The new art film is being released to honor the 500th anniversary of the ‘Mona Lisa’ painter’s death.


L.A. Italia Fest is set to open with the world premiere of Amazing Leonardo, a new biopic about Leonardo Da Vinci, in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the artist’s death (May 2, 1519).


Luca Argentero (Eat Pray Love) stars as Da Vinci in the film, a Sky original production with Progetto Immagine.


Director Jesus Garces Lambert will introduce Amazing Leonardo at the festival’s opening night on Feb. 17 at the TLC Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, which is organized in association with Intensa Sanpaolo. Angela Fontana, who plays Cecilia Gallerani in the pic, and producer Cosetta Lagani will also be in attendance at the premiere.


Amazing Leonardo will be distributed in Italy this year by Lucky Red, and afterwards internationally by True Colours. Sara Mosetti and Marcello Olivieri wrote the screenplay.


The new film is expected to take viewers on a journey through Leonardo da Vinci’s mind to reveal the unknown life of the artist, scientist and inventor.


The event kicks off a year-round celebration of Da Vinci, with special exhibitions planned in Milan, Florence and other cities.


Lambert previously directed the Sky art film Caravaggio: The Soul and the Blood, which won an Italian Golden Globe last year and was a local box office hit. The pic, which will play the L.A. Italia Fest on Feb. 19, has been distributed in 50 countries and will play in U.S. cinemas beginning March 12, distributed by Experience.


Another Sky art film, Emanuele Imbucci’s Michelangelo Endless, with Enrico Lo Verso and Ivano Marescotti, will also play the festival on Feb. 17, before being distributed worldwide.


The fest also announced it will honor Adam McKay with its filmmaker of the year award to celebrate his Dick Cheney biopic Vice, which has been nominated for eight Academy Awards. Italian director Matteo Rovere (The First King) will also be honored with the award in L.A.


The L.A. Italia Fest is set to run Feb. 17-23.