Cristiano De Florentiis

Cristiano is a professional journalist. He divides his work between Rome and Toronto. His passion for cinema emerged at an early age. At 14 he was already an official member of the jury at the Giffoni International Film Festival, the world’s foremost children’s film festival. Along with his interest in cinema, Cristiano has also long cultivated a love for television and journalism.

For several years, he has been the Canadian correspondent for the Italian state television RAI. He has been tasked with promoting RAI broadcasts in Canada and strengthening relations with numerous prominent organizations within the Canadian broadcasting industry.

As writer and director, Cristiano has produced numerous nature and social documentaries for RAI TV, such as The Dinosaur Cemetery, Father Goose, St. Jacob, When Time Stops, The Last Cowboys, Between Europe and the New World, The Voice of Little Italy and The Italians of the Last Frontier. In 2005, Italy’s President of the Republic Carlo Azeglio Ciampi conferred upon him the title of “Knight of the Italian Republic.” The honour was given in recognition of Cristiano’s commitment to the Italian community in Canada.

Maurizio Magnifico

Born in Bari in 1962, Maurizio is a founding member of L’Altra Italia, a cultural association whose goal is to promote the art of cinema as a means to acquaint Canadian audiences with Italian culture. Maurizio was the association’s President from 2002 to 2010. He is currently its co-director.

Maurizio’s skills have included organizing numerous film galas and events. Recently, he has also begun a collaboration with CHIN Radio for a series of weekly radio broadcasts. He is a former successful basketball player, having played in the B2 championship. He holds a degree from ISEF L’Aquila, Foggia campus. As of 1993, he has been director of sales for St. Clair Travel Agency Ltd. He lives in Toronto with his wife and three children.

Paul Golini

Having spent the majority of his career in real estate Paul has had the fortunate experience of being part of many facets of the industry. From sitting on boards and steering committees of industry regulatory bodies like Tarion and EnerQuality, to his leadership role as Chair of one of our industries most influential organizations Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), Paul’s vast array of experience in both his professional and personal life has lead to many opportunities of leadership, research and consultation. His opinion and thoughts are often sought after by leading news and media sources.

He is regular guest on BNN, has sat on many industry panels and is co-founder and EVP of one of Canada’s largest real estate development companies, Empire Communities. Having built over 10,000 new homes and condominiums with development and home building operations in both Canada and the United States Paul continues to be a leader, a mentor and a guiding force in our industry.  Paul’s continued passion in areas of health sciences, arts and city building are also evident in his involvement in the Humber River Hospital, the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Italian Contemporary Film Festival and as a Director on the Toronto Region Board of Trade. He embraces obstacles, champions progress and inspires others to do the same.

Maurizio Bevilacqua

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua is a respected community leader, nationally recognized for his consensus-building abilities and reputation in the areas of social and economic policy.

As Mayor of Vaughan he has worked to create a city with a higher purpose and a strong sense of community spirit, while remaining committed to moving forward without leaving anyone behind.

Ken Cancellara

Kenneth Canio Cancellara, Q.C. is a lawyer who has been the Managing Partner, Chairman and Chair of the litigation department of one of Canada’s largest and most prestigious law firms. He has also been Chief Legal Officer, senior executive and memberof the Executive Committee of Canada’s largest public pharmaceutical company.

He is an accomplished author of two published novels both in North America and Italy and is a Board Member and supporter of various charitable and not-for-profit organizations in the GTA. Mr. Cancellara is a leader in the Italian Community in the City, having been President of the National Congress of Italian Canadians-Ontario and a member of various other community entities. Mr. Cancellara is currently an Executive Board Member of the ICFF.

David Palumbo

David Polumbo is a partner in Baker McKenzie’s Toronto office. Mr. Palumbo practices securities and corporate law, focusing on public and private financing by both private and public issuers in sectors including healthcare and life sciences/biotechs, investment funds, asset management and regulatory compliance.

He advises issuers and investment dealers in connection with registration matters and the establishment, operation and administration of publicly offered and privately placed investment funds, including hedge funds, closed-end funds, mutual funds and the placement of securities in Canada of foreign issuers. Mr. Palumbo is Chair of the Toronto Diversity and Inclusion Committee and a member of the Student Committee. He is also a member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Securities Law Sub-Committee, and co-chair of the Toronto legal community’s largest annual fundraiser, AIDSbeat, in support of the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR). He also is a member of the Italian Chamber of Commerce.

Lucia Cavaggioni

At the Tender age of 30 Lucia Cavaggioni reached a crossroad in her life. She had become a successful store owner in Verona and discovered it wasn’t exactly was she was looking for…Lucia began asking herself ‘What Now?’ part of the answer brought her to Canada. Here along with her children, she continued pursuing a life in fashion but from a different perspective.

