeline Foundation – Saturday, 18th April, Crown Palladium
 
Australian premiere of the award winning Italian Film Ameluk with special guest Franky - Sunday 19th April, Crown Village Cinema
The Australian premiere of this award winning Italian film directed by the great Mimmo Mancini, follows the life of a Ameluk, a Muslim man living in a small town in the Puglia region of Italy. After a series of unfortunate events, Ameluk must play the part of Jesus during a Good Friday re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross. This divides the town and Ameluk, in a mixture of dramatic and comedic situations must unite them again.
 
Solo Anna with Lidia Vitale – Monday 20th – Saturday 25th April, La Mama Courthouse
A new one-woman show that reveals the many dramatic, funny and touching aspects of the great Italian stage and film Academy Award winning actress Anna Magnani's illustrious career and fascinating life. Anna Magnani died in 1973 but her memory lives on through Lidia Vitale's powerful performance in Solo Anna.
 
A night with Joe Avati and special guest Sam McCool – Sunday 26th April, Candela Nuevo
The worlds #1 selling bilingual comedian Joe Avati brings his unique brand of comedy in both English and Italian to Australian audiences whilst sharing the stage with Australian stand up comic Sam McCool and MC James Liotta. Delivering a night of guaranteed laughs from all across the globe, this trio are a must see.
 
The Great Beauty with Mark Pellegrini – Saturday 2nd May, Candela Nuevo
Renowned Melbourne born and raised Melbourne DJ, Mark Pellegrini brings you a night of Great Beauty through music and pure entertainment.