March 20, 2024 – 6PM
Directed by Oren Jacoby
Narrated by Isabella Rossellini and Robert Loggia.
My Italian Secret is a journey through time and memory; the story of a few individuals who risked their own lives to rescue innocent people. It serves as a window onto the larger, untold, story of many Italians who helped Jews during World War II. The film revolves around the cycling champion Gino Bartali, whose full involvement in this history was never known during his lifetime. It also presents a number of living characters who were children in Italy under Fascism. They all survived World War II thanks to Italians, like Bartali, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to hide or help strangers.
Hear the stories of how Dr. Giovanni Borromeo, (Head of Rome hospital, Fatebenfratelli) Monsignor Schivo, (Citta di Castello, Umbria) the Virgili family, (Secchiano, Le Marche) and many others, took action and were not indifferent to the plight of innocent people. Hear how Piero Terracina and his family were hidden in Rome for approximately 6 months but were deported to Auschwitz after being betrayed. These stories have many parallels and occasionally intersect; together they give a broad picture of the Shoah in Italy.
After the documentary, you will meet people who will share their personal stories of survival and their gratitude to those who risked their lives for a stranger.
This film was made possible through the generous contributions of: Lawrence Auriana, Maria Bartiromo, Rocco B. Commisso, Vince and Denise DeGiaimo, Gabelli Funds, Grano Family Foundation, Elaine and Ken Langone, Steve Luczo, Marie and Jo Melone, the Mignone Family, Paul Montrone, The Pascucci Family, Amy and Joseph Perella, Joseph J. Plumeri, Frank and Denise Quattrone Foundation, Joe Tucci, Vincent Viola.
Italian Cultural Institute
686 Park Avenue, NY
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