'Don't Tell': University of Virginia Featured in Oscar-Nominated Film

March 3, 2006 — Shot on the University of Virginia’s historic Lawn and at other locations around Charlottesville over several days in January 2005, the Italian movie “Don’t Tell” is a contender for best foreign language film at the 78th Academy Awards, which will be presented on Sunday, March 5, in Hollywood.

“Don’t Tell” is based on the best-selling novel, “La bestia nel cuore” (“the beast in the heart”), written by director Cristina Comencini, daughter of renowned Italian director, Luigi Comencini. She chose U.Va. as a locale for her film, she said, because of her fascination with Thomas Jefferson and his architecture.

The plot for “Don’t Tell” centers on aspiring actress Sabina, whose happy life, filled with her boyfriend, home and friends, is disrupted when she begins to experience disturbing nightmares of her childhood. Sabina travels to the United States to visit her brother — who is a U.Va. professor — and explore the secrets of their past.

“Don’t Tell” won several accolades in 2005, namely the UNICEF Award from the Venice International Film Festival and the Award of the City of Rome for best film. According to industry Web source, IMDb, the film is due to be released in the United States on March 17.

Academy Award coverage starts at 7 p.m., Sunday, March 5 on ABC-TV.