The actress and author Emanuela Fanelli, one of the most original and innovative performers in Italian cinema and television, will host the opening and closing nights of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival of La Biennale di Venezia (27 August – 6 September 2025).
Emanuela Fanelli will lead the inauguration ceremony of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on the night of Wednesday 27 August on the stage of Sala Grande (Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido), as well as the closing ceremony to be held on Saturday 6 September, when the winners of the Lions and the other official prizes of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival will be announced.
A profound and versatile actress, Emanuela Fanelli moves effortlessly from comedy to drama, remaining perfectly consistent in her expressivity. Her work is appreciated not only for her acting talent, but also for her ability to capture the ironies and contradictions of the present time through her own deep and personal perspective. She writes her own monologues.
EMANUELA FANELLI
Since her film debut in Non essere cattivo (Don’t Be Bad) by Claudio Caligari in 2015, Emanuela Fanelli (Rome, 6 July1986) has appeared in films such as Gli ultimi saranno ultimi (The Last will be the Last), Assolo, Beata ignoranza, A mano disarmata. She gained early recognition among television audiences through the series Dov’è Mario?, in which she starred with Corrado Guzzanti, who wrote the series together with Mattia Torre, and as the co-host of the programme Una pezza di Lundini, in which she displayed a talent for highly original and surreal comedy, becoming a defining voice for a new generation of viewers. Over the years, she participated in programmes such as La TV delle ragazze – Gli Stati Generali, Battute? and hit series such as Call My Agent – Italia and No Activity – Niente da segnalare. Her break in cinema came with the film Siccità by Paolo Virzì, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. In it she starred as Raffaella, a role that won her the 2023 David di Donatello as Best Supporting Actress, on her first nomination. The following year she won a second David di Donatello, on her second nomination, for her performance in Paola Cortellesi’s directorial debut C’è ancora domani (There’s still Tomorrow), in which she played Marisa, an intense role that confirmed her remarkable gift for bringing genuine and complex female characters to life. In 2024, she was again directed by Paolo Virzì in the sequel to the historic film Ferie d’agosto, Un altro ferragosto.
Since 2016, she has been a regular guest of Lillo e Greg’s radio show 610 on Rai Radio 2.
At the end of 2019, she starred in the videoclip Immigrato, a piece by Checco Zalone made for the release in theatres of his box office hit Tolo Tolo. She has won a series of acknowledgments since the early days of her career, including a special mention as Best Actress and Best Monologue at the Ciak, si Roma! festival (on the jury Carlo Verdone, Daniele Luchetti and Lina Wertmüller) and an award as Best Actress in the 48h Film Project, for her role in the short Un film d’amore. She hosted the 2021 Torino Film Festival and was the narrating voice in the documentary I magnifici quattro della risata (Benigni, Nuti, Verdone, Troisi) presented at the Rome Film Fest 2022. In 2024, she won the Manfredi Prize at the Nastri d’Argento awards and in 2025 took part in the box-office hit Follemente by Paolo Genovese.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs will present “HYPE HAIR,” a new exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Peppermint Sandy, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center in downtown Orlando.
The exhibit will be on display from June 11 through June 25, 2026, showcasing Sandy’s wearable sculptures and mixed-media works that explore beauty, fashion, culture, and identity through the lens of Black hair and lived experiences.
Opening Reception Scheduled June 11
An opening reception will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Orange County Administration Center.
Peppermint Sandy is a multidisciplinary artist whose work incorporates fabric, hair, textiles, and mixed media to examine cultural and societal perceptions of beauty, fashion, and personal identity.
“HYPE HAIR is a series of wearable sculptures inspired by not just my relationship with Black hair, but a dedication and love letter to all Black women and girls everywhere with our hair as well,” Sandy said. “From the beginning of time, Black hair is not only art, but a form of communication.”
The exhibition highlights the artistic, historical, and cultural significance of Black hair while celebrating self-expression and identity through contemporary art.
Exhibit Information
The exhibition will remain on display through June 25, 2026, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center, located at 201 S. Rosalind Ave. in downtown Orlando.
The Administration Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding holidays.
The exhibit is presented by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs as part of its ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and cultural perspectives throughout Central Florida.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.
Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy
Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.
Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.
“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”
Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production
As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.
Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.
“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”
Production Scheduled for October 2026
Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.
Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.
Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.
Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.
Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.
“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”
Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.
“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”
Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.
“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.
