From January 13 to 16, 2025, Maison Valentino, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), unveiled Valentino Cinema, a cinematic soirée celebrating Federico Fellini’s cinematic mastery.
Held at the 421 Art Campus in Abu Dhabi, this exclusive event was a meticulously curated event, drawing parallels between Fellini’s visionary works and Valentino’s haute couture approach to fashion, according to Esquire Middle East.
Films that Stir the Soul
Each evening presented an intimate cinematic experience that immersed guests in Fellini’s most beloved films, creating a unique dialogue between cinema, luxury, and art:
• “Roma” (1972) – Federico Fellini’s childhood relocation from Rimini to Rome is portrayed in this semi-autobiographical film, which uses a number of loosely related stories to capture the city’s past and present. It pays tribute to Rome by fusing clips from a documentary with autobiographical.
• “La Dolce Vita” (1960) – The tabloid journalist Marcello Rubini is followed for seven days and nights as he looks for love and happiness in Rome in this satirical comedy-drama. Decadence and the illusive quality of the “sweet life” are two topics covered in the movie.
• “8½” (1963) – The focus of this movie is Guido Anselmi, a filmmaker who faces a personal crisis and creative block while working on a project. It explores the intricacies of artistic production and individual identity in a self-reflective piece.
Intellectual Conversations: Cinema, Fashion, and Visions
Along with the screenings, a panel was hosted by the founder of Cinema Akil Butheina Kazim, which is said to have set the stage for deep reflections on Fellini’s legacy. The filmmakers included in the conversations were Abdulla Al Kaabi, Sarah Alhashimi, and Chndy, according to their Instagram profiles.
A Celebration of Abu Dhabi’s Artistic Renaissance
This collaboration between Maison Valentino and ADIO seems to have lavished the audience with the essence of Fellini’s art alongside the luxurious aura of Abu Dhabi’s modern cultural scene.
Valentino Cinema merged tradition with contemporary elegance, spotlighting the city’s role as a hub for refined cultural experiences.
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