One of Italy's most beloved traditions is coming to Los Angeles. Conceived by ITTV International and Little Italy of Los Angeles Association, in partnership with the Los Angeles City Council District 15 and Disney+, a new Ferragosto celebration will debut on August 15 at Piazza Miramare in San Pedro, transforming the waterfront into an authentic Italian piazza with a free outdoor screening of Disney and Pixar's Luca.
The initiative marks the launch of what organizers envision as a recurring cultural celebration that brings Italian cinema, traditions and storytelling directly into the Los Angeles community. ITTV International is already working with local partners to expand the program into an annual series of outdoor screenings dedicated to Italian films and audiovisual productions, further strengthening the cultural bridge between Italy and Southern California.
Celebrated every August 15, Ferragosto marks the height of the Italian summer—a national holiday when families and friends gather by the sea, in village squares and around the table to celebrate community, friendship and the joy of being together. For one evening, that same atmosphere will come to San Pedro, where guests will enjoy pizza, gelato and the unmistakable warmth of an Italian summer before a sunset screening of Luca, Disney and Pixar's acclaimed film inspired by the beauty of the Italian Riviera.
The event is presented in partnership with the Portofino Days International Fiction Festival, an important collaborator of ITTV International. The partnership carries special significance, as Luca draws much of its visual inspiration from the enchanting Ligurian coastline, whose timeless beauty has made Portofino one of Italy's most iconic destinations.
"This celebration is about much more than a movie," said Valentina Martelli, Founder and CEO of ITTV International, together with Cristina Scognamillo, co founder. "At ITTV International, we believe entertainment is one of the world's most powerful tools for building cultural bridges. Beyond creating opportunities for international productions, creative collaborations and business partnerships, we are equally committed to bringing these stories directly into the community. This celebration reflects our belief that cinema can inspire dialogue, foster cultural understanding and bring people together, while sharing the very best of Italy with audiences far beyond its borders."
" Our mission has always been to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of Southern California's largest Italian-American community while creating opportunities for everyone to experience and enjoy our culture,” said Anna Manunza, President of the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association. “I am especially happy that our Piazza Miramare will host its first-ever Ferragosto celebration and that thanks to Disney +, Valentina Martelli and ITTV International as well as CD15, we can offer this special evening free of charge to the community. Ferragosto has long been a time for family, friendship, and togetherness, and we are delighted to celebrate this much cherished Italian tradition by inviting everyone to enjoy a beloved Disney film under the stars. We hope the evening creates lasting memories while experiencing the warmth and spirit of Italian culture.”
" The newly dedicated Piazza Miramare has quickly become a gathering place for our community, and that's exactly what it was designed to be,” said Councilmember Tim McOsker, Los Angeles City Council District 15. “A summer evening like this is what the piazza was built for: bringing people together to enjoy a film like Luca, celebrate friendship, family, and the spirit of the Italian coast, to honor the vibrant Italian heritage that has helped shape San Pedro. It's evenings like these that remind us how important public spaces are in bringing neighbors together, celebrating our shared history, and creating lasting memories."
The Ferragosto celebration is free and open to the public and will be promoted throughout the Los Angeles region, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience one of Italy's most treasured traditions through film, food and community.
EVENT DETAILS
What:
Ferragosto Celebration featuring a free outdoor screening of Disney and Pixar's Luca
Presented by:
ITTV International, Little Italy of Los Angeles Association, Disney+, and Los Angeles City Council District 15
In Partnership with:
Portofino Days International Fiction Festival
Date:
Saturday, August 15
Time:
7:00 p.m. – Gates Open
7:45 p.m. – Screening Begins at Sunset
Where:
Piazza Miramare
San Pedro, Los Angeles, California
Admission:
Free and open to the public.
What to Bring:
Bring blankets and cushions, settle in under the stars, and enjoy an unforgettable Italian summer evening by the waterfront.
