TAORMINA FILM FEST’S NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR INVITES DIRECTOR BELLA THORNE TO CURATE GALA EVENING “INFLUENTIAL SHORTS”

The Taormina Arte Sicilia Foundation has appointed, effective immediately, arts and entertainment veteran Barrett Wissman as the Taormina Film Fest’s Executive and co-Artistic Director.

As one of Wissman’s first initiatives of the festival’s 69th edition, artist Bella Thorne will be curating one of the prestigious gala evenings to take place in the historic location of Taormina’s Ancient Greek theater, the Teatro Antico.

Thorne will be world premiering her directorial short film debut PAINT HER RED, an original screenplay she wrote, directed and stars in. The short is produced by Sofie Warshafsky and Paige Starke, executive-produced by Julian Wayser, and features actress Juliet Sterner.

To compliment her short movie and make an exceptional evening, Thorne will be inviting not only well-known artists, celebrities and influencers to screen their projects as directors, but will

also feature talent she has recently discovered. For Thorne, using her social media presence to bring awareness to fresh voices and talent has been fundamental.

“We all connect through stories: watching art should be like looking in the mirror. I have been looking for shorts that speak to me about family dynamics, trauma in any form, stories about internalized hatred, and mother/daughter and father/son stories. I’m looking for stories that show balance: both the beautiful and ugly sides of life, and the light and the darkness we are surrounded by every day. I am very grateful for Barrett Wissman for giving me the opportunity to lead the way in showcasing a new generation of filmmakers.” said artist and now director Bella Thorne.

“I am excited to be able to recognize Bella’s talent now as a film director and as a curator. Launching such a great project in the context of a historic festival and event like the Taormina Film Festival is an inspiring opportunity.” said Barrett Wissman.

Wissman added: “I would like also like to thank my co-Artistic Director Beatrice Venezi and the head of the Tao Arte Sicilia Foundation, Ester Bonafede, for making all of this possible and believing in the vision that I believe we all share for the future of the Taormina Film Festival.”

More details of the “INFLUENTIAL SHORTS” Gala and the rest of the 69th edition of the Taormina Film Festival will be announced at their live press conference on May 9th, 2023 in Rome, Italy.

Thorne is represented by CAA, Thirty Three Management and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof and Fishman.

Barrett Wissman is an avid entrepreneur, philanthropist and concert pianist, and for the last 20 years has been the Chairman of IMG Artists, the global leader in the performing and cultural arts entertainment business.

Held in the picturesque town of Taormina, the Taormina Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in Europe and Italy, attracting international filmmakers, actors, and film lovers from all over the world. The screenings take place in the stunning Ancient Theatre of Taormina. The festival boasts a rich and vibrant history and has hosted the premieres for numerous notable films including La Dolce Vita, The Godfather, Braveheart, Mission Impossible, Inglourious Basterds and many, many more.