June 10 – “Walking on Sunshine” is the first English musical set and filmed entirely in Puglia. Produced by Vertigo Films, with Eagle Pictures as executive producer, the film is directed by Max Giwa and Dania Pasquini and was shot in Lecce, Nardò and Presicce. The film – the first to set its entire production in Puglia – is a great source of promotion for the region. The film, staring British singer Leona Lewis, who sings the greatest hits of the 80s, will have its première tomorrow night in London (at Vue CINEMA3 in Leicester Square). The President of the Puglia Region, Nichi Vendola, will attend the event after having visited in the afternoon, the ” Puglia Village” in South Bank. The “Village” offers the public the opportunity to experience the images, perfumes, sounds, tastes, and traditions of Puglia. During the visit, President Vendola will also meet the Italian Ambassador, Pasquale Terraciano. The London première follows the #weareinpuglia events in Vienna, Berlin and Monaco, organized by the Mediterranean, Culture and Tourism Councilors of the Region through Pugliapromozione. The roadshow kicked off in April, and is bringin in major European cities a new program of events and activities related to the “Puglia brand.” After the London stop, #weareinpuglia will be in Paris (at Gare Montparnasse) June 21-30, and in Dublin (George’s Dock) July 6-15. Puglia arrives in London strong of the recently awarded international recognitions: the National Geographic and Lonely Planet promoted it as a top tourist destination for 2014; the Huffington Post ranks it among the top 15 destinations not to be missed before they become too famous; and The Sunday Times recently explained why Puglia is better than Tuscany as a tourist destination.
