Friday, November 13, at 7:00 PM, the Wolfsonian Museum at Florida International University, the Consulate General of Italy, and the Italian Cultural Institute in Miami, in collaboration with the Miami Film Festival, present Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams (2020), a documentary directed by Luca Guadagnino exploring the life and career of Salvatore Ferragamo, the legendary Italian fashion designer and entrepreneur.
Through archival footage and interviews, the film, which premiered at the 77th Venice International Film Festival, retraces the extraordinary journey of a man who combined craftsmanship, experimentation, and creativity, revolutionizing the footwear industry and making his mark on the worlds of cinema and fashion.
Born into a poor family in Southern Italy, Ferragamo emigrated to the United States at a very young age in search of a better life. After crossing the Atlantic from Naples, he settled in Southern California, where he became the shoemaker of choice for Hollywood stars during the silent film era. In 1927, he returned to Italy and founded his namesake fashion house in Florence, which would go on to become a symbol of Italian craftsmanship and luxury.
Before the screening, which will take place at the Wolfsonian Museum, visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the exhibition Foot Notes: Shoes, Symbolism, and Society, on view at the museum. The exhibition explores the history and significance of footwear in culture and society from the 20th century to the present day. Among the pieces on display is Ferragamo’s iconic Rainbow sandal, created in 1938 for Judy Garland and one of his most celebrated designs.
Tickets for the screening are available at the following link: https://wolfsonian.org/whats-on/events/2026/11/museum-and-a-movie-salvatore-shoemaker-of-dreams.html
The Italian Cultural Institute in Miami has a limited number of complimentary tickets available for its regular audience. To request tickets, please contact us at iicmiami.segreteria@esteri.it.
Program:
- 6:15 PM – Exhibition visit
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7:00 PM – Film screening
