A Night with Director Roberto Benigni: Guest Blog By Christopher Lane

Recently I had the pleasure of escorting a group of Toronto Film School students, as well as several faculty members, to an amazing event curated by TIFF’s Higher Learning initiative held at the Bell Lightbox, home of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

All in attendance were treated to a screening of the Italian produced gangster/ romance farce Johnny Stecchino. As well, audience members and students participated in a lively question and answer, with the principal lead and object of Stecchino’s love, Nicoletta Braschi as well as the star, writer and Oscar wining director Roberto Benigni (Life is Beautiful).

Benigni did not disappoint. He was as full of life and as animated as he was during his now famous Oscar wining entrance and speech in 1999.

I was taken aback by the joy and smiles displayed on the faces of our many students and faculty member’s faces. The Toronto Film School had a good showing, as I was able to not only bring Faculty and students from the Film Production Diploma program, but from Acting for Film, Television & Theatre, Writing for Film & TV as well.

I’ve been fortunate enough to bring many groups of students to attend TIFF’s Higher Learning events over the last few years and it constantly strikes me how engaged and invigorated the students become. We’ve attended lectures with major movers and shakers of the industry including filmmakers, historians and industry professionals. At these events, students and faculty experience unique and interesting perspectives and get to see showings of various projects and films. I strongly encourage you to join us for one of these wonderful events. Please keep your eyes on the various bulletin boards for upcoming events.

Christopher Lane is an instructor of the Film Production Diploma Program at Toronto Film School. He is a writer, producer and director who has been working in the film industry for more than 20 years.