November 2024 | Italian Fusion Festival

Italian Fusion Festival 2024 Photos

29/11/2024/in Blog, Photos /by Maurizio Pittau

Relive the Best Moments from the Italian Fusion Festival 2024.

This year’s Aperol Spritz & Duets edition introduced a fresh, relaxed, and cosy format in the elegant setting of a Georgian house in Dublin. We celebrated the incredible talent of Italian musicians, artists, and filmmakers based in Ireland with intimate acoustic performances, art, film and italian food and drinks.

Explore the full photo gallery here:

Credits: Daniela Nicolosi and Davide Mormolli

Winners Short Video Competition 2024

26/11/2024/in Blog, Visual Art /by Maurizio Pittau

We are happy to announce the winners of the Short Video Competition at the seventh edition of the Italian Fusion Festival, held on 27 November 2024 at the United Arts Club, Dublin. This competition has always been a cornerstone of our festival, spotlighting the creativity and cultural exchanges between Italy and Ireland through the art of film.

Winner: “Home Thoughts from Abroad: Italians in Ireland” by Declan Cassidy

The top honor goes to the thought-provoking and beautifully crafted documentary Home Thoughts from Abroad: Italians in Ireland, directed by acclaimed Irish filmmaker Declan Cassidy. Declan Cassidy is an award-winning Irish filmmaker with a rich background in storytelling that bridges cultural and social themes. A founding member of the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA Awards), Cassidy began his career in documentaries, earning acclaim for his explorations of environmental and cultural topics. Italians in Ireland, is a 15-minute documentary celebrating the lives and contributions of the Italian community in Ireland. It forms part of Home Thoughts from Abroad, a series documenting the experiences of non-Irish national communities living in Ireland.

Cassidy’s work has received international recognition, with his short film Whatever Turns You On qualifying for Oscar consideration in 2010 after it won awards at festivals around the world. Through his not-for-profit organisation, EurAV European Audio Visual CLG, he continues to champion media literacy and social inclusion, promoting understanding and collaboration across cultures. Cassidy has a particular love of all things Italian. He studied Italian culture at Trinity College Dublin.

The documentary touches upon the history of the Italian community in Ireland – from the post-war wave, who hailed from the Frosinone region, to the more recent arrivals, who come from all over the peninsula. Ambassador Paulo Serpi tells the myth of the lost Roman legion, numbering 5,000 – the number of Italians who were found to be living in Ireland in the first census. It features prominent members of the current Italian community in various walks of Irish life, teasing out the similarities and differences between Irish and Italian cultures.

Motivation

“Home Thoughts from Abroad: Italians in Ireland” is a beautifully executed documentary that offers a captivating and nuanced portrayal of the Italian community in Ireland. It traces its history from the post-war influx from Frosinone to the vibrant and diverse contributions of today’s arrivals from across Italy. Cassidy’s work stands out for its masterful storytelling and ability to seamlessly weave personal narratives, cultural history, and broader social themes. The documentary balances historical depth with contemporary resonance, featuring insights from prominent members of the Italian-Irish community. By exploring the intersections of Irish and Italian cultures, Cassidy highlights their unique qualities and shared values, fostering a deeper understanding of these rich traditions. The jury was particularly impressed by the documentary’s artistic quality and thoughtful treatment of themes such as migration, identity, and cultural exchange. With Home Thoughts from Abroad: Italians in Ireland, Declan Cassidy has created an engaging film and an artistic bridge that celebrates diversity and shared human experiences. This documentary embodies the spirit of the Italian Fusion Festival, making it a deserving winner of this year’s Short Video Competition.

Special Mentions

While Cassidy’s film took the top spot, two other standout entries deserve recognition. Both short videos feature the Italian actress Alicia Casu, who is based in Dublin.

“Family quality time” by Fergus Keane

A mother and daughter bond on a day out in town which takes a dark and sinister twist.

“The Choice” by Oisin Cregan

Mia, an aspiring actress, moves to New York, leaving her boyfriend Oliver in Ireland. Feeling unfulfilled, she returns to Ireland to see if Oliver still loves her. While he does, Mia faces a dilemma: she’s pregnant and must choose between staying in Ireland to raise the baby with Oliver, giving up her dream career, or returning to New York and letting go of her feelings for him.

Congratulations to all the filmmakers and crew who participated, and thank you for making this year’s competition a resounding success!

The award ceremony during the Italian Fusion Festival:

Italian Fusion Festival 2024: SOLD OUT!

