LOS ANGELES — Nearly 300 guests gathered in San Pedro on Saturday as ITTV International and the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association celebrated Los Angeles’ first-ever Ferragosto, transforming Piazza Miramare into an Italian piazza with a free outdoor screening of Disney and Pixar’s Luca.

The evening was highlighted by the presentation of an official Certificate of Recognition from the City of Los Angeles to Valentina Martelli, Founder and CEO of ITTV International, recognizing the organization’s outstanding commitment to promoting international collaboration through film, television and innovation.

Presented by Councilmember Tim McOsker, the proclamation also recognized ITTV International’s collaborative screening of Luca, applauding the organization’s efforts to celebrate Italian culture while bringing the community together through cinema.

The event, created by ITTV International and the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association, in partnership with Disney+ and Los Angeles City Council District 15, introduced one of Italy’s most cherished traditions to Southern California. Families gathered under the stars to enjoy pizza, gelato and a sunset screening of Luca, inspired by the beauty of the Italian Riviera.

For nearly a decade, ITTV International has served as a meeting point between Hollywood and the international entertainment industry, connecting leading studios, producers, creators and institutions through its annual forum. The Ferragosto celebration marked the organization’s latest effort to bring international storytelling beyond the entertainment business and directly into the community.

“This recognition is a tremendous honor for ITTV International,” said Valentina Martelli, Founder and CEO of ITTV International. “We have always believed that entertainment can do much more than entertain—it can create dialogue, strengthen cultural understanding and bring communities together. Receiving this recognition during the first Ferragosto celebration makes this milestone even more meaningful.”

Anna Manunza, President of the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association, said the event demonstrated the power of culture to unite communities while celebrating the heritage of Southern California’s Italian-American community.

Councilmember Tim McOsker praised the initiative, noting that Piazza Miramare was created as a gathering place for the community and that events such as Ferragosto reflect the values of inclusion, heritage and neighborhood engagement.

During the evening, organizers also announced that the Ferragosto Summer Screenings will return in 2027, expanding into a broader program of public outdoor screenings dedicated to Italian cinema and audiovisual productions.

The inaugural celebration is expected to become an annual cultural tradition, further strengthening the ties between Italy and Los Angeles through film, food and community.