That was almost 25 years ago. Lucia Cavaggioni heads a lucrative business of importing and distributing high end luxury European clothing. She operates from a charming heritage building in Yorkville known as “InQuattro Fashion Group” and distributes exclusive brands such as Versace Collection, Bikkembergs, Cavalli Class, Seventy, Pennyblack by Max Mara, Chiara Boni across Canada.

Sara Margani

Sara is the Director of Marketing for Cityzen Development Group. Sara joined Cityzen in 2008 bringing a fresh outlook to the Cityzen team. She is responsible for directing the marketing of over a half dozen condominium projects across the GTA, many of which are now considered landmark buildings. Sara is also responsible for fundraising for a number of prominent organizations and has been a proud Board Member of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival since its inauguration in 2012.

Ivana Di Rocco

Media and Communications are an intrinsic element of my life, and Cinema, as one of its most poignant representations, is at the forefront. I am drawn in by its’ artistic interpretation of society, politics and culture. For through the lens, we are given the opportunity to live, view, interpret and compare different worlds.

My 23 year long career as a teacher of French language has afforded me the opportunity to inspire, enrich and broaden students’ understanding and appreciation for another language and culture. I am a modern languages graduate of University of Toronto and I hold a Teacher’s College degree from York University. I worked on television and radio for CHIN as a presenter/ announcer and reporter and I co-hosted a culturally relevant TV segment on Global television. I live in Toronto with my husband and my daughter.

Irma Fiacco

Irma Fiacco is a founding board member of ICFF. Passionate about cinema, she believes movies are the best way to represent Italian lifestyle and culture. She has been teaching in both Italy and Canada for more than seven years. She also has experience in broadcast journalism, radio and TV in Italy. She holds a degree in Foreign Languages and Literature from La Sapienza, University of Rome and she has received an Ontario Certified Teacher degree from the University of Toronto.She lives in Toronto with her husband and two children.

Lenny Lombardi

Leonard (Lenny) Lombardi is President and CEO of CHIN Radio/Tv International which broadcasts in over 50 languages on three frequencies, AM 1540 and FM 100.7 in Toronto and FM 97.9 in Ottawa. He is the Executive Producer of the international television programing block broadcast weekly throughout Southern Ontario on CityTv.

He is the Executive Producer of the CHIN International Picnic; exclusive agent for all Asian and Italian artists for Casino Rama;. Chairperson of the Little Italy BIA; producer/co-founder of “The Taste of Little Italy Festival”; established the Johnny Lombardi Creative Endowment scholarship fund at Ryerson University for multicultural studies in journalism, music and broadcasting. Lenny is married to Grace Fusillo, and they have a 19 year old daughter, Alessandra.

Angela Marotta

As a proud daughter of first generation Italians, I have been committed to working in our family owned businesses starting with Solmar Developments. My passion for wine was imbedded within by travels to various regions of Italy . This led to the inspiration for Two Sisters Vineyards, an award winning winery in Niagara on the Lake, that I operate with my sister Melissa.

Paul Nonis

Paul Nonis is Senior Vice President, Operations for Cineplex Entertainment.In his current role, he is responsible for all aspects of Cineplex’s Theatre Operations, Guest Service, Food Service, and the company’s Amusement Gaming Solutions business. Prior to this role, Mr. Nonis held the position of Vice President, Merchandising for Cineplex Galaxy L.P. He originally joined Cineplex Odeon Corporation in 1988 and has held various positions in Finance and Merchandising since then. Mr. Nonis is a member of the Movie Theatre Association of Canada and on the Board of Directors for the ICFF. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Business Management from Ryerson University.

Pietro Pelliccioni

Madeline Zito

Madeline is an Award-Winning Communications, Public Relations and Public Affairs Executive with 25 years leadership experience and expertise in the Financial Services, Government and Not-For-Profit sectors. As the Vice President of Public Relations at Great Gulf, she excels at building relationships with multiple stakeholders, including media, public, private and community groups.

Madeline is also passionate about business and the community, having served on Boards, Cabinets, Associations, and more than 100 Not-For-Profit committees; active participant in mentorship programs and guest speaker at conferences, schools, colleges and universities.

Carlo Coen

Carlo Coen is professor at York University for cinema, in the department of languages, literatures and linguistics. He is an expert in Italian-Canadian films and culture in Toronto, and is the former director of the Italian Institute of Culture. He has also written various articles, essays on Canadian and Italian cinema. He has sat on a plethora of panels for scripts, and has worked on adaptations for film scripts. He is an influential critic of Italian-Canadian films.

