Beloved Entertainer Raffaella Carra’ Dies

Raffaella Carra' is shown in this May 14, 2011 photo. (AP)
Raffaella Carra' is shown in this May 14, 2011 photo. (AP)
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Beloved Entertainer Raffaella Carra’ Dies

Raffaella Carra' is shown in this May 14, 2011 photo. (AP)
Raffaella Carra' is shown in this May 14, 2011 photo. (AP)

Raffaella Carra’, for decades one of Italian television’s most popular and beloved entertainers, died on Monday at age 78 after a long illness, Italian state TV quoted her family as saying.

Rai state TV read a statement from the star’s family, announcing that she died at home after a long illness. It said that in keeping with her wishes medical details weren’t being released.

With her energetic presence and strong singing voice, the petite Carra’ was a beloved staple in the early heyday decades of Rai, especially when it was the only nationwide broadcaster.

With often sexy costumes — daring by state TV’s standards in a country where the Vatican wields considerable influence — Carra’ also was credited with helping Italian women be more confident with themselves. Once, in a then daring move, she barred her belly button during one TV performance. But she could also be devastatingly elegant and classy in her dress and manners.

Her trademark bouncy, blond haircut and bangs — the helmet look, it was dubbed — were imitated by many fans.

“She was the lady of Italian television,” Culture Minister Dario Franceschini said, expressing sorrow for her passing.

Affectionately known as Raffa, Carra’ was born Raffaella Maria Roberta Pelloni in Bologna on June 18, 1943. She started her career as a singer, dancer, TV presenter and actress when still a child.

She wasn’t married, although she had a longtime companion. She had no children, but her former companion, Sergio Japino, a TV director and choreographer, quoted her as often saying, “I didn’t have children but I had thousands of them,” Corriere della Sera quoted Japino as recalling. The reference was to some 150,000 children over the years she helped sponsor financially on one of her TV programs, called “Amore.”

She was also widely popular in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries.



Jeddah Historic District Program Set to Host Red Sea International Film Festival in December

Held under the theme "The New Home of Film", the festival will take place for the first time in the Culture Square of Jeddah Historic District. (SPA)
Held under the theme "The New Home of Film", the festival will take place for the first time in the Culture Square of Jeddah Historic District. (SPA)
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Jeddah Historic District Program Set to Host Red Sea International Film Festival in December

Held under the theme "The New Home of Film", the festival will take place for the first time in the Culture Square of Jeddah Historic District. (SPA)
Held under the theme "The New Home of Film", the festival will take place for the first time in the Culture Square of Jeddah Historic District. (SPA)

The Jeddah Historic District Program, affiliated with the Saudi Ministry of Culture, will host the fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) from December 5 to 14.

Held under the theme "The New Home of Film", the festival will take place for the first time in the Culture Square of Jeddah Historic District, providing a unique setting for artists and culture enthusiasts.

The Culture Square features cinema halls, a theater, and service facilities, along with the teamLab Borderless Jeddah Art Museum, a digital art museum. Situated by Lake Al-Arbaeen, the square offers scenic views of the surroundings.

As part of its commitment to preserving heritage and promoting cultural creativity, the program has transformed the square into a cultural landmark while retaining the area's architectural essence. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goal aiming to establish the area as a global cultural hub.

At this year's festival 120 films from 81 countries will be screened, including 48 world premieres, 66 Arab movies, 34 Saudi films, 54 short films, and 63 feature films.

Moreover, 36 filmmakers will vie for awards, and 38 outstanding film and television projects will be featured at the Red Sea Souk Project Market, highlighting a variety of storytelling styles and talents from across the globe.