Giuseppe Tornatore began working at an early age. At 16, he began directing, first for theatre and then short films that won awards in festivals around the world. In 1986, he directed his first feature film Il Cammorrista. His breakthrough film was Cinema Paradiso. When first screened it was coldly welcomes; however, after re-editing and presenting it at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival, it won critical and wide acclaim. The film is a sentimental song of praise to the power of cinema. Since then Tornatore has created many films that can be divided into two subjects: Sicilian films, detailing his memories of his homeland, and have an enchanting realistic flare, and his international films, where Tornatore has a more cosmopolitan approach in genres, style, and actors.

His new film Barria, preview screened at the Cinematheque, is an epic story with autobiographical elements, taking place over 50 years. A tribute to his birth town and tells the story of a Sicilian family.

Thanks to Cinecittá Luce and to Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Tel Aviv.

Special thanks to Teresa Lorenzi, Cultural Attache, Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Tel Aviv