Alberto Diamante

Alberto Diamante is an Italian-Canadian screenwriter, film director, photographer, actor, certified Italian interpreter and film editor. He has written and directed three feature films, Ulysses, Love… and Other Reasons to Panic and The Bookstore. Diamante graduated from York University with a degree in English and Film. He went on to direct a few short films before venturing into features.
His screenplay, Skin, was a finalist at several international screenwriting competitions, including in London and New York City.

Peter Gentile

Peter Gentile is a producer who has created many award winning productions in the documentary, drama and performing arts genres, such as Hurt, which won the Ted Rogers Best Feature Length Documentary Award at the 2016 Canadian Screen Awards as well as the TIFF.40 Platform Prize. Shadow Pleasures, a series of BravoFACT shorts including The Cinnamon Peeler, Tropical Rumours, The Nine Sentiments, and Power, was a critically acclaimed work that aired on CBC and was heralded at festivals and won many awards. Clubland was a documentary that premiered at Hot Docs and was voting one of the top ten audience favourites. Peter is also producing the second season of the docu-soap series Grand Benders.

Sergio Navarretta

Sergio Navarretta is a multiple award-winning Italian Canadian independent film director best known for his feature film Looking for Angelina, and was awarded by The International Women of the World in Bologna. Navarretta is a founder of S.N.A.P. Films Inc., directing films such as Serena DeBergerac, and the award-winning Over a Small Cup of Coffee, Going to the Movies, Il Bagno, Commedia, The Fortune Cookie, he directed En Plein Air, which showcased at Nuit Blanche in Sault St. Marie, Ontario and The Colossal Failure of the Modern Relationship, a comedy/drama shot entirely in Niagara’s wine country. Navarretta is a founding member of the Town of Innisfil’s Arts Culture and Heritage Council and served as Vice Chair of that council for a year.

Moira Romano

Moira Romano is founder of ETV and editor of myetvmedia.com, Moira has written, directed and produced documentary and commercial films. Fate of the River, and Under One Flag won financial support from Heritage Canada and were incorporated into education programs across Canada. Recent commercial films include “Old Town Toronto”, “A Flavour of Toronto”. Moira became inspired by technological advances in media and began creating multimedia programming as a teaching tool. Her goal for myETVmedia.com is to create an online forum that encourages fresh and provocative dialogue in entertainment film and gaming.

Elena Semikina

Elena Semikina is a Russian-Canadian producer, director, writer, philanthropreneur, and founder of Eunoia Films Inc. Her passion is advancing human rights and a better way to live through diplomacy, broadly defined, and her filmography depicts this. Semikina’s best-known film credits include executive producer of the multiple-prize-winning Our Man in Tehran and director, producer and writer of the award-winning Behind the Dress.

Vanna Magnifico

ICFF Co-Founder born in Ottawa, residing in Vaughan. Vanna graduated from the University of Bari in Foreign Languages ​​and Literature, holds a Master of Arts at the University of Toronto and works at St. Clair Travel, a family owed business.
She loves to take art classes and nature walks and she is delighted to be part of the ICFF .

Toni Prato

ICFF Co-Founder and founder of the ICFF Junior program, she was born in Toronto, and graduated from University of Toronto specializing in Italian and French, with a minor in Italian cinema. She now works as special education teacher, and has aided in the production of short documentaries. She has a passion for film, fashion and travel while enjoying developing her skills in sailing, scuba diving and skiing. She is honoured to be a part of this dynamic ICFF group.

Moira Romano

Moira Romano is founder of ETV and editor of myetvmedia.com, Moira has written, directed and produced documentary and commercial films. Fate of the River, and Under One Flag won financial support from Heritage Canada and were incorporated into education programs across Canada. Recent commercial films include “Old Town Toronto”, “A Flavour of Toronto”. Moira became inspired by technological advances in media and began creating multimedia programming as a teaching tool. Her goal for myETVmedia.com is to create an online forum that encourages fresh and provocative dialogue in entertainment film and gaming.

Ali Bidabadi

Ali Bidabadi is a producer and director at Chin Radio.

Louis Calabro

Louis Calabro is the Director of Awards and Special Events at the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, as well as Founder and Director of the Prism Prize. Calabro also co-founded Goin’ Steady Productions, and has performed original stage material at Nuit Blanche and Trampoline Hall and in 2006 began the performance series, “The End of the Internet” featuring best-selling Canadian poet, Christian Bök and Baltimore absurdist composer Dan Deacon. Calabro’s first text “Stop Here on Red Signal 96” was published by Lyrical Myrical Press in 2005.
A graduate of the University of Toronto with a Major in Cinema Studies, Louis lives and works in Toronto.

