To represent the European region of film enthusiasts, we turn to Italian born, Milan native, Maddalena Grassi Polito. Maddalena is an experienced world-traveler, enjoys learning and embracing cultures vividly different from her own. It was no surprise that in 2023 during Maddalena's premiere visit to Bhutan, the people instantly captured her heart with their warmth and contagious joyful spirit. The Bhutanese welcomed Maddalena with open arms, and the Bhutan Film Institute team knew they found a love match, and asked Maddalena to Co-Chair the 2024 Kingdom of Bhutan International Film Festival. With Maddalena's lifelong involvement in Cultural Affairs and the Arts in Italy, she brings a unique international perspective and experience to the KBIFF. Maddalena graduated with a degree in Psychology in 2000, and earned her PhD in Social Psychology in 2003, both diplomas from the prestigious Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan. From 2000 to 2009 Maddalena served as Professor at her alma mater, while also working for a research institute in Lugano, Italy focused on the development of the emerging online training platforms. In 2010, Maddalena, transitioned to her entrepreneurial ambitions and opened a luxury fashion store in Milan showcasing the creative work of young and upcoming talented designers. Maddalena has played a major supporting role in her husband's global activities while serving as CEO of the renowned Italian Baglioni Hotels Collection, which redefined Italian hospitality, luxury and style. Maddalena expanded her humanitarian efforts through the Baglioni organization's support of Orphan Aid, a charity organization working to improve the education of children in Ghana, Africa. Foremost, Maddalena's most cherished role is caring for her family, as wife to Guido Polito, and mother to their talented sports enthusiast son, Roberto Polito as he competes in tennis tournaments all across Italy! You'll find Maddalena front row and center in the stands cheering Roberto onto victory!