As the inaugural masterclass lights up Zayed University, all eyes turn to the next chapter this November.
Earlier this year in April, Zayed University hosted the inaugural masterclass of La Dolce Via Festival, an intercultural initiative designed to strengthen artistic ties between Italy and the United Arab Emirates. Spearheaded and curated by cultural ambassador and producer Benedetta Paravia, the festival aims to nurture emerging Emirati talent in cinema while spotlighting Italy’s rich filmmaking heritage.
The masterclass—held at the College of Communication and Media Sciences under the guidance of Acting Dean Professor Russell Williams—offered Zayed University students the chance to explore the storytelling craft and technical dimensions of filmmaking. The program included the screening of Goffredo and Italia Chiamò by acclaimed director Angelo Antonucci, followed by a practical session on film production led by Antonucci and Paravia.
“We believe in the power of storytelling,” said Prof. Williams. “This initiative gives our students both global context and practical tools to create with purpose.”
Diplomatic and cultural figures including Claudio Ramunno, Deputy Head of Mission at the Italian Embassy, attended the event, marking a high point in the growing cultural rapport between Italy and the UAE—described by Ramunno as a “honeymoon” moment in bilateral relations.
Coming This November: A Star-Studded Cultural Encore
Following its inspiring debut, La Dolce Via Festival returns with a full-fledged cultural program from November 24 to 26 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The highlight? A special appearance by Gabriele Mainetti, the award-winning Italian director and producer behind Freaks Out and They Call Me Jeeg.
The November edition will feature film screenings, production workshops, and creative industry discussions aimed at building a cinematic dialogue between Emirati and Italian talents. It is the next step in Paravia’s long-standing mission to foster educational and artistic collaboration—one that previously brought over 1,500 Emirati students to Italy through The Intercultural Project.
“One day,” Paravia notes, “we hope to walk an Emirati filmmaker to the Oscars—with a film shot in the UAE, crafted by local talent.”
Stay tuned as LUXE GULF brings exclusive coverage of the November festival—including insider conversations with its creators and emerging filmmakers shaping the region’s cinematic future.
Behind the Vision: Benedetta Paravia
Curator, Producer, Cultural Diplomat
An artist, producer, and long-time advocate for intercultural exchange, Benedetta Paravia has spent over two decades building bridges between Italy and the Middle East through education, media, and the arts.
She is the creative force behind La Dolce Via Festival, as well as The Intercultural Project, which between 2004 and 2016 brought over 1,500 Emirati students to Italy—offering them immersive cultural experiences that extended far beyond the classroom.
Paravia is known for her work in both traditional and digital media, and has produced award-winning cultural content that celebrates shared values between civilizations. Her vision is not only to introduce Italy’s cinematic and artistic heritage to the Gulf, but to support and elevate the next generation of Emirati creators on the global stage.
“I believe that one day we will see an Emirati filmmaker at the Oscars,” she says, “with a story born from the UAE and shaped by its own talent.”
Whether through festivals, films, or educational programs, Benedetta Paravia continues to act as a cultural connector—championing dialogue, creativity, and opportunity across borders.
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