Rick Campanelli

Rick Campanelli is one of Canada’s most recognizable television personalities, spending nearly a decade as with MuchMusic, he transferred to ET Canada, where he currently works with 102.1 the Edge. Originally from Hamilton and an Italo-Canadian family, he is married to Angie, and has three children. Campanelli is involved with numerous charitable organizations including World Vision, Tuberous Sclerosis, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, McMaster Children’s Hospital, and Kid’s Help Phone.

Sam Ciccolini

Since immigrating to Canada in 1956 from Italy, Sam balances his many business interests with huge contributions of his time and efforts to the community. Co-Chairing and raising funds for over 80 different groups including hospitals, health centres and charitable foundations, he goes above and beyond to give his support wherever he can. Sam Ciccolini has been awarded both professionally and personally, for his countless hours and efforts put forth into the community by many various organizations. He is very proud to be a part of organizations he believes in and to celebrate his Italian heritage in Canada.

Maria Crignano

Maria is the Chief Administrative Officer & Director of Customer Service for Cityzen Development Group. Involved since its inception Maria is responsible for the operations and administrative functions of the company. Maria also leads the Customer Service Department in handling the after-sales transition. Maria’s tireless reputation and long-standing relationships make her an effective fundraiser for a number of prominent organizations across the City. Maria has been involved with the Italian Contemporary Film Festival since 2012 and is a proud member of the Advisory Board.

Tony D’Aversa

Tony D’Aversa grew up in Toronto and firmly believes in the importance of professionalism and active citizenship. He is the President of Bigpaper America Inc, a Board Member of the Emery Village BIA and Founding Board Member of Italian Contemporary Film Festival, His two children call him “a packaging guru extraordinaire,” his wife refers to him as “ideal handyman,” and his Mother simply says “a boy’s best friend is his mother”.

Nick Di Rocco

Canadian born of Italian decent, I am proud of my Italian Heritage. Self-employed in the field of construction, I live in Toronto with my wife Ivana and my daughter Sabrina. I am happy to endorse and promote ICFF as the new face of Italian Heritage and Culture in Canada. Italian cinema makes Italian culture palpable and relevant. It helps bridge the gap between those who left Italy a long time ago and the Italy of today.

Angela Gauthier

Angela Gauthier has been the Director of Education for the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) since August, 2013. The Toronto Catholic District School Board is proud to be a significant part of the fabric of publicly-funded Catholic education in the Province of Ontario, serving over 90,000 students in our 201 Catholic schools, and representing close to half a million Catholic school supporters in the City of Toronto. The Board operates with an annual budget of $1.1 Billion and oversees close to 14,000 full and part-time employees.

A highly respected and experienced educator with an extensive record of achievement. Ms. Gauthier has over 40 years of experience with the TCDSB having served as a teacher and principal. Ms. Gauthier brings a wealth of leadership experience to the position of Director of Education of the largest Catholic School Board in the country, having served most recently as the TCDSB’s Associate Director of Academic Affairs since 2008. Previous to that she served as Superintendent of Human Resources, and of a family of schools. During her tenure, she has focused on the Board’s 21st Century Learning strategy and improving access to technology for both students and teachers. Student Success and Well-Being are always on the top of the priority list and provide the lens for financial and strategic directions endorsed by this Director.

A language specialist, Ms. Gauthier received her Bachelor of Education from the Université d’Ottawa. She holds Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts degrees from the University of Toronto, and is fluent in both of Canada’s official languages, as well as Italian.

Vincenzo Guzzo

Vincenzo Guzzo is the Executive Vice-President and COO of Cinéma Guzzo, a regional chain of movie theatres in the Montreal region.

Michael Lettieri

Michael Lettieri is a Professor of Italian and Vice-Dean, Academic Experience at the University of Toronto.

He has also served as Founding Chair of the Department of Language Studies, Associate Dean and Vice-Principal at the Mississauga Campus (University of Toronto), and Dean and Director of the Italian School at Middlebury College (Vermont).

Nick Mancuso

Nick Mancuso is an internationally recognized actor who has starred in over 200 films in a 45 year career. He has also produced and written various films and Is a published poet and playwright.

Gesualdo Mastruzzo

Gesualdo Mastruzzois the president of Numage Trading Inc. Born in Rosarno, within the province of Reggio Calabria, Mastruzzo is now one of the most important entrepreneurs in Canadian agricultural.

Luciano Volpe