Born in Rome , Bortone graduated in Film and Television Studies in 1990 at the New York University . Starting from the same year he was active as director of commercials , documentaries and short films . In 1994 he made his feature film debut with the romance-drama '' Oasi '' , which was screened at the 51st Venice International Film Festival . In 2000 directs his second feature '' Sono Positivo '' ( '' I am positive '' ) a black comedy on the theme of HIV with a wild score including songs from the tradition of Neapolitan trash music and 70 's genre films . The movie is chosen as official film of del World Gay Pride that was held in Rome . In 2001 he completes the feature documentary '' L'erba proibita '' ( Forbidden grass ) a colorful and provocative journey in the world of marijuana . Several Italian comedians and bands participate to the film such as '' Dario Fo '' '' Paolo Rossi '' '' 99 Posse '' '' Tiromancino '' '' Pitura Freska '' '' Articolo 31 '' . Also an active producer of film and TV , in 2006 he is nominated at the Italian film critics award Nastri d'argento as Best producer for the film '' Saimir '' by '' Francesco Munzi '' . The film also wins , among others , the Special mention at the '' Venice International Film Festival '' and again at the Nastri d'argento as Best debut film at the David di Donatello Awards and the European Film Award
51st Venice International Film Festival
51st Venice International Film Festival
Cristiano Bortone