Two Raffle Winners Announced at Opening Night for Cinema Italian Style

Thanks to our sponsors at Alaska Airlines, two lucky winners were each awarded a pair of roundtrip business class travel vouchers. As per the contest rules, the first drawing occured on November 12, 2025 just prior to the screening at SIFF Cinema Uptown of the festival's sold-out opening night film "Parental Leave". Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci was on hand to select the winning raffle ticket and presented the two business class vouchers to the raffle's first winner Rachel Solimeno.

1st raffle drawing winner Rachel Solimeno (left), with Ben Minicucci, CEO, Alaska Airlines. Carlo Malaguzzi, Il Punto Treasurer and Kathy Hastings, SPSCA Treasurer, both members of CIS organizing committee, confirm the results. (Photo Credit: Joanna Derengowska)

The 2nd drawing was also held on November 12th at 9:45PM during the festival's Opening Night Party at KEXP Gathering Space. Over 350 guests were on hand to see Massimo Carnelos, Consul General of Italy, draw the winning raffle ticket and present the second pair of business class travel vouchers to our second winner, festival attendee Valerie Berberoglu.

Valerie Berberoglu (right) celebrates winning the 2nd raffle drawing with Carlo Malaguzzi, Il Punto Treasurer and member of CIS organizing committee. Massimo Carnelos, Consul General of Italy looks on from the stage after drawing and announcing the winning ticket number. (Photo Credit: Joanna Derengowska)

Proceeds of raffle tickets sales will be used to cover costs of this year's festival and help fund next year's event. Thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets for supporing the festival!