Vittoria Colonna

Wicklow, Ireland

Growing up between Ireland and Italy, Vittoria studied painting in Rome's L'Accademia di Belle Arti, trained as an Opera singer in Tuscany and then continued in the performing arts at Dublin’s world-famous Gaiety School of Acting.

Afterwards she decided to focus her multiple talents within the genres of writing and directing, winning international acclaim for her feature documentary Identities focused on gender identity, of which the performance art pieces were selected as part of the Worldwide Italian Pavilion at the 54th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in 2011. Her personal dramatic memoir Sandboy qualified for an Oscar nomination and her wicked dark comedy, 4 Bhanríon (4 Queens) swept international festivals.

Amongst her body of work, Vittoria has directed numerous award-winning music videos picking up an Irish Music Television Award and winning The Las Vegas International Award as well as The Golden Palm at the Mexico International Film Festival.

Continuing to combine her love of art and film, Vittoria is currently based between her studio in Florence, Italy, Wicklow, Ireland and Los Angeles, working on projects with the support from Screen Ireland and Film Fund Luxembourg.

A strong advocate for women in the arts globally, Vittoria became a World Women Hour 2020 honouree #Shesmyhero for empowering change through her work in the arts and entertainment.

It’s been a year of ups and downs and upside downs, so Vittoria practicing her headstand in the middle of the fields, while I’m photographing her in SF before getting ready to go to bed. What do you dream before bed? I dream of a lush and bright future where everything is possible.