John Turturro Fireside Chat

John Turturro

Emmy Award-winning actor, director, writer and producer John Turturro has had a career spanning more than 35 years, collaborating with acclaimed filmmakers such as Spike Lee, Martin Scorsese, Robert Redford, and Joel and Ethan Coen. He is known for roles in films including Do the Right Thing, Barton Fink (winning Best Actor at Cannes), O Brother, Where Art Thou?, The Big Lebowski, and The Batman Turturro has also starred in comedies including Mr. Deeds and Anger Management, and three Transformers films. On TV, he won an Emmy for Monk and was nominated for his roles in The Night Of and Severance. As a director, his work includes Mac (winning the Camera D’Or at Cannes), Romance & Cigarettes, The Jesus Rolls and Fading Gigolo. In 2023 he starred as Mickey Sabbath in his and Ariel Levy’s stage adaptation of Philip Roth’s novel “Sabbath Theater.” Turturro studied at SUNY New Paltz and the Yale School of Drama, winning an OBIE for his stage debut in Danny and the Deep Blue Sea.

Elisa DiStefano

Moderator

Elisa DiStefano is an entertainment journalist, versatile host and seasoned, award-winning features reporter. With two decades of experience in live and breaking news, Elisa reports regularly on the red carpet and at celebrity events featuring A-list talent. Elisa hosts and produces segments featuring everything from food to fashion to personalities as diverse as Julie Andrews to Justin Bieber, Bill Murray to Billy Joel to (a little one on one with) Venus Williams. In 2023, she helped launch NewsdayTV as the Morning Show anchor. She is currently Newsday’s Senior Lifestyle Host. Elisa is a graduate of Boston University College of Communication and Delta Gamma alum. She’s a mom of thee and lives on Long Island’s south shore, where she and her husband, CBS Sports & ESPN College Basketball analyst, Mo Cassara own Mo’NElisa Italian Restaurant.

Erik Warner

Moderator

Erik Warner, co-founder of Eagle Point Hotel Partners, has built a remarkable career in hospitality since starting as a housekeeper in 1990. Since 2010, he's focused on creating innovative, independent hotels in the US, many with a strong emphasis on sustainability. He's also a co-founder and partner in the Independent Lodging Congress, fostering collaboration within this growing sector. Erik's experience spans all aspects of the industry, from his early roles as a line-level team member to his current focus on acquiring and transforming hotels into community hubs. This journey reflects his deep understanding of hospitality and commitment to social impact. Erik believes in fostering meaningful connections between guests, a philosophy reflected in the design and operation of his hotels. His impressive background includes leadership positions at Ramsfield Hospitality Finance and Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, as well as hotel valuation experience with HVS International. Erik holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Administration from Cornell University.

Join us for a Fireside Chat:

Exclusive Stories: Hear fascinating anecdotes from Turturro’s work with legendary directors like Spike Lee and the Coen brothers. Learn about the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped iconic films and TV shows.

Industry Evolution: Discover how TV has transformed over the decades, from the perspective of a veteran actor who has experienced it all. Turturro will share his views on the technological advances, changing audience preferences, and the rise of streaming platforms.

Live Q&A: Get your questions answered by John Turturro himself, exclusively for festival pass holders. This interactive session offers a rare chance to engage directly with one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.

A Journey Through the Evolution of TV with

John Turturro

Moderated by: Erik Warner and Elisa DiStefano

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