2013 YEAR OF ITALIAN CULTURE IN THE UNITED STATES: MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON PRESENTS A RETROSPECTIVE ON THE CINEMA OF PIER PAOLO PASOLINI

Each fall, the MFAH hosts a celebration of Italian cinema. These retrospectives feature restored prints from the archive of Rome's legendary Cinecitta', presented in partnership with the Italian Consul General of Houston, the Institute of Italian Culture in Los Angeles, and generous local sponsors and community partners.

This fall Houston is among several North American cities hosting a touring retrospective of films by Pier Paolo Pasolini (1922-1975), presented in restored 35mm prints. The Houston screenings are presented in partnership with Rice Cinema, where Pasolini's "Trilogy of Life" films run October 4-6.

Initially a poet, playwright and advocate of left wing politics, Pasolini transitioned to cinema by holding true to his preoccupations with history, religion, social issues and politics. His remarkable output of 26 films in 14 years produced an eclectic and controversial filmography.
To learn more about the filmmaker, the Houston public can visit the Museum's Hirsch library where a display of books is on view, including the new volume Pier Paolo Pasolini: My Cinema from the Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna and Pier Paolo Pasolini - A Future Life, published when the foundation last honored this legendary artist in 1989.

The retrospective on Pasolini at the MFAH will be opened by "The Gospel according to Mathew" on September 28 at 7 pm. All films are presented in Italian with English subtitles. For further information and for the complete calendar visit htpp://mfah.org/films/series/38/

2013 - Year of Italian Culture in the United States, is an initiative held under the auspices of the President of the Italian Republic and organized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Italy in Washington. The aim of the initiative is to showcase Italian culture, not only in its traditional form of historical and artistic legacy, but also as a dynamic asset that gives value to the future relationship between Italy and the United States.

To learn more about the Year of Italian Culture in the USA:

- Official Web Page www.italyinus2013.org
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ItalyInUs2013/
- Twitter hashtag #2013ItalianYear
- Social media platform www.twiplomacy.it/USA