LOS ANGELES — The film “40 Seconds”, directed by Vincenzo Alfieri, was presented in Hollywood during the 21st edition of LA, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival, bringing to the international stage the tragic and powerful story of Willy Monteiro Duarte.
The film revisits the dramatic events that led to the death of Willy Monteiro Duarte, the young man who lost his life after stepping in to defend a friend during a violent assault. His act of courage shocked Italy and became a symbol of dignity and solidarity against brutality and violence.
Through an intense and emotional narrative, “40 Seconds” reconstructs the final moments of Willy’s life and the profound impact his story had on the country, transforming a tragedy into a reflection on responsibility, humanity and the value of standing up for others.
Presented at LA, Italia 2026, the film stood out as one of the most socially powerful titles in the festival’s program, bringing to Hollywood a story that resonates far beyond Italy and speaks to universal themes of courage, justice and moral strength.
Founded and produced by Pascal Vicedomini, LA, Italia – Film, Fashion and Art Festival is promoted by the Istituto Capri nel Mondo with the support of the Italian Ministry of Culture, under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT), in collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo, KPMG and Rainbow, and with the participation of the Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles, ICE – Italian Trade Agency, and the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles.
