Fellini's 'La Dolce Vita' to be remade

ROME, July 9 (UPI) -- A deal has been reached between the Federico Fellini estate and AMBI Group to produce what is being called an "homage" to the classