The International Symposium “Italy in Transit” organized by the Italian program at Florida Atlantic University, announces the program of its 6^th edition. We return to an in-person event, even if last year’s virtual meeting was very successful. The symposium is preceded by a series of three film screenings to prepare the audience to the meetings with the protagonists of these interesting Italian stories.

On Tuesday February 8 at 7PM, Cecil DeMille’s 1952 classic movie, The Greatest Show on Earth sets the stage for the presentation and the meeting with the Zoppe’ Family Italian Circus during the Symposium (Saturday).

On Wednesday February 9, at 7PM, the Italian documentary by Werner Herzog, Gesualdo, Death for Five Voices prepares for the meeting with filmmaker on Friday evening.

On Thursday February 1 at 7PM, filmmaker Marco Bonfanti and producer Anna Godano will discuss their innovative film L’ultimo pastore – The Last Shepard, that follows a herd of sheep make their way to Milan’s cathedral.

The Symposium per se will start on Friday, February 11 at 3PM, with a plenary session on the Italian American painters, Marc Fasanella and Tom Di Salvo.

Tom Di Salvo’s paintings will accompany the Symposium as the three receptions will be held at the three sites where his paintings are located on the FAU campus.

Marc Fasanella’s son will be present and will present his book about his father.

Opening remarks by Dr. Anthony Tamburri, Dean Michael Horswell, Vice-Consul General of Italy Eva Alvino, and honorary Consul Antonella Brancaccio, Il Circolo.

The evening will culminate with Werner Herzog’s presentation of Aguirre. Wrath of God and a meeting with the audience (event organized by the Museum of Art and School of Communication and Media Studies).

On Saturday, February 12 (from 9AM to 10PM), the day of study includes presentations by high school students from Italy and Florida, by FAU PhD students and alumni, and speakers from University of South Florida, FAU, Iceland, Florida International University, the University of Pisa, and AATI (American Association Teachers of Italian). The topics range from literature (Dante, Leopardi and De Luca), Jewish-Italian and Italian American stories and poetry, inclusive language teaching, and the new FAU project with the Tuscan castle, Castiglione del Sestiere.

The program ends with a presentation on Magical Realism Italian Style: a research and performance by the Zoppé Circus (starting at 3PM), and the screening of the magical movie, L’uomo senza gravita’-The Man without Gravity (2019), followed by a conversation with filmmaker Marco Bonfanti and producer Anna Godano (starting at 7PM).

There is a possibility for an online connection: To join Italy in Transit: 6th International Symposium on Feb 11, from 3:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) and Feb. 12, 2022 from 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) (same link) Register in advance: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_90eb09QCQ-u2rBoMBVrTcg 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.