Gianvito Casadonte: here is the story of a man of international prestige
In the magnificent city of Catanzaro, in the heart of Calabria, amid the clear waters of the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas, an emblematic figure of Italian cultural panorama emerges: Gianvito Casadonte. Born on October 26, 1977, in Catanzaro, Casadonte is an artistic director, film and theater producer who has turned his passion for cinema into an international beacon of prestige through the Magna Graecia Film Festival (MGFF).
The origins of a visionary
Gianvito Casadonte grew up in Montepaone, a small town not far from Catanzaro, where he spent his childhood. He attended the classical high school at the Salesian Institute in Soverato before moving to Rome to enroll in the Faculty of Letters, specializing in “Arts and Sciences of Entertainment,” at the University of Rome “La Sapienza.” Here, during his university years, he began accumulating significant experiences in the entertainment industry, working as an assistant director for Riccardo Milani and organizing important cultural events.
In 2002, Casadonte graduated and began producing and hosting the television format “Mudù” on Telespazio TV until 2003. But it was in 2004 that his career took a decisive turn with the founding, together with his brother Alessandro, of the Magna Graecia Film Festival.
The Magna Graecia Film Festival: a celebration of the seventh art
The Magna Graecia Film Festival was born with the aim of highlighting the first and second works of the cinematographic panorama, transforming Catanzaro into an essential crossroads for cinema lovers and professionals. Initially set in Soverato and Montepaone Lido, the festival later found its definitive location in the Lido district of Catanzaro.
Thanks to Gianvito Casadonte’s passion and dedication, the festival gained international renown, hosting prominent figures from the cinema world such as Christopher Lambert, Matthew Modine, Richard Gere, Matt Dillon, Tim Roth, Philippe Leroy, Mira, Rupert Everett, Oliver Stone, Paul Sorvino, Michel Madsen, Pamela Anderson, Patricia Riggen, Richard Dreyfuss, Peter Webber, and many others, along with personalities of the caliber of Zahi Hawass, and many others. The “Golden Column,” the prestigious award conferred upon protagonists of Italian and international cinema, has become a symbol of excellence and recognition for emerging and established talents.
Cultural and social commitment
In addition to the MGFF, Casadonte has held numerous prestigious roles in the entertainment industry. In 2006, he was a producer and artistic director of the “Moto Perpetuo” film festival in Pescocostanzo and produced the theater show “Lisa” by Lorenzo Gioielli. In 2008, he became the artistic director of the Teatro Comunale in Soverato and co-produced the documentary “Tredici” about the tragedy of the “Le Giare” campsite. In 2020, he hosted “Primo Set,” the Rai 2 program dedicated to the revival of the film industry, which was severely impacted by the Covid emergency, alongside Elena Ballerini and Giulia Nannini.
His career continued to grow with his appointment as the regional representative for the Center-South in the Territorial Consultation for Cinematographic Activities and hosting television programs on Rai 1 such as “Mix Italia.” Furthermore, Casadonte is the superintendent of the Politeama Theater in Catanzaro and was the artistic director of the Taormina Film Fest.
A promoter of cinematic education
In 2012, Casadonte launched the “Magna Graecia School in the City” project, dedicated to cinematographic training in Catanzaro’s schools, followed in 2021 by the “Magna Graecia Experience,” training sessions for secondary school students. These projects demonstrate his commitment to nurturing the new generations of filmmakers and promoting cinematic culture at a local and national level.
Scolacium Docu Film Fest
Gianvito Casadonte Brings Art to Young People Gianvito Casadonte’s latest creation is the Scolacium Docu Film Fest, an event that offers young people an exclusive immersion into the world of Italian singer-songwriters. The festival, directed by Alessandro and Gianvito Casadonte, held its first edition this year from May 24th to 29th, actively involving student audiences. This festival, dedicated to documentaries and works exploring the lives and careers of Italian singer-songwriters, allowed young participants to approach the world of music and cinema in a formative and stimulating context, further consolidating Casadonte’s commitment to promoting culture and art among the younger generations.
A personality of international prestige
The artistic direction of the Fondazione Mimmo Rotella Award and collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Calabria Film Commission are further evidence of Gianvito Casadonte’s impact on the world of cinema and culture. His ability to attract and honor personalities such as Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, and Jude Law has consolidated Casadonte’s role as a cultural ambassador for Calabria on the world stage.
Gianvito Casadonte has managed to turn his passion for cinema into a cultural mission that has brought Calabria to international prominence. Thanks to his vision and dedication, the Magna Graecia Film Festival continues to be a reference point for quality cinema, offering a platform for new talents and consolidating Catanzaro as a cultural epicenter of the seventh art.
CALABRIA MAGNIFICA PLAYLIST: Magna Graecia Film Festival
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Article also available in Italian: La storia di Gianvito Casadonte, impegno culturale e sociale
