Chongqing- On September 9, the opening ceremony of the fourth Italian Film Culture Week: Marcello in Fellini's Memory was officially held at Chongqing UME International Movie City (Jinsha Paradise Walk). The event was hosted by the Consulate General of Italy in Chongqing and undertaken by Chongqing UME International Movie City.

The fourth Italian Film Culture Week aims to promote high-quality Italian films to the world and is also an important part of the Italian life promotion program, which, initiated by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is a long-term strategic program based on collaboration between the government and the private sector.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the death of the outstanding Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni, a symbol of contemporary European cinema, so the organizers offer the audience a spotlight on the two unforgettable films he starred and the great filmmaker Federico Fellini directed, namely 8½ and La Dolce Vita (Italian for the sweet life). It is the second time that Chongqing UME International Movie City cooperated with the Consulate General of Italy in Chongqing to organize the Italian Film Culture Week. The movie city has organized many film exhibitions and film weeks, which have widely spread the film culture of different countries and attracted a number of super fans who really love movies.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Mr. Guido Bilancini, Consul General of Italy in Chongqing, stressed the importance of cultural promotion activities in strengthening bilateral dialogue and exchanges between China and Italy. He appreciated the great support of the local government and was very happy to cooperate with Chongqing UME International Movie City again.

After the ribbon-cutting at the opening ceremony, La Dolce Vita was screened. The film is considered one of Fellini's masterpieces and one of the most classic works of all time, which won the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the 13th Cannes Film Festival and the Oscar for Best Costumes. The film stars Marcello Mastroianni as Marcello Rubini, a journalist writing for gossip magazines. He takes candid photographs of celebrities, especially when they are in compromising or embarrassing situations. Despite his luxurious lifestyle, the journalist wonders if he would be better off living a simpler life.

The other edgy film will be shown on the second day of the film week. 8½ follows Guido Anselmi, a film director who is going to a health resort to relax after the success of his latest film. However, he can't get a moment's rest, as his former colleagues have been looking for more work. He suffers from stifled creativity as he attempts to direct another film. Meanwhile, he begins to recall the events of his life. It is Fellini's autobiographical film about the trials and tribulations of filmmaking.