Successful 78th Venice Film Festival Wraps with Alberta Ferretti Win!

Women in Cinema Honorees

The Women in Cinema Awards were held at the Hotel Excelsior Venice on September 7th 2021 dedicated to female empowerment. The prestigious award was presented to Alberta Ferretti because the extraordinary fashion designer, businesswoman, and philanthropist perfectly embodied the ideals of the award. The event kicked off with a video presentation and special honors conferred on the Afghan director Shahrbanoo Sadat and activist Zahara Ahmadi. The event wrapped up with award presentation to Alberta Ferretti, and additional awards distributed to other female leaders in the film industry.

Cultured Focus was honored to be a part of the events highlighing such talented women. Journalist Ekaterina Shevliakova spoke with the honoree and phenomenal businesswomen Alberta Ferretti, Venice Film Festival President Alberto Barbera, Actress and Jury Member Virginie Efira, Journalist Laura Astrologo- Porche, Fashion Designer Maria Laurenza, Designer Marianna Merafina and Film Producer Franklin Eugene.

During the 78th edition of the Venice Film Festival, the third edition of Women in Cinema Awards (WiCA) were presented by Claudia Conte. The awards were conferred by an all-female Academy composed of film journalists Fulvia Caprara, Alessandra De Luca, Titta Fiore, Alessandra Magliaro, Antonella Nesi, Chiara Nicoletti, Cristiana Paternò, Angela Prudenzi, Barbara Righini, Marina Sanna and Stefania Ulivi.

Presenter Claudia Conte, Designer Alberta Ferretti and Venice Film Festival President Alberto Barbera

Activist Zahara Ahmadi With Actress Claudia Conte - Women in Cinema| Venice 2021

WiCA, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, was created to enhance and pay homage to the talent and value of women, mainly within the film industry and the world of the arts, but also with a strong focus on the social and business world. WICA wants to be a small piece of the great mosaic of equal opportunities.

Alberta Ferretti and a number of prominent figures from the world of cinema and culture, will receive awards. Other winners include, the Bosnian director Jasmila Žbanić formerly the Golden Bear in Berlin, the French actress Virginie Efira, Marta Donzelli (the President of the Experimental Center of Cinematography) and the writer Nadia Terranova. “Alberta Ferretti perfectly embodies the ideals of the Women in Cinema Award, which since its inception has wanted to highlight the importance of women, their creativity and their talent,” said Conte.

About WICA:

The Women in Cinema Award – WiCA is a prize created by female journalists with the aim of highlighting female talent in national and international cinema: actresses, directors, screenwriters, authors, producers and leading figures in the sector. However, it is not an award geared only towards females, but there is a desire to pay tribute to female filmmakers and highlight stories that put females at the center. The award winners are chosen from those demonstrating excellence in cinema and related arts, as well as those personalities involved in social activities.

WiCA thanks the following Partners: KPMG, Accurate-Health and Learning; Istituto per il Credito Sportivo; C.I.S.M.I.T; GEKO-Energia&Ambiente; Vincenzo Del Gaudio; Davide Maule; Marianna Merafina Designer; YUZEN; Antonino Cedro Couture; Giorgia Cicatello Couture.

For more information on WICA, visit:

Instagram: @womenincinema

For more information on Alberta Ferretti, visit:

Alberta Ferretti: www.albertaferretti.com

Photo credits: Claudia Conte

Ekaterina Shevliakova Anna D'Agostino (Cover)