A monthly bulletin for Italian American organizations and media outlets, dedicated to promoting the language, culture and traditions of Italians and Italian Americans.
Italian American Director Qualifies For Academy Awards
 Up -and-coming Italian American director Justin Ambrosino recently qualified for the Academy Awards with his short film, “The 8th Samurai.” Born in New York City, Ambrosino received his M.F.A. in film direction at the American Film Institute where he was given the Patricia Hitchcock O’Connell Scholarship.
“The 8th Samurai” has gone on to win numerous awards and has been shown at 23 festivals around the world. Visit www.the8thsamuraimovie.com.
NIAF Scholarships Now Available Online
More than 100 scholarships will be available to students through the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) for the 2010-2011 academic year. The Foundation has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships and cultural grants since its inception in 1976, including more than $1,000,000 in 2009.
NIAF celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. Since NIAF’s inception, the scholarship program has grown from four scholarships of $250 each to more than 100 annual scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 each in the humanities, medicine, engineering, business, music, Italian language and culture, and other specialized fields. Last year, the average scholarship to students in the United States was worth more than $3,000.
Applicants either must be of Italian descent, with at least one ancestor who has emigrated from Italy, or a student of any ethnic background majoring or minoring in the Italian language, Italian studies, Italian-American studies or a related field. NIAF scholarship recipients are selected based on academic merit. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 to apply.
Contributors to the NIAF scholarship program include individuals, corporations, and organizations across the U.S. NIAF will also consider matching scholarships with other organizations.
Apply online for a 2009-2010 NIAF scholarship at www.niaf.org/scholarships. The application deadline is March 5, 2010. To establish a NIAF scholarship, contact NIAF Director of Education and Culture Serena Cantoni at 202/939-3111 or serena@niaf.org.
Winter Festivities in Italy
In Italy, Italians believe in La Befana, an Italian folklore character who delivers presents to children. On January 6 La Befana fills their socks with candy and presents if they are good or a lump of coal or dark candy if they are bad. The child's family typically leaves a small glass of wine and a plate with a few morsels of food for La Befana.
Carnevale tops the list of festivals in Italy during February. In Catania, Sicily, a big festival held on Saint Agatha’s Feast Day is the second largest religious procession in the world. Another festival includes an almond blossom fair.
Wonder What Italians Bought for Christmas?
ANSA, Italy’s national wire service, reported that an increased percentage of Italians bought domestic goods this Christmas. Compared to other countries, where populations buy national products at an average of 59 percent, Italians buy at an average of 75 percent according to the Coldiretti Famers Union. These statistics were reported in a survey by the Deloitte Research Group.
An increase in domestic products proved that Italians are confident that homemade products are created through respected environmental norms and labor laws.
Italian Classes For Kids And Adults In California
Registration is now open for the spring session of Italian classes for youngsters and adults by Fondazione Italia in Burbank, Hermosa Beach, Los Feliz, West Los Angeles and Irvine, Calif. Classes start February 6, 2010 and are offered at all levels.
Download a class schedule and pricing information at www.fondazione-italia.org, e-mail info@fondazione-italia.org or call (310) 739-9350.
New books to Check Out
● Celebrate Heart Awarness Month
To celebrate Heart Awareness Month in February, the new book “Back to Life After a Heart Crisis” by Marc Wallack MD and longtime NIAF supporter Jamie Colby, correspondent for FOX News Channel, will be at bookstores on February 4, 2010. With all the mentions of red wine and olive oil, you would think this book was written just for Italians. The husband and wife team offers their moving personal story along with a guide to reclaiming your life after a traumatic heart event. This book shows readers how to not only gain emotional strength, but also heal physically by working through eight important milestones. “Back to Life After a Heart Crisis” helps patients and their loved ones heal hearts and minds. Visit www.backtolifethebook.com.
● The Lady Queen
Joanna I, the fourteenth century queen of Naples and Sicily, had a kingdom that was one of the most prestigious in Europe. It was home to artists and writers of the period in southern Italy including Giotto, Boccaccio and Petrarch. Nancy Goldstone’s new book tells the story of a leader who ruled for 30 years and has been proclaimed “The Lady Queen.” Visit www.amazon.com.
● Hungry for Italy?
Eric Dregni wanted to live in a place with the best food in the world. His dream led him from Minnesota to Milan, Italy and finally to Modena: the birthplace of balsamic vinegar, Ferrari and Luciano Pavarotti. In his book, “Never Trust a Thin Cook,” Dregni retells the stories of his travels.
The new release is a funny travel tale full of his unexpected adventures, awkward moments and delicious food. Visit www.upress.umn.edu/Books/D/dregni_never.html.
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Upcoming Events:
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Please send your group or city’s news on Italian American exhibits, cultural events, scholarships and special events to: Elissa Ruffino, the NIAF, 1860 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009. Or write her on the internet, e-mail address: elissa@niaf.org
N.B. Events/programs noted are not necessarily endorsed or sponsored by NIAF.
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