Biography

A passionate film director renown for his exploratory techniques, and courage to embrace various film genres from fantasy/action/adventure and horror. His latest feature films are inspired by the life of Richard the Lionheart. Filmed in evocative, historical locations, with a dedicated cast and expert crew who have remained faithful to Stefano throughout his varied, original, if not controversial career. "Richard: The Lionheart" and "Richard the Lionheart: Rebellion" mark an apex of years of experience, bringing together all the true elements of a real epic. "Richard the Lionheart" is released in US by LIONSGATE and stars Malcolm McDowell as King Henry II. In October 2011 he directed "Solid State", proving yet again his desire to explore unknown territories. A sci-fi movie distributed by Wonderphil Productions, presented by Wonderphil Entertainment at MIPTV, Marché du Film in Cannes and American Film Market 2011-12. The cast of "Solid State" included Debbie Rochon, Suzi Lorraine and the star Vivica A. Fox (Independence Day/ Kill Bill vol.1). In 2011 his feature/TV film "Kingdom of Gladiators" won an Excellence Award at the Indie Film Fest in La Jolla. It's again a visual feast of stunning, intriguing locations, with gladiatorial fights to the bitter end marking the destiny of a kingdom. Right from the start of his career his work was appreciated and seen throughout major international festivals, not only at Cannes, but also at Dragon*Con Independent Film Festival. His first feature film "Armaghedon" (1993) was distributed in home video, Followed by a period of short film releases. 2001 saw the release of "La Via Della Gloria" (The Road of Glory), which was selected for the Donatello David Award and Golden Ciak, the major awards in Italy. His next feature "Shan - The Ancient Heart of Natural People" was produced with support from the United Nations, and screened at the UN Headquarters in New York during the Permanent Forum of Indigenous People. This project grew out of experimental theatre shows (2005) in collaboration with the Celtic music group Lab Graal. As producer he won the Kodak Showcase Award at the Turin Film Festival (2006) with the short movie "Guilty Until Proven Innocent" which was also seen at Cannes Film Festival in the same year. 2006 was a fruitful year as Stefano began working with the NWE (European Wrestling Federation) creating a TV series with international wrestling stars, leading to the production and direction (2007) of a pilot TV show "Black & 4X", with the WWE star Kishi as main character. In 2009 he returned to action and adventure with "Claang the Game" distributed worldwide by Wonderphil Productions, earning yet another Excellence Award at the Indie Film Fest. Claang Entertainment is his own production company set up specifically to offer a structure open to all forms of exploration regarding the film world of fantasy and action. Film critics have admired Stefano's scenographic and photographic skills, his capacity to create and produce epic feature films with limited resources and time deadlines, free from preconceptions and a "traditional" film approach. Whether it's to be considered a quality is obviously debatable, but the numerous awards and professional recognition he has gathered along his journey are proof of a director with clear, original, enjoyable ideas. In November 2014 his short movie "The Third Layer" won the Critics' Choice Award at the Medieval Short Film Festival in Italy.

- IMDb Mini Biography By: Sharon Fryer