SDIFF Presents: Women & the Arts

SDIFF hosted an evening dedicated to Women & the Arts.

The evening began with a panel discussion exploring the relationship between American and Italian cinema, theatre, and the broader arts, with a special focus on the role of women.

Following the discussion, guests enjoyed a reception featuring wine and a curated food tasting generously provided by our sponsor, Il Giardino di Lilli.

The evening concluded with a performance by MOXIE Theatre, presenting A Conversation with Edith Head (Patty Calistro and Susan Claassen), a theatrical portrait of the legendary Hollywood costume designer Edith Head, winner of eight Academy Awards.

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Event Information

MOXIE Theatre www.moxietheatre.com
6663 El Cajon Blvd, Ste N, San Diego, CA 92115

Where:

Panel Discussion: “The relationship between American and Italian cinema, theatre and the world of the arts, with a focus on the role of women”

Reception: Wine and curated food tasting provided by Il Giardino di Lilli

Theatrical Performance: A Conversation with Edith Head, presented by MOXIE Theatre

What:

Saturday, February 21, 2026, 5:30pm

5:30-6:30pm Panel discussion

6:30-7:20pm Reception

7:30-8:55pm Play “A Conversation with Edith Head”

When

Meet the Panelists

  • Smiling middle-aged man with glasses, short gray hair, dressed in a navy blazer and blue shirt, standing outdoors near boats.

    Antonio Iannotta

    Artistic Director at the San Diego Italian Film Festival, and Professor of Italian at University of San Diego

    Read more about Antonio

  • A woman with shoulder-length dark hair and a tint of gray, wearing a leopard print coat. She is standing indoors with wooden paneling in the background.

    Beatrice Basso

    Creative Director at the Italian Cultural Center of San Diego, and Theater Artist

    Read more about Beatrice

  • A woman with short auburn hair smiling at the camera, wearing a purple dress with black floral embroidery and a matching necklace and earrings, at an event with a backdrop featuring the La Jolla and San Diego Awards logos.

    Beth Accomando

    Arts & Culture Reporter at KPBS, and Film Critic

    Read more about Beth

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