Editor/senior international cash register employee

The Taormina Film Festival kicked off this weekend with the world premiere of Mitzi Peirone's Saint Clare, starring Bella Thorne, Rebecca De Mornay and Ryan Phillippe.

Introducing the film at the open-air Teatro Antico theater on the hilltop of the Sicilian town, Thorne thanked those in attendance for their support of the independent film "that makes our hearts beat faster" and her director for her "hardcore fuck you, I won't take no for an answer" attitude.

This is a return to Taormina for Thorne after debuting a short film last year that she directed and guest curated for the festival’s “Influential Shorts” night. She also has a new short film that screened here on Sunday, titled Unsettled.