Volkswacht Bodensee - Francis Ford Coppola bridge between Basilicata and world says governor on birthday (3)

(ANSA) - ROME, APR 7 - Francis Ford Coppola is bridge between his ancestors' home of Basilicata in southern Italy and the rest of the world, Governor Vito Bardi said on The Godfather director's 87th birthday Tuesday. Bardi also hailed the filming of the upcoming project of The Conversation an Apocalypse now helmer's adaptation of Edith Warton's Glimpses of the Moon in Basilicata and neighboring Calabria. "On behalf of myself and the entire Lucanian community, I wish to extend my best wishes to Francis Ford Coppola on his 87th birthday," Bardi told ANSA, "The Maestro represents an illustrious son of Basilicata and a cultural figurehead who, through his art and his family history in Bernalda, has succeeded in uniting the international scope of great cinema with the most authentic soul of our region." Coppola's paternal grandparents emigrated to America from the village of Bernalda in the mid-19th century. His maternal grandfather, popular Italian composer Francesco Pennino, emigrated from Naples. Bardi emphasized "the profound value of a true, sincere bond. "Coppola represents a natural bridge between Basilicata and the world, helping to masterfully convey the authentic identity of our region." The governor recalled the director's upcoming artistic endeavor, which will feature Basilicata and neighbouring Calabria in his new film, "Glimpses of the Moon," based on Edith Wharton's novel of the same name. "This is an ambitious project," he emphasizes, "in which Basilicata, thanks to its extraordinary landscape versatility, will be transformed into an exceptional natural setting, called upon to recreate the European atmosphere that will frame the protagonists' story. "Basilicata is always ready to welcome the Maestro and his new visions. Our hope is that this bond will continue to strengthen, bringing new cultural and economic life to our region and confirming, once again, our land's international vocation," Bardi concluded. (ANSA).

U.Maertens--VB