We were lucky to catch up with Allegra Venturi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Allegra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

A project that’s meant a lot to me would be coming on board as Director for my friend Olivia Benedict’s short film ‘Sick Enough’. The story centres around Stella, a 19 year old girl that attends an eating disorder treatment centre. Halfway through her treatment she is cut off by her insurance company, propelling her to examine the true source of her illness. When I first read the script I kept imagining the world that surrounded these characters and worked very closely with Olivia to envision the best way to tell her story in the most authentic way. I’m immensely grateful for Olivia’s trust, as this story sits very close to her heart. We’ve been working on this project since January and I’m really proud of the team we’ve assembled. It’s projects and collaborations like these that continuously reaffirm my passion for filmmaking, whether it’s behind or in front of the camera.

Allegra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Of course! My name is Allegra Venturi, I am an Actress, Producer and Special Events Coordinator. I was born and raised in London, UK by a Spanish mother and Italian father. I also attended the French Lycée, which luckily has made me fluent in all four languages from a very young age. After High school, I made my way over to New York and attended NYU for the next four years, graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Arts Management and Art History. During those years, I organised exhibitions and pop up shows for artists, which garnered my love for production and curation. In my last semester, I took my first acting class solidifying my existing passion for performance and the film world. Shortly after graduating, I was accepted into the rigorous Two Year Conservatory program at Michael Howard Studios. The next year after graduating I signed with a UK agency, organised two exhibitions, performed in an Off Broadway reading and acted in three short films. I’ve since moved back to London in October and I’m now based there, going back to the US when needed for work.

Within the film world, I will make my Directorial debut this May 2024 with the coming of age drama film ‘Sick Enough’ written by Olivia Benedict. My experience in acting has provided a solid foundation for directing my first film, and I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to collaborate with actors on this project.

I have come on board as Producer for the Sci Fi short film ‘Eureka’ written and directed by Nicholas Lazovic. The film is set to shoot in July and will serve as a proof of concept for an attached feature length screenplay.

I am also a Special Events coordinator, specializing in producing a wide range of events tailored to each client, whether they are gallery openings, private dinners or larger events. I have recently curated a successful art exhibition for photographer Nathalie Samen and have organized a themed cocktail party for over 40 people with chef Riccardo Manca from Two Michelin Star restaurant Ikoyi. I bring a fresh perspective, attention to detail and creativity into projects, making each extremely unique. Working closely with the client to organize their desired layouts, is extremely fulfilling and has prepared me for Producing narrative projects in film.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A time I had to pivot in my life would probably be the moment I decided to move back to London after spending almost 8 years living in New York City. It was a difficult decision at the time because there was a part of me that felt like I was giving up on the city that had been my home since I moved there for college. I was closing a significant chapter in my life and kept thinking what if I would be missing out on an opportunity once I left. The reality was that these ‘what ifs’ began to cloud my sense of direction and what I knew in my heart was the right decision to make. My reasons for leaving were a few, but the main one was that I felt I had lost the creative inspiration that drove me there in the first place; there was a missing piece that I couldn’t quite figure out. Since I moved back to London, everything has been different in the best way possible.
I’ve seen improvements in my work, lifestyle and not to mention being closer to my friends and family. I like to tell this story because at times we know what the right decision is, we are just afraid to take the leap. I’ve learnt that trusting your gut will pay off in twofold in the long run. After all, no one knows you better than you know yourself.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Contact Info:

• Website: http://allegraventuri.me
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allegraventuri_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allegraventuri/
• Other: https://allegramariaventuri.com

Image Credits
Saskia d’Altena Nathalie Samen Clare Parke