By RUBY BOUKABOU – September 2, 2010

hmm … Natalie Portman was in all the Italian papers, the short film festival opened last night with Peaches! (my Italian producer only took his sunglasses off when absolutely essential all morning).

Freida Pinto is absent but Julian Shnabel and Rula Jebreal are talking about “Miral,” the film based on Rula’s story. Interviewing actresses Hiam Abbass and Yasmine Al Massri. Vivid, tangible filmmaking so beautifully shot and coloured… will be interesting to see reactions to this one. Could definitely come away with an award I would say, though not everyone’s opinion in the press office!

Sofia Coppola day tomorrow. Could be getting to the fete. Then interviewing her Sunday (have six minutes scheduled for 119! I hope I don’t drop my pen while trying to get deep) Stay tuned.

(photo: Marco Bravetti)