AMBI Group principals Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi are moving forward with an homage to Federico Fellini’s classic film “La Dolce Vita” and have closed an option agreement with the Fellini family and estate to clear the way for a new feature film, which they will finance and produce with Italian producer Daniele Di Lorenzo.
Di Lorenzo will produce the film through his LDM Productions banner. AMBI, in addition to financing and producing through AMBI Pictures, will oversee global distribution of the film through its international sales division, AMBI Distribution.
Francesca Fellini, niece of Federico Fellini and the last blood descendent of the Fellini family, is the film ambassador for “La Dolce Vita.” She stated, “We’ve been approached countless times and asked to consider everything from remakes and re-imaginings to prequels and sequels. We knew it would take very special producers and compelling circumstances to motivate the family to allow rights to be optioned. Daniele, Andrea and Monika have a beautiful vision of a modern film, and considering their Italian heritage and deep appreciation and understanding of my uncle’s works, there couldn’t be a better alignment for this project.”
Stated Daniele Di Lorenza: “Since I was young, living in Rome, I was always fascinated by the myth surrounding ‘La Dolce Vita.’ Now I am happy to be part, with Francesca, Andrea and Monika, of an extended mythology.”
Said Iervolino, “All of the elements that made ‘La Dolce Vita’ an instant classic will be ingredients in this new film. Our vision is of a contemporary story every bit as commercial, iconic and award-worthy as the original. These are big aspirations of course, but we have to be bold if we want to match the imprint of the original film and have the utmost confidence this vision will play out beautifully. We’re thankful to the Fellini family and eager to begin collaborating with Daniele, who shares our passion and has been so amazing in bringing this to us.”
“There is a finite number of films that transcend eras and without doubt ‘La Dolce Vita’ is one of them,” added Bacardi. “As a filmmaker, you can’t ask for better source material or better inspiration for a film. It’s now our responsibility to deliver something that lives up to the mastery of the original. Working with Daniele, a very gifted producer in his own right, and with guidance from the Fellini family, we couldn’t be more excited to fast track this project at AMBI.”
The classic 1960 Italian comedy-drama “La Dolce Vita” was written and directed by the legendary Federico Fellini. The film follows restless reporter Marcello Rubini (Marcello Mastroianni) over seven days and nights on his journey through the “sweet life” of Rome in a fruitless search for love and happiness. While Marcello contends with the overdose taken by his girlfriend, Emma (Yvonne Furneaux), he also pursues heiress Maddalena (Anouk Aimée) and movie star Sylvia (Anita Ekberg), embracing a carefree approach to living. Despite his hedonistic attitude, Marcello does have moments of quiet reflection, resulting in an intriguing cinematic character study.
Considered one the best films of the era, “La Dolce Vita” won the Palme d’Or at the 1960 Cannes Film Festival and the Oscar for Best Costume Design.
