On June 4, 2011, Miami Beach Vice-Mayor, Michael Gongora was presented with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Tourism from the University Libera Facolta’ di Scienze Turistiche, located in Caserta, Italy. Professor Catello Marra, Ph.D. presented Vice-Mayor Gongora with this prestigious designation for his prolific efforts in promoting cultural tourism between Miami Beach and Italy.
Among the many merits of the Miami Beach Vice-Mayor, Professor Marra made particular mention of Gongora’s support of the Sicilian Film Festival (SFF) that is held each year in Miami Beach. This past April, Gongora opened the 6th edition of the festival at the Miami Beach Cinematheque along with SFF President Emanuele Viscuso and Artistic Director Salvo Bitonti.
Upon receiving his award, Gongora commented, “I am extremely honored to represent the City of Miami Beach in receiving this degree which recognizes the great investment of the City of Miami Beach in cultural tourism”.
Actress Barbara Bouchet was also presented with an Honorary Doctorate Degree for her cultural and social achievements. Born 1943 in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, Bouchet immigrated to the United States with her family after World War II. From her early teens, she rose to fame quickly as a magazine-cover and TV-commercial model. Bouchet worked as both model and actress in the United States, but by the early ‘70s moved to Italy where she rapidly became one of the country’s top actresses. In 2002, she returned to the United States to act in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Gangs of New York.’ Bouchet has acted in more than 80 film and television episodes, founded a production company that produces fitness videos and books, and owns a fitness studio in Rome.
The Sicilian Film Festival, 7th Edition will be held April 11-17, 2012 at the Miami Beach Cinematheque. The seven-day festival was created in Miami in 2006 by the Sicilian-born sculptor, musician, writer, and designer Emanuele Viscuso. Now residing in Miami Beach, Viscuso seeks to underline the importance of Sicily and Southern Italy, its cinema, literature, art, food and wine, fashion, and culture on an international platform. While based primarily in Miami, the SFF holds events in both the United States and other cities worldwide. For more information, visit www.sicilianfilmfestival.com.