Danish director Bille August to chair Capri-Hollywood Film Fest

PanARMENIAN.Net - Danish director Bille August (“Pelle the Conqueror”) has been recruited as chairman of the 20th edition of the Capri-Hollywood film festival dedicated to launching Oscar hopefuls and establishing a bridgehead between Hollywood and Italy’s film and showbiz communities, Variety reports.

August, who won an Oscar for “Pelle the Conqueror” is also a double Palme d’Or winner for “Pelle” and “Smilla’s Sense Of Snow.” His more recent pics include “The House of Spirits,” “Les Miserables,” and “Silent Heart,” which is his latest film. Known as a European helmer with Hollywood ties, August also recently forged a rapport with the Chinese film industry, opening a studio in Hangzhou, the capital of China’s Zhejiang province, and accepting an invitation from the local government to serve as a “culture consultant” for the city.

“Bille August has been a friend and supporter of our festival for the past 10 years,” enthused Capri topper Pascal Vicedomini in a statement. “His participation will also contribute to expanding the dialogue between cultures,” he added.

August underscored “the intimacy and warm spirit” of the informal pre-Oscars Capri shindig which will run on the Italo isle December 26-Jan 2.

Capri, which attracts industry heavyweights and stars from Hollywood and Europe, opened last year with the Italo launch of “The Imitation Game.” Vicedomini also runs a sister summer fest, called Ischia Global, on a neighboring isle, as well as a pre-Oscars showcase for Italian movies in L.A. called Los Angeles, Italia.