The first ever movie to be shot half in China and half in Italy will be a valuable bridge to link the two countries' cultures, a renowned Italian actress told Xinhua in an interview.

Maria Grazia Cucinotta is the co-producer of and lead actress in a romantic comedy named "C' e sempre un perche" (There is always a reason why), whose shooting will start in September in Italy's Sicily island.

"Although the comedy is totally new, in a sense it reminds of the famous movie 'Roman Holidays', as it tells the story of a complex feeling involving innocence, sincerity and cultural differences that becomes true love," the 41-year-old movie star told Xinhua.

Sicily-born Cucinotta, who started her career in 1994 with the film "Il Postino"(The Postman), will be the protagonist in the upcoming movie along with Chinese actor Huang Bo, who was adjudged best lead actor at the Taiwan Golden Horse Awards in 2009.

"Our comedy will tell the story of a young Shanghainese cook who comes to Italy to study the culinary arts. In Sicily, he meets a heartbroken woman who does not believe in love anymore," Cucinotta said.

"The two of them encounter misunderstandings and difficulties due to their cultural differences, but finally they will fall in love," she added.

Cucinotta said the co-production is aimed at strengthening the friendship between China and Italy.

"It is my best occasion not only to make Sicily, my motherland that I profoundly love, better known in China, but also to make people aware of the many things that the Italian and Chinese cultures have in common,"she noted.

Hospitality and warmth are some of the many characteristics shared by the people of both countries, she added. "Chinese and Italians should meet with no fears, as taught by the experience of the two protagonists of the comedy, who exchange their experiences to find out they are much closer in terms of feelings and spirit than expected."

Half of the movie will be shot in southwestern China's Sichuan Province, a region well-known in Italy for being the homeland of the panda, but unfortunately also for the devastating 2008 Wenchuan earthquake.

Cucinotta started travelling in China a few years ago by chance, after which she participated in the Shanghai Film Festival where she met her business partner with whom she started the Ciwen Media Group.

"Since then, I have been to China every year, and I have started loving that country. I would suggest that everyone has a study or work experience there, as it is a place full of energy and enthusiasm, especially suitable to young people,"she said.

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