Lia Beltrami, a celebrated individual renowned for her multifaceted accomplishments in the realms of film making, public health, and women's empowerment, originates from the charming city of Trento, nestled in the breathtaking Italian Alps.
After completing her academic endeavors, Beltrami embarked on a journey to refine her filmmaking abilities by enrolling at the prestigious New York Film Academy situated in the vibrant city of New York. This pivotal period in her life had a profound impact on her creative pursuits, as she became increasingly drawn to projects that aimed to promote public health and empower women, a passion that would ultimately guide her career trajectory. As a result, she found herself working on various projects in diverse African countries, including the landlocked nation of Ethiopia, the southeastern African country of Mozambique, the western African country of Ghana, the southern African country of Zimbabwe, and the eastern African country of Uganda.
It was in the year 1997 that Mauro Beltrami embarked on a groundbreaking venture, establishing the pioneering Religion Today film festival, a truly unique and unprecedented initiative in the world, dedicated to fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding.
This remarkable endeavour aimed to create a universal platform where filmmakers from diverse religious backgrounds could come together to share and reflect on a wide range of themes, including peace, the environment, coexistence, and harmony.
Through the years, the festival has made a significant impact, showcasing an impressive array of over 18,000 films and documentaries, thereby providing a vital platform for support and recognition to more than 2,200 artists and directors from around the world.
From the year 2008 up until 2015, Beltrami held the esteemed position of Councillor for Solidarity and Coexistence in the Trentino region, dedicating herself to tackling pressing issues such as Immigration, Women's Rights, and Equal Opportunities.
Throughout her tenure, Beltrami showcased exceptional leadership and management skills, successfully overseeing and implementing an impressive total of 125 projects in international cooperation. One of her most notable accomplishments during this period was the launch of Women of Faith for Peace, a groundbreaking initiative that brought together eight influential women leaders from diverse faiths and ethnicities in the Middle East.
The ultimate goal of this innovative project is to inspire and empower women from all corners of the globe to play a proactive role in the peace process, thereby fostering a more harmonious and peaceful world.
Beltrami's unwavering commitment to her profession has been met with widespread recognition, earning her a plethora of prestigious accolades, including the esteemed Golden Lion for Peace in 2017, a testament to her tireless efforts in promoting peace and harmony.
As the International Representative of Women of Faith for Peace for the FAO-UN, Beltrami continues to utilize her platform to advocate for peace and understanding, working tirelessly to bring people together and foster a culture of peace.
In 2014, Beltrami took the bold step of founding Aurora Vision, a media company that has since produced an impressive 40 documentaries and reportage, garnering an astonishing 167 awards at international film festivals, a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft and her ability to inspire and educate audiences around the world.
Notable documentaries created by this individual include a thought-provoking exploration of Eritrean refugee camps, titled Alganesh, which sheds light on the plight of those displaced individuals. Additionally, Wonderful Tapestry of Life serves as a poignant tribute to the life and legacy of Hon. Anita Evelyn Stokes Heyford, paying homage to her remarkable accomplishments. Another documentary, Viva Kino!, delves into the fascinating story of Father Kino, a pioneer in the field of missionary work, and simultaneously examines the complex issues surrounding the US-Mexico border. The biographical documentary Ukon the Samurai provides an in-depth look at the remarkable life of a samurai who has been declared Blessed, offering a unique glimpse into the history of this enigmatic figure. Furthermore, COMPLEXion tackles the disturbing issue of the skin-lightening industry in India, exposing the devastating effects it has on individuals and society as a whole. Finally, Guardians of the Rainforest shines a spotlight on the crucial work of indigenous women activists, highlighting their tireless efforts to protect the world's precious rainforests and the ecosystems they support.
Beltrami has undergone a significant expansion of her responsibilities, taking on the esteemed position of artistic director for a trio of far-reaching photo exhibitions, collectively titled "Emotions to Generate Change". This ambitious project delves into the transformative journey from symbolic power to anthropomorphic representation, skillfully weaving together the captivating essence of creation and the jubilant essence of protagonists from all corners of the globe.
As artistic director, Beltrami has successfully overseen the curation and display of these exhibitions on the world's most prominent stages, including the revered St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, the iconic metropolises of New York City and Dubai, and the esteemed Davos, Switzerland, during the World Economic Forum.
Beltrami's remarkable professional trajectory has been marked by the production of numerous columns, as well as the authorship of six notable books.
