Inside the classrooms of Florida International University, we often talk about the “World Ahead.” We encourage our students to apply theoretical frameworks to real-world challenges, helping them bridge academic rigor and industry standards.
Recently, that bridge was crossed by a graduate student in the Global Strategic Communications Art Direction Track, a joint program between FIU and Miami Ad School.
Lena Deininger is the winner of the Cinema Italy poster competition, which was part of Professor Grizelle De Los Reyes’s class. The design, featuring two chairs in front of an Italian lakeside scene, was chosen as the official image for the Cinema Italy Festival 2026, an event that has been a cultural highlight in Miami Beach for over two decades.
What is Cinema Italy?
The Italian Film Festival Inc. is a nonprofit organization incorporated in the state of Florida for the sole purpose of promoting Italian cinema and culture outside of Italy. Each year, the festival selects the best Italian-produced films to premiere in Miami, blending high-art cinematography with the vibrant energy of O Cinema Miami Beach. Serving as the winning image of the festival ensures Lena’s work is seen by film enthusiasts, industry executives, and international visitors.
The Power of Visual Storytelling
Lena’s design captures the essence of Italian heritage and nature while maintaining a modern, cinematic style. On LinkedIn, she wrote, “I wanted the image to feel like a gateway. The design places the viewer in a classic Italian scenery like Lago di Como, representing the gate opening to the Dolce Vita through the power of film.”
The Impact on the FIU Brand
We are incredibly proud of Lena Deininger for her artistic vision and the strategy behind it. Her achievement is a reminder that our students are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the creators and innovators of today.
Let’s continue to celebrate the excellence that defines the FIU faculty and student body.
To learn more about the festival and see the winning image in action, visit the official Cinema Italy website.
Connect with Lena on LinkedIn