25/11/2024/in Blog, Tickets /by Maurizio Pittau

We are thrilled to announce that the seventh edition of the Italian Fusion Festival, scheduled for 27 November 2024 at the United Arts Club in Dublin, is officially SOLD OUT!

A heartfelt thank you to our partner, the Italian Institute of Culture, and everyone who purchased a ticket and supported this unique celebration of Italian and Irish arts and culture. This milestone is a testament to our festival’s growing enthusiasm and mission to unite people through music, art, and delicious Italian flavours.

This event is entirely organized by volunteers and run as a non-profit initiative, making your support even more meaningful. Your enthusiasm and generosity enable us to continue fostering artistic collaborations and celebrating the vibrant community of artists and audiences that make this festival so special.

Stay Connected for Future Updates!

For those who missed out on tickets, don’t worry—our journey doesn’t end here! Be among the first to hear about the next edition of the Italian Fusion Festival (and their early bird tickets!) by subscribing to our newsletter. Stay updated on upcoming events, exclusive content, and news about future collaborations.

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Once again, thank you for being part of the Italian Fusion Festival story. We look forward to seeing all ticket holders on 27 November for an unforgettable evening of art, music, and community!

Grazie mille!
The Italian Fusion Festival Team

Julyo & Dario Rodighiero

24/11/2024/in Blog, Music /by Maurizio Pittau

We are happy to introduce the instrumental part of our lineup. This year, the Italian Fusion Festival presents Julyo & Dario Rodighiero.

Julyo is an award-winning, multi-platinum producer and guitarist and bass player. He studied performance and music production at Berklee College of Music and was mentored by author and educator Charlie Banacos and guitarist Mick Goodrick. He has toured and performed with Kino, Michael Brecker, Paulo Bragança, Cindy Blackman, Take That, Photosonic Orchestra, and Dumb Type Collective.

www.julyomusic.com/solo

A Milan-born, Dublin-dwelling improviser, pianist, keyboardist and candidate for Grammy nomination, composer Dario Rodighiero is a versatile musician. He left Italy in 2014 to pursue his music career in Dublin, where he performs in live shows, regularly collaborates with various artists, and composes soundtracks and scores for films and TV shows.

www.dariocomposer.com

Introducing the United Arts Club

23/11/2024/in Blog /by Maurizio Pittau

The Italian Fusion Festival is thrilled to announce its new venue for the 2024 edition: the United Arts Club, a landmark of cultural and artistic heritage in the heart of Georgian Dublin. This historic venue, steeped in over a century of artistic tradition, promises to provide a unique and inspiring backdrop for our multidisciplinary celebration of Italian and international creativity.

A Cultural Hub Since 1907

Founded in 1907 during Ireland’s cultural renaissance, the United Arts Club was envisioned as a space where individuals passionate about the arts could unite, share ideas, and enjoy creative collaboration. Inspired by literary and artistic greats such as W.B. Yeats, George “AE” Russell, and Countess Constance Markievicz, the club was groundbreaking in its inclusivity, welcoming men and women as full members.

For over a century, the United Arts Club has been a vibrant hub for literature, music, painting, drama, and film, hosting exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and poetry readings that enrich Dublin’s cultural landscape. Its rich history and ongoing commitment to fostering artistic dialogue make it the perfect home for the Italian Fusion Festival.

An Inspiring Space for Creativity

The Club’s elegant Georgian architecture and warm, inviting atmosphere create an inspiring environment for artists and attendees alike. Its facilities include a renowned dining room, bar, and even bedroom accommodations, ensuring comfort and conviviality for members and visitors.

Throughout its history, the club has welcomed an eclectic community of painters, sculptors, filmmakers, poets, and arts patrons, making it a true melting pot of creativity. Today, the United Arts Club continues to embrace its founding mission of lively interaction and debate, providing an ideal setting for the Italian Fusion Festival’s unique mix of artistic disciplines and cultural fusion.

An Unforgettable Festival Experience

By hosting this year’s edition of the Italian Fusion Festival at the United Arts Club, we aim to honour its legacy and our commitment to artistic innovation. Attendees can look forward to enjoying performances, exhibitions, and conversations in a venue that has nurtured Ireland’s greatest creative minds while sharing the joys of Italian culture and its global connections.

Join us on 27 November 2024 at this historic venue to celebrate a night of music, art, and culture that bridges continents and traditions. With its intimate and storied setting, the United Arts Club is more than a venue—it’s a piece of history and a living testament to the power of the arts.

For more information on tickets and programming, visit our website. Don’t miss this chance to experience the Italian Fusion Festival in one of Dublin’s most iconic artistic spaces.