Oscar nominated documentary “Viva Verdi!” screening March 14-16 - Laemmle Culture Vulture Series at Laemmle Town Center 5

As a part of the Laemmle Culture Vulture Series, Viva Verdi! Is screening at three separate Laemmle Theaters between March 14 and 16 (https://www.laemmle.com/films?theaters%5B167964%5D=167964&theater) and streaming at Jolt Films (https://www.jolt.film/watch/vivaverdi).

Recently recognized by Collider Magazine as one of the most surprising and "baffling" nominations of the year, “Viva Verdi!“ is a feature documentary that celebrates the vibrant "third act" of legendary musicians living at Casa Verdi in Milan. Founded by Giuseppe Verdi in 1896, this unique retirement home serves as a sanctuary where residents aged 77 to 107 continue to perform and mentor 16 international music students who live among them. The film’s centerpiece is the Oscar-nominated aria “Sweet Dreams of Joy,” an intimate glimpse into this intergenerational exchange composed by Emmy-winner Nicholas Pike—a versatile Hollywood composer known for projects ranging from Michael Jackson’s Ghosts to Steven Spielberg’s Amazing Stories—and performed by soprano Ana María Martínez.

The film is led by director and producer Yvonne Russo, a Sicangu Lakota storyteller and Humanitas Award winner whose career spans 17 countries and includes the acclaimed Hulu series Vow of Silence. Driven by her own questions about family and aging, Russo spent years documenting the "vibrancy" of the residents, ultimately capturing how music serves as a vital medicine for the soul. She is joined by Producer and Writer Christine La Monte, a veteran Universal and Disney marketing executive and Academy member who divides her time between Los Angeles and Rome, specializing in Italian-centric documentaries like Ai Weiwei’s Turandot.

Following its world premiere at the 25th Anniversary Woodstock Film Festival and a screening at the 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival, “Viva Verdi!“ stands as a rare documentary recognized for Best Original Song. Through the collective vision of Russo, La Monte, and the late producer Ron Simons, the film advocates for music therapy and intergenerational living. It offers a poignant, joyful look at a "harmonious encore" where creativity remains a primary source of health and connection well into one's second century.

“Viva Verdi!“ is a part of the Laemmle Culture Vulture Series. The film will be screening at three Laemmle locations:

“Viva Verdi!“

General Admission: 

Saturday, March 14, 2026 - 10AM - $14.50

Sunday, March 15, 2026 - 10AM - $14.50

Monday, March 16, 2026 - 7PM - $17.50 ($ 14.50 at Laemmle Town Center)

Laemmle Town Center 5

17200 Ventura Blvd.

Encino, CA 91316

(818) 981-9811

Laemmle Monica Film Center

1332 2nd Street

Santa Monica, CA 90401

(310) 394-9744

Laemmle Glendale

207 N. Maryland Ave.

Glendale, CA 91206

(818) 839-7000

Tickets & More Info: 

https://www.laemmle.com/films?theaters%5B167964%5D=167964&theater

Photo: Viva Verdi! - Herbert List