VIVA VERDI!

the movie

Oscar-nominated VIVA VERDI! feature documentary, in the ‘Best Original Song’ category for ‘Sweet Dreams of Joy’ composed by Nicholas Pike, is an intimate glimpse into the lives of the celebrated opera singers and musicians living out their “third act” – actively ageing creatively and passionately 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.

VIVA VERDI! shines a spotlight on the underserved elder population and provides a new blueprint for retirement homes worldwide. It compels
audiences to be activists for change, engaging the media, families and communities in ongoing discussions, bringing immediacy to subjects of ageism, music therapy, health care, retirement homes, creativity, humanity and the arts in general at targeted health conferences and film festivals worldwide.

“Among my works, the one I like best is the home that I have built in Milan for accommodating old singers not favored by fortune…the poor dear companions of my lifetime! Believe me, my friend, that home is truly my most beautiful work.” Giuseppe Verdi

VIVA VERDI! Documentary Feature

director Yvonne Russo
producers Christin La Monte, Yvonne Russo, Ron Simons
co-producers Federico Rodelli, Nathalie Seaver
writers Yvonne Russo, Christine La Monte
music composer Nicholas Pike
cinematography by Jacek Laskus, Federico Rodelli, Maxim Derevianko
edit by Federico Conforti, Darianna Cardilli