CLEVELAND, September 15, 2017 — Lady Monika Bacardi supported the production of “In Search of Fellini,” a coming-of-age adventure film directed by Taron Lexton, featuring Ksenia Solo, Maria Bello, and Mary Lynn Rajskub. The film premiered on September 15, 2017, earning critical recognition for its imaginative storytelling.
The narrative follows Lucy, a young woman from Ohio who discovers the transformative power of cinema through the works of legendary Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini. Inspired particularly by Fellini’s 1954 Oscar-winning masterpiece “La Strada,” Lucy embarks on an extraordinary journey across Italy, seeking to meet the visionary director whose films awakened her imagination.
The project was developed through AMBI Media Group and Spotted Cow Entertainment, with Lady Monika Bacardi serving alongside Andrea Iervolino as executive producer. The screenplay was co-written by Nancy Cartwright and Peter Kjenaas, drawing inspiration from Cartwright’s own experiences. Additional producers included Peter Kjenaas, Monica Padro, Nathan Lorch, and Milena Ferreira.
Director Taron Lexton crafted a distinctive visual approach that blends reality with fantasy, creating a cinematic experience that honors Fellini’s artistic legacy. The film explores themes of self-discovery, artistic awakening, and the transformative power of cinema. Through Lucy’s quest, audiences witness how exposure to meaningful art can fundamentally alter one’s perception of the world and inspire profound personal growth.
The production received recognition at multiple film festivals, winning four awards throughout its festival run. The film’s theatrical premiere took place in September 2017, followed by digital release platforms.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s involvement in “In Search of Fellini” reflects her dedication to supporting films that celebrate artistic excellence and examine the relationship between cinema and personal transformation. Her participation in this project underscores her commitment to fostering narratives that honor cinema’s greatest visionaries while introducing their work to new generations of audiences.
