Come join us for the kickoff of Librissimi Book Festival ! Dive into a world of music, poetry, culture, and community as we celebrate the rich heritage of Molise in this unique event.
Italian singer/songwriter Lino Rufo will take us on a musical journey to rediscover the poetry of celebrated Molisan author Giose Rimanelli on the centenary of his birth. He will be joined on stage by a star-studded line-up of Toronto molisano talent: award-winning author Nino Ricci, actor Dom Fiore, singer and filmmaker Andrea Ramolo! Don’t miss it! The evening will be MCd by Daniela Nardi and Pal Di Iulio.
The show will kick-off a week-end packed with rich literary programming as Librissimi rolls out on Saturday May 3rd and Saturday May 4th. See you there!
Friday May 2, 2025
Columbus Centre | 901 Lawrence Avenue West | Toronto
Doors open 7:00
Show starts at 7:30
Admission is free, but space is limited and registration is required.
Our organizing committee:
Roberto Bandiera, Giuliana Colalillo, Pal Di Iulio, Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, Carmela Sisto, Happie Testa.
SPOTLIGHT ON MOLISE AND GIOSE RIMANELLI
Born in 1925 in Italy (Casacalenda, Molise) where he lived until the 1950s, author, poet and playwright Giose Rimanelli, has important Canadian connections.
His mother was born in Canada, her maiden name was Minicucci and, at least one older brother (Rimanelli’s uncle) remained his entire life in Canada. Her father (Rimanelli’s grandfather) was a jazz musician who was born in New Orleans. He moved to Canada after the horrific New Orleans massacre to which he was a witness. Her mother’s name was Teresa (Rimanelli’s grandmother) and she died during a sea crossing.
Rimanellli himself lived in Canada for a time before settling in the US. He was editor of Il Cittadino Canadese, and his first English language novel, Benedetta in Guysterland, was published in Canada by Antonio D’Alfonso, founder of Guernica Editions.
After his time in Canada, he returned to Italy and remained there for over 6 years before going to the States as a guest of the Library of Congress. He was the first Italian to speak at the LOC. After this lecture he was offered several university teaching positions.
Rimanelli was also was also a lecturer at University of British Columbia, and was often in Canada for talks and presentations with other institutions.
Notably, Rimanelli’s first novel Tiro al Piccione was translated into eight languages, and later made into a highly acclaimed movie by Giuliano Montaldo, although Rimanelli himself was not involved in the production of the movie and the story was somewhat altered for the big screen.
On the occasion of his centenary year, in addition to the special Opening Night Event, Librissimi will explore Rimanelli’s oeuvre as one of Molise’s most distinguished literary and cultural figures in North America. Moderated by Prof. Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, the panel will feature speakers and presenters who will take us on a journey to rediscover this illustrious author.
(Many thanks to Sheryl Postman for providing family details)
Celebrating Molise
The Festival will feature an exhibition, curated by Giuliana Colalillo, showcasing artifacts related to Rimanelli’s work, as well as cultural, literary and historical artifacts from Molisan diasporic heritage in Toronto.
We will also welcome representatives from the Azienda Autonoma Turismo e Soggiorno del Molise joining us for this special celebration.
To top it all off, Molise’s culinary heritage will be explored in a panel on regional cuisine featuring newly published books of traditional recipes from Molise and from Calabria.
