About this Event
ICC presents a literature and sociology lecture inspired by the great 1957 novel by experimental Italian writer and poet Carlo Emilio Gadda, Quer pasticciaccio brutto de via Merulana (That Awful Mess on via Merulana). USD Professor, ICC instructor, and SDIFF Artistic Director Antonio Iannotta will investigate the provocative quote by anti-fascist journalist Piero Gobetti: “Fascism as a nation’s autobiography” (“Fascismo come autobiografia della nazione.”) In this perspective, Fascism continues the anti-education policies of the old Italian ruling classes and perpetuates the most inveterate vices of a certain kind of national mindset: empty rhetoric, sycophantic behavior, demagoguery, and political transformism. And today, are we so different from back then?
The lecture will be followed by Sicilian granita by Etna Dulcis, in celebration of a particular time, “l’estate di San Martino,” “St. Martin’s summer” in and around November 11, when days are said to become milder and more summer-like.
If you are curious about Carlo Emilio Gadda's novel, you can find it in English translation online, or in the Italian version both online and on Audible, wonderfully read by renowned actor Fabrizio Gifuni.
More about our Panelist:
Professor Antonio Iannotta joined the Department of Languages, Cultures and Literatures at University of San Diego (USD) in 2015. He taught Italian Cinema at UCSD and at SDSU, and Italian language and culture at the Italian Cultural Center of San Diego. He is also the Artistic Director of the San Diego Italian Film Festival.
Scholarly Work
Professor Iannotta has published articles and book chapters on film, TV series, literature, comics, and theory of media, as well as the books Lo sguardo sottratto. Samuel Beckett e i media (2006) and Il cinema audiotattile. Suono e immagine nell'esperienza filmica (2017). His current research examines the Italian modern cinema, from Neorealism to the beginning of the Dolby Era, from the perspective of cinema sound.
Areas of Interest
Professor Iannotta teaches Italian language and culture at all levels. Using a communicative methodology, he strives to create a learning environment that helps interaction, collaboration, and creativity. He continuously encourages extra-curricular activities to deepen students' understanding of Italian language and culture thanks to his collaborations in the Italian community, from the San Diego Italian Film Festival to the Italian Cultural Center.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Italian Cultural Center of San Diego, 2870 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 28.52
