The artistic-cinematographic duo Ficarra & Picone, from May to early July, together with the large crew, he stayed in Catania for the shooting of the new film he used as movie set several streets and buildings of the city of EtnaLet's discover some curiosities about the project together.
Ficarra & Picone, their career and awards
Ficarra and Picone (Salvo Ficarra and Valentino Picone) were born artistically thirty years agoTheir career today is experiencing a golden age between cinema, TV, theatre, books. The two artists, originally from Palermo, took their first steps in Sicilian clubs. In 2001 they landed on TV programs starting on Rai and Mediaset, achieving great success with ZeligTheir first film was released in 2002. Born tired; in the meantime they continue to work for the theatre, their great passion. In 2017 they performed at the Greek Theatre of Syracuse with The Frogs by Aristophanes. In 2007 their second film, The 7 and 8Their third film was released in March 2009. The Skein, filmed for some scenes in Catania. From 2011 it is Even if it's love you can't see itTheir fifth film was released in 2014. Let's go to that country. From 2017 is Summer time; in December 2019 the Sicilian comedy duo returns to the big screen with “The first Christmas”.
The two were among the leading actors in the film Giuseppe Tornatore, Baaria with non-comedic and non-couple roles.
In 2022 they co-starred, together with Toni Servillo, in award-winning film by Roberto Andó "THEto strangeness” They wrote a book and created a successful TV series. “Stuck.” They left the management of the satirical news program "Strip the news".
Ficarra & Picone's new film "Santocielo"
The film that Ficarra & Picone shot in Catania from May to early July is titled “Holy Heaven”It will be released in theaters on Christmas Day, December 14th. This is their eighth film. The story and screenplay are by Salvo Ficarra, Valentino Picone, Francesco Amato, Davide Lantieri, and Fabrizio Testini. The production is by Attilio De Razza for Tramp Limited in collaboration with Medusa Film.
In the cast together with Salvo Ficarra and Valentino Picone there is the inevitable Tuccio Musumeci, Laura Giordani and the actresses Barbara ronchi e Maria Chiara GiannettaThe Milanese comedian was also present Gianni Storti of the trio Aldo, Giovanni and Giacomo with whom the two collaborated years ago.
The filming of the movie featured Catania, Acicastello, Acireale, Montalbano Elicona and Rome.
Ficarra & Picone in Catania
The two artists, together with the production, chose Catania as the main location for the shooting of the new film. In particular, the campers were stationed for weeks in the area of Square of Santa Maria di Gesù, set up as a set with a funfair, but also within theGaribaldi Hospital, inside a nineteenth-century palace. The actors explored the city's streets and neighborhoods, accompanied by onlookers and tourists who took photos, signed autographs, and spoke with the two artists, who also interacted with them. Due to filming, traffic in the area was reorganized. Other locations included the fish market, Corso Italia, via Monfalcone, the castle of Acicastello, illuminated ad hoc for the occasion, the village of Acitrezza.
It all happened with the support of the local Film Commission. Filming took place during the day but especially at night. The people of Catania lived face to face with all the professionals of the crew, whose campers were parked in Viale Mario Rapisardi, Via Asmara, Via Tomaselli.
Two generous and sensitive artists
The two artists prove not only to be great stars of the show but also humble and generous people. Ficarra & Picone wanted to visit the pediatric department of Garibaldi Hospital and brought joy to 20 children with cancer, transplant recipients, and disabilities thanks to the Sicilia Shrine Club association. They then greeted patients and staff from other departments. They visited the community of Sant'EgidioFinally they also met students of the San Giuseppe Institute in Catania for the presentation of journalist Ornella Sgroi's book, "It's the couple that makes the total. A journey through the cinema of Ficarra & Picone." meeting organized with the Cavallotto bookshops.
The film shoot brought curiosity and enthusiasm to Catania. For their part, the two artists further demonstrated their love for the city, which welcomed them with open arms.
The duo best represents Sicilianness in Italy, masterfully mixing serious and comic tones, tackling numerous issues with sarcasm and reflection.
