Goal
• To provide an overview of the opportunity to host an Italian Film Festival in Sugar
Land
• To gauge the City Council interest in the
City hosting Umbria in Sugar Land
Sugar Land in Umbria
• In 2016, a Sugar Land resident approached the City about possibility of hosting an Italian film
festival in Sugar Land in partnership with the Region of Umbria and International Film
Festival of Spello (IFFS)
• The Region of Umbria and IFFS already host a film festival in Spello
• A proposed US festival would serve as its
counterpart
Sugar Land in Umbria
• A film festival has been identified as a way for Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, and the surrounding Houston region to enjoy the
Region of Umbria’s culture, while promoting tourism and economic activity locally
• In September, a delegation from Sugar Land traveled to the Region of Umbria (at Region’s expense) to discuss growing an international
relationship – Mayor, Cultural Arts Manager & Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce
Spello, Italy
• Spello is an ancient town
in Italy, in the province of Perugia, located in central Umbria
• It is known for its densely populated, walled town, views of Umbrian plains,
medieval gates, a flower festival and a film festival
• Each year Spello hosts the Festival del Cinema di Spello e dei Borghi Umbri
History of Festival del Cinema di Spello e dei Borghi Umbri
• 6th annual Spello Film Festival
• Celebrates the industries of filmmaking • Integrates educational programing
• Promotes region and tourism
• Supported and endorsed by many entities including:
– Venice Film Festival – Region of Umbria – Neighboring governments
– Extensive industry professionals
Why Sugar Land?
• Existing cultural initiatives
• City’s capability to host such an event
• Potential for growth
• Demographic
• Regional location
• Tie in with community member
Goal of Umbria in Sugar Land
• Take advantage of low-cost, high-impact opportunity to enhance Cultural Arts in Sugar
Land
• To provide a cultural film experience for the citizens of Sugar Land and surrounding region
• To create a lasting partnership with the
Umbrian region to promote art, culture, tourism and economic development in Sugar
Land.
Potential Programming
• Screening of 4-8 films
• Public outdoor film screening • Educational lecture
• Panel discussion
• Art exhibition
• Business-to-Business meeting
Programming can expand if festival is desired in future years.
Potential Locations for Events
• Sugar Land Auditorium • Town Square
Other Venues of Interest • TIRZ No. 4 Plaza
• University of Houston Sugar Land
Potential Dates
• April 26-30, 2017 • May 24-28, 2017
Partners
• City of Sugar Land (HOT Funds)
– Maximum Cost of Approximately $40,000
• Chamber of Commerce - coordinate and lead sponsorship opportunities
• Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation -
assist with venue and venue operations
Next Steps
• Establish date of festival with Festival del
Cinema Città di Spello & Region of Umbria
• Develop Memo of Understanding to identify various responsibilities between
the City, Chamber, Region of Umbria, and
the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation