October started with a bang for me at Romics, the renowned fair dedicated to animation, comics, and pop culture, where I had the honor of participating in a dual role. On one hand, I was a speaker at a panel organized with my friends and colleagues from ACMF, the Italian Association of Music Composers for Films. On the other hand, I was a presenter for the Musicomics Award, an important recognition that celebrates music tied to animation.
The ACMF Panel and Tribute to Italian Composers
On October 4, I had the pleasure of taking the stage alongside Alessandro Molinari, Pasquale Catalano, and Stefano Mainetti for a panel that celebrated Italy’s rich tradition in soundtracks and international awards. During the discussion, we explored the achievements and challenges that Italian composers face in the race for the Oscars, reflecting on the victories and nominations of some great masters in film music. This moment was also an opportunity to discuss the difficulties our composers often encounter in gaining worldwide visibility, despite the extraordinary talent and rich musical heritage we continue to uphold. It was an intense and profound exchange that brought us closer together in our commitment to keeping the tradition of Italian soundtracks alive.
The Musicomics Award and the Victory for My Love Affair With Marriage
The following day, on October 5, I returned to Romics as a presenter for the Musicomics Award, an initiative organized by Mirko Fabbreschi to celebrate the best soundtracks and songs related to animation and comics. It was a very special moment for me, as two of my works were nominated: the soundtrack for the film My Love Affair With Marriage and the song Lion, performed by Storm Large with lyrics by Signe Baumane, from the same film.
With great emotion, I can announce that I won the award for Best Soundtrack! Being recognized for an animated project at an event like Romics, one of Italy’s most important events for animation and pop culture, was incredibly gratifying.
Not everyone knows that, in addition to being a composer, I’ve always been a passionate fan of comics, role-playing games, Magic The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, and Japanese culture. Over the years, I played in a historic band, Le Trote Nokohori, where we performed Italian theme songs for animated series—a rewarding experience that allowed me to cultivate and share my love for this world.
Receiving an award at Romics from a colleague I deeply respect, Claudio Simonetti, in the company of legends like Douglas Meakin, Vince Tempera, and Lucio Macchiarella, was like fulfilling a dream as both a child and an adult. These artists wrote the history of Italian theme songs, and standing on stage alongside them was an immense honor.