The idea to establish
an organization that would truly celebrate and unite the
film world began when Dr. Olympia Gellini, at 17, was a
participant at the Berlin Film Festival. From there, Dr.
Olympia took part in and attended a multitude of
international film festivals, film markets and
entertainment industry events. The dedication and
passion Dr. Olympia demonstrated over the years
distinguished him in the international film community.
Dr. Olympia efforts
caught the attention of the renowned television
production company Dick Clark Productions (dcp), in
1994. Dick Clark joined in Dr. Olympia ’s vision by
agreeing to produce television awards shows for the
World Film Institute (WFI), honoring the world
entertainment community.
In 1995 Tichi
Wilkerson Kassel, former owner, publisher and
editor-in-chief for The Hollywood Reporter and CEO of
Hollywood Reporter Industries (publisher of over 70
magazines annually) became acquainted with Dr. Olympia
through various international industry events and film
festivals. A generous patron of the arts, Tichi over the
years has promoted and recognized excellence in all
areas of the entertainment industry. She founded Women
in Film, the Hollywood Report Key Arts Awards and
Marketing Concept Awards, all of which benefit the
entertainment and motion pictures industry around the
world. Tichi, became aware of Dr. Olympia’s vision and
discovered that they shared similar interest and goals
so she agreed to assist Dr. Olympia in his life long
quest. Dr. Olympia and Tichi established the World Film
Intitute as an official non-profit organization to
recognize outstanding achievements of the motion picture
industry. Tichi was made the World Film Institutes
President Emritus and Dr. Olympia Gellini, its Founder
and President.
In October 1995, the WFI held its very own film
festival, the “Best of the Fest,” at Unviersal Studios,
as part of the semi-annual “Creativity in America
Expostion.” At the Gala festival dinner, the WFI honored
Helen Harris for her work in the development of “Theater
Vision,” an innovative technology designed to enhance
motion picture experience for
the visually impaired.
In April 1996, WFI
presented its first scholarship to UCLA’s School of
Cinema. At his Paramount Studios offices, WFI’s
Scholarship Committee co-Chairman, Howard Koch made the
presentation, generously accepted on the university’s
behalf by Dean Gil Cates.
In 1996 Atonio
Gellini, Dick Clark Productions (dcb) and Direct TV/Primestar
produced the highly success Family Film Awards. This
award show was attended by celebrities such as Ron
Howard, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and many more.
The 24th Family Film Awards will
be taped for television
on February 25, 2021 at Universal Hilton Hotel at Universal Studio.
This television show will be aired
once again globaly.