PIFF Benefit - BIG DEAL ON MADONNA STREET
The Northwest Film Center and the Hotel Modera Present
Movies & Moonlight at the Hotel Modera
September 1, 2011
Portland, OR—The Northwest Film Center and the Hotel Modera are teaming up to present a special night of cinema under the stars, screening a classic Italian film outdoors at the Hotel Modera on Thursday, September 1.
More than just another outdoor screening, “Movies & Moonlight at the Hotel Modera” brings together wonderful wine, classic cinema, and European ambience into one special evening. The courtyard at the Hotel Modera downtown (515 SW Clay) provides the beautiful backdrop. Chairs will be set for a small group of 75 filmgoers, who, starting at 7:00 p.m., will enjoy wine tastings from Willamette Valley Vineyards, the mood music of a strolling accordionist, and a lovely summer sunset. At 8:30 p.m., the screening will begin, featuring the classic 1958 Italian caper film Big Deal on Madonna Street.
Big Deal on Madonna Street—directed by Mario Monicelli and starring the beloved Italian film stars Marcello Mastroianni, Claudia Cardinale, and Vittorio Gassman—tells the story of a ragtag collection of inept criminals who set out to perform the perfect heist. There’s the cameraless photographer (Mastroianni) suddenly cast into single fatherhood with his colicky infant daughter while his wife does time for smuggling cigarettes; the handsome, glass-jawed prize fighter (Gassman); and the allegedly expert safe cracker played with aplomb by the much revered silent screen star Totò. As their best-laid plans meet hilarious roadblocks at each turn, the endearing characters bicker and persevere.
Tickets for this special event are available in a limited quantity for $25 on the Film Center’s website at http://www.nwfilm.org/screenings/35/350/#2175. All proceeds benefit the Film Center’s beloved 35th Portland International Film Festival in February 2012.
The Northwest Film Center is a regional media arts resource offering a variety of exhibition, education, and information programs, which serve film and video artists of the Northwest. For more information, visit nwfilm.org.