May 15 Angels and Demons

Set almost entirely in Rome, the movie based on Dan Brown’s book, Angels and Demons, will premier on May 15th. Word is that the moviemakers (including director Ron Howard) were banned from filming in any churches in Italy because the last Dan Brown film, The Da Vinci Code, portrayed the Catholic church in such a negative light. But apparently some shots of the Vatican will make it on the big screen-thanks to secret cameras! If you didn’t see the trailer on SuperBowl Sunday, watch it here.

The Last Emperor Opens in the US

"The Last Emperor," the documentary about the life and career of Roman designer Valentino, opens in the US in March. The Film Forum in NYC on March 18th is the first venue for this exciting movie that has all the fashion world talking. The movie provides an inside look at the high fashion world and all its foibles, and most endearingly portrays Valentino Garavani's 50 year relationship with his partner Giancarlo Giammeti. If you can't get to Manhattan for the show, see it in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas.

Ravello Festival

Every summer the hilltop town of Ravello celebrates its long association with some of the most famous artists in the world. Richard Wagner, Greta Garbo and Giovanni Boccaccio are just a few of the illustrious artists who at one time made Ravello their home. The Ravello Festival lasts from the end of June to the end of October and includes music, films and other cultural events. Each section is dedicated to a particular artist who was inspired by Ravello. The Visual Arts section is dedicated to M.C. Escher and the Musical Promenades section is dedicated to E.M. Forster. The film section (dedicated to Greta Garbo) is perhaps one of the most charming aspects of the festival, as the movies are projected on a big screen in the middle of the main piazza. So very Cinema Paradiso-and so very Italian.

Google Earth Unearths Rome

Google Earth unveiled its latest project last night-Ancient Rome 3D-a virtual satellite view of ancient Rome. Now you can zoom in on Rome in the 4th century CE just as you would zoom in on Manhattan today. The project is in conjunction with the Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities at the University of Virginia and many other contributing universities. On November 20, the city of Rome will open a short movie based on the project in a theater near the Colosseum called "3D Rewind Rome" that will take viewers through the ancient city. Google is even hosting a competition for educators to design a curriculum around the model. Read more about the project in today's New York Times and have fun!

Quantum of Solace Premiers in Rome

The new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, premiered in Rome at the Warner Theater in Piazza dell Repubblica on Wednesday. In an interview there, Daniel Craig, inspired by the American election, said that the world is ready for a black 007. This latest Bond movie has several scenes that take place in Siena and picks up just 20 minutes after Casino Royale ends. Reviews of Quantum of Solace claim that while Casino Royale was a hard act to follow, the new Bond flick delivers and is definitely worth seeing.

Jessica Biel Promotes "Easy Virtue" at the Rome Film Festival

Jessica Biel was stunning in Yves Saint Laurent in Rome Monday screening her new film, Easy Virtue. The film is a remake of a 1928 Alfred Hitchcock movie based on a Noel Coward play of the same name. The movie is sure to be a hit with an excellent cast including Kristin Scott Thomas and Colin Firth.

Festival Internazionale del Film di Roma

Rome's International Film Festival is happening right now. Stars from all over the world, like Al Pacino (who received the Marc'Aurelio Acting Award) and Willem Defoe have descended upon Rome to premier new films and participate in what has been a major cinematic event in the past. This year's festivities are a little subdued, as Rome's mayor tried to withdraw funding (La Notte Bianca suffered a similar fate this year). You can attend the films as well-in fact, the festival offers a great deal-three movies for 12 Euros. The celebration continues through October 31st.

American Academy in Rome Events

The American Academy in Rome, perched high atop the Gianicolo hill, is an institution devoted to the study of the art, architecture, literature, archaeology and music of ancient and modern Rome. To study there is a great honor and often unattainable by those of us who haven't determined to devote our lives to academia. But when you are in Rome, you are invited to attend events at the Academy. Films, lectures, concerts and exhibits are constantly happening at the Academy-and the good news is they are very likely to be in English! See their events calendar for more details.

Valentino: The Last Emperor

The Venice Film Festival was the site of the premiere of a new documentary about the life of fashion designer Valentino Garavani. Valentino retired last year but his designs are still going strong-and so is his influence. Rome, of course, hosted his retirement party last summer in full glory, with a retrospective of his designs in the Ara Pacis Museum (pictured) and a stunning party at the Villa Borghese. This fall, from September 3rd through September 10, Samsung is hosting a digital exhibition of Valentino's works during New York City's Fashion Week called "The Red Thread: The Inspiration and Passion of Valentino." There you can also see sneak preview footage of the new documentary, "Valentino: The Last Emperor."