SDIFF Presents: Women & the Arts

Written By Valentina Cartareggia

SDIFF invites you to an evening dedicated to Women & the Arts.

We’ll start with a panel discussion about the relationship between American and Italian cinema, theatre, and the broader arts, with a special focus on the role of women. 

Following we’ll enjoy a brief reception featuring wine and a curated food tasting generously provided by our sponsor Il Giardino di Lilli.

The evening concludes with a performance by MOXIE Theatre, presenting A Conversation with Edith Head (Patty Calistro and Susan Claassen), a theatrical portrait of the legendary Hollywood costume designer Edith Head, winner of eight Academy Awards.

GET YOUR TICKETS

Event Information

Where:

What:

  • Panel Discussion: “The relationship between American and Italian cinema, theatre and the world of the arts, with a focus on the role of women”

  • Reception by Il Giardino di Lilli

  • Play: “A Conversation with Edith Head”.

  • When you buy your tickets, you'll be able to choose between 2 options: attend the panel, reception and show ($60), or only to the panel and reception ($20).

When:

  • Saturday, February 21, 2026, 5:30pm

  • 5:30-6:30pm Panel discussion

  • 6:30-7:20pm Reception

  • 7:30-8:55pm Play “A Conversation with Edith Head”

Price:

  • $60 Panel + Reception + Show

  • $20 Panel + Reception


Meet the Panelists

Antonio Iannotta
Artistic Director at the San Diego Italian Film Festival, and Professor of Italian at University of San Diego
Read more about Antonio

Beatrice Basso
Creative Director at the Italian Cultural Center of San Diego, and Theater Artist
Read more about Beatrice

Beth Accomando
Arts & Culture Reporter at KPBS, and Film Critic
Read more about Beth

Valentina Cartareggia
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