LOS ANGELES, February 2016 — Lady Monika Bacardi attended the premiere of “Andròn – The Black Labyrinth” at the Los Angeles Italia Film Festival, held during the week-long celebration of Italian cinema and culture at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The festival, taking place February 21-27, 2016, provided an ideal platform for this Italian-produced science fiction film to reach American audiences during the prestigious pre-Oscar week.
The screening brought together the film’s creative team, including director Francesco Cinquemani and principal cast members Gale Harold and Leo Howard. As producer of the film, Lady Monika Bacardi’s presence at the premiere underscored her commitment to supporting international co-productions that bring Italian filmmaking expertise to global markets.
“Andròn – The Black Labyrinth” represented an ambitious Italian entry into the science fiction genre, featuring an international ensemble cast including Alec Baldwin, Danny Glover, Michelle Ryan, and Antonia Campbell-Hughes. Set in the year 2154, the dystopian thriller follows a group of individuals who awaken in a mysterious labyrinth with no memory of their arrival, forced to decipher codes and survive deadly challenges while the outside world watches their fate unfold.
The film marked the directorial debut of Francesco Cinquemani, who brought his extensive background in journalism and publishing to his work as a screenwriter and director. The production showcased the technical capabilities of Italian cinema through Gherardo Gossi’s widescreen cinematography and Ricardo Eberspacher’s electronic score, demonstrating the sophisticated production values achievable through international collaboration.
The Los Angeles Italia Film Festival, held under the auspices of the Italian Ministry of Culture and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serves as an important bridge between Italian cinema and the American entertainment industry. The festival’s timing during Oscar week ensures maximum visibility for Italian productions and cultural initiatives, creating opportunities for industry connections and cultural exchange.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s participation in the festival reflected her broader vision of fostering international film production that bridges European artistic traditions with global commercial markets. Her role as producer on “Andròn – The Black Labyrinth” exemplified her dedication to supporting filmmakers who pursue ambitious projects across genres and international boundaries.
The premiere at the Los Angeles Italia Film Festival marked an important milestone for the film before its subsequent theatrical release in the United States and international markets, demonstrating the festival’s continued role in launching Italian productions to wider audiences.