IDENTITY AT LARGE

           THE ITALIAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY
               IN PICTURES:  PEOPLE AND PLACES

We have drawn the title of this series, IDENTITY AT LARGE, from Jerre Mangione’s landmark book on the ethnic experience, AN ETHNIC AT LARGE. In updating the ethnic concept, we wish to enlarge the question of identity and do so by exploring the lives and contributions of those who have created an enriched American experience out of their Italian roots.

This event focuses on those who have chosen the image rather than the word to tell their stories. Thus, we celebrate Film Makers and Photographers from this area, who record, illustrate, and draw from their imaginations bits and pieces of the Italian experience and tradition to pass on to the next generation and the next.

A brief history of Italian immigration to this area will precede the showing of
the films, and a photography exhibit serves as an additional accompaniment to
this event. The purpose of the series is to acknowledge a whole category of people
who call themselves Italian-Americans, but who are also designated in the Italy of their
forebears Italians Abroad. The tie between the two separate but intertwined cultures is clear; the perspective depends on which shore you are standing on.

COORDINATOR FOR THIS EVENT: Diana Cavallo

PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE:
The Vice-Minister for Italians Abroad: Hon. Franco Danieli
The Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia:  Dr. Stefano Mistretta
The Director of the Center for Italian Studies: Dr. Fabio Finotti 
Keynote Address: Richard Juliani
Photography Exhibit: Maria Petrone

FILM MAKERS:
Michael Di Lauro
Len Guercio
Tony Morsella
Maria Fama
Pete Fama
Tony Bruno
Linda Pizzi

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION
QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD 

ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT:  Lorenzo Valterza,
      Assistant Director of the Center for Italian Studies