As it works to expand its programming and reach, the San Diego Italian Film Festival (SDIFF) has hired Valentina Cartareggia as its new Executive Director. Born and raised in Milan, Italy, Cartareggia relocated to San Diego with her family in 2023.

The San Diego Italian Film Festival, led by bold programmer Antonio Iannotta, was spotlighted among the best film festivals in San Diego by Beth Accomando, Arts & Culture Reporter at KPBS.

SDIFF’s Artistic Director Antonio Iannotta was interviewed on April 16 by Marco Werman on Public Radio International’s show “The World,” which airs locally on KPBS FM weekdays at 1:00pm.

Antonio is a trainee lawyer who dreams of joining his mentor’s prestigious firm. But his boss, Salvatore “Toti” Bellastella, the Prince of the Forum, is also an exploitative tyrant.

Stunning cliffs rise from sandy beaches and rocky shores, topped by centuries-old castles that forever gaze out over impossibly azure seas.