Viva Verdi!

Last updated
VIVA VERDI!
Directed byYvonne Russo
Written by
  • Yvonne Russo
  • Christine La Monte
Produced by
  • Christine La Monte, p.g.a.
  • Yvonne Russo, p.g.a.
  • Ron Simons
CinematographyJacek Laskus
Edited byFederico Conforti
Music by Nicholas Pike
Production
companies
Release date
Running time
77 minutes
Countries
  • United States
  • Italy
LanguageEnglish

VIVA VERDI! is a 2024 documentary film directed by Yvonne Russo and produced by Christine La Monte, p.g.a., Yvonne Russo, p.g.a., and Ron Simons. The film is an intimate glimpse into the lives of the celebrated opera singers and musicians currently living out their 'third act' while mentoring international music students who live among them at Milan's unique retirement home Casa Verdi, built by renowned opera composer, Giuseppe Verdi, in 1896.

Contents

It had its world premiere at the Woodstock Film Festival on October 19, 2024. At the 98th Academy Awards it received a nomination for Best Original Song "Sweet Dreams of Joy" written by composer Nicholas Pike. [1]

Premise

Explores the lives of celebrated opera singers and musicians living at Casa di Riposo per Musicisti, as they mentor music students who live among them. [2]

Production

Yvonne Russo decided to make a documentary revolving around Casa Verdi, after photographer David Yoder took her there. [3] Russo and her producing partner Christine La Monte, went to Milan with their own funds to secure permission from Casa Verdi to film there. [4] Production took several years due to raising money and other work commitments. [5] The film is the last one produced by Ron Simons before his death. [6]

Release

It had its world premiere at the Woodstock Film Festival on October 19, 2024. [7] It also screened at the 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 5, 2025. [8] It had an Oscar-qualifying release on October 3, 2025. [9]

Reception

Alex Saveliev of Film Threat gave the film an eight out of ten, writing: "Featuring fascinating archival footage, timeless music, and a plethora of compelling subjects, the film may have a rather narrow target audience, but boy, will it please them." [10] Carmen Paddock of Movies We Texted About wrote: "Viva Verdi! treats its subjects, its historic patron, and the art of music – from its classical and operatic forms to improvisational electric guitar crossovers – with an openhearted respect." [11]

References

  1. ↑ Wiseman, Andreas; Hipes, Patrick (January 22, 2026). "Oscar Nominations 2026: 'Sinners' Leads With Record 16, 'One Battle' Next – The Complete List". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Viva Verdi". International Documentary Association . Retrieved January 23, 2026.
  3. ↑ Carey, Matthew (December 7, 2025). "'Viva Verdi!' Reveals How Great Opera Composer Made "Dreams Come True" At Retirement Home For Musicians – Contenders Documentary". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
  4. ↑ Valaquenta, Greer (May 21, 2025). "The Third Act: Christine La Monte On Music, Memory, and Learning". Muse Magazine. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
  5. ↑ Saito, Stephen (December 1, 2025). "Yvonne Russo on the Music That Truly Carries in "Viva Verdi"". Moveable Fest. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
  6. ↑ Del Rosario, Alexandra (June 14, 2024). "Ron Simons, actor turned Tony-winning producer for stage and film, dies at 63". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved January 23, 2026.
  7. ↑ Carey, Matthew (September 16, 2024). "25th Woodstock Film Festival Announces Lineup Featuring 'Anora,' 'Blitz,' Paul Shrader Tribute, 'The Bibi Files,' World, U.S. Premieres & More". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved January 23, 2026.
  8. ↑ "2025 Program Announcement". Santa Barbara International Film Festival . Retrieved January 23, 2026.
  9. ↑ Hueck, Amalisha (October 13, 2025). "Viva VerdI! – Laemmle MonicA Film Center". Discover Hollywood. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
  10. ↑ Saveliev, Alex (October 6, 2025). "Viva Verdi". Film Threat . Retrieved January 23, 2026.
  11. ↑ Paddock, Carmen (October 22, 2025). "'Viva Verdi!' Documentary Review: A Loving Tribute to Artists' Final Acts". Movies We Texted About. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
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