Capri Hollywood is not just a festival: it is an experience that merges cinema, culture, and beauty in an extraordinary setting. For film enthusiasts, it is an unmissable event that continues to brighten cold winter nights with the warmth of the seventh art. Born under the shadow of the Faraglioni, Capri Hollywood has evolved over the years into one of the most prestigious cinematic events in the world, blending the timeless allure of Capri with the energy and talent of the international film industry. Founded in 1995 by Pascal Vicedomini, the festival pays homage to cinema and culture, serving as an ideal bridge between Hollywood and Europe.
The beginnings of a dream
The inaugural edition of Capri Hollywood had modest yet visionary roots. Vicedomini’s idea was to create an event that celebrated cinema as a universal art form, using Capri’s unique stage, renowned for its natural beauty and cosmopolitan allure. Despite its humble beginnings, the festival immediately garnered attention for the quality of its offerings and its ability to bring together major names in cinema within such an intimate and captivating setting. Over the years, Capri Hollywood has welcomed some of the most influential and beloved figures in the film industry. Directors, actors, producers, and musicians have graced the island’s red carpet, transforming Capri into a global showcase of talent and creativity.
Capri Hollywood as a springboard to the Oscars
A unique aspect of the festival is its strategic timing in the cinematic calendar: it takes place at the end of December, a crucial period for promotional campaigns leading up to the Oscars. This positioning has made Capri Hollywood an essential platform for premieres, film presentations, and celebrations of cinematic excellence. Films like La La Land, The Revenant, and 12 Years a Slave were screened at the festival before achieving great success at the Academy Awards.
Beyond Cinema
Capri Hollywood extends beyond the realm of film. The festival is also an opportunity to celebrate music, theater, and art in all its forms. Each edition features concerts, art exhibitions, and conferences that enrich the cultural experience and attract a diverse audience. In recent years, Capri Hollywood has embraced pressing contemporary themes such as environmental sustainability and inclusivity. The island itself, with its fragile ecosystem, has become a symbol of the urgency to protect our planet. The festival has also provided a platform for emerging voices and stories from diverse cultures, emphasizing cinema’s power as a tool for social change.
The upcoming edition
With nearly three decades of history, Capri Hollywood continues to grow, drawing increasing attention and solidifying its reputation as one of the most unique film events in the world. The 2024 edition promises to be even more ambitious, featuring a rich program of screenings (the film Emilia Pérez by Jacques Audiard, starring Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz, has been awarded Best Cast), distinguished guests, and moments of cultural reflection, honoring legends like Pino Daniele, Peppino di Capri, Frank Sinatra, and many others. Save the date: December 26!
