Reel romance at MiraNila
“Cinema Paradiso al Fresco’s” magical evening of film and live music was held recently on the lush lawn of the MiraNila Heritage House, the historic home of the Benitez family. The event featured Giuseppe Tornatore’s acclaimed 1988 classic Cinema Paradiso, accompanied by a live score that transformed the screening into an immersive cultural experience enjoyed under the cool Manila skies.
Hosts Bryan B. McClelland and Alix B. Brown, fourth-generation members of the Benitez family, opened the program by emphasizing the importance of responsible stewardship and cultural preservation. They shared how the evening continued the momentum of last year’s “Pelikula saMiraNila” series, which has helped fund the restoration of significant artworks by renowned Filipino artists housed within the estate. Guests enjoyed pastas and pizzas by Bizu, wines from Ralph’s Wine, and the estate’s charming gift shop of curiosities.
The live score was performed by violinist Alessio Benvenuti—internationally acclaimed concertmaster of the Manila Symphony Orchestra—and international concert pianist Mariel Ilusorio on a beautifully restored 1904 Steinway New York grand piano, itself a star of the evening. An audience member described the performance as “a rare and intimate dialogue between artists, instruments, and film.”
Scored by Ennio and Andrea Morricone, Cinema Paradiso remains a poignant tribute to memory, mentorship, and the enduring love of cinema. Many will remember Ennio Morricone for the iconic soundtrack of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, one of the biggest movie hits of its time. Benvenuti’s connection to the film runs deep—he has performed in over 25 concerts conducted by maestro Morricone, often as his head violinist. Following the screening, insightful recorded conversations with director Giuseppe Tornatore and actors Philippe Noiret and Salvatore Cascio enriched the audience’s appreciation of the film’s legacy.
The evening unfolded as an early Valentine celebration for film and music lovers alike, blending nostalgia with artistry in an open-air heritage setting.
Founding archivist and curator Petty Benitez Johannot, niece of the family, enthused, “I must tell you, Tita Helen Benitez must be watching over us all. No event has ever been rained out or canceled yet—and we’ve raised enough funds these past 2.5 years to restore our most at-risk paintings and objects. Now we’re working on our tegula roof.”
What stood out most was the seamless fusion of live music, cinema, and heritage under the twilight skies. “Cinema Paradiso al Fresco” was not just an event—it was a moving reminder of how cultural spaces like MiraNila continue to inspire, preserve memory, and bring communities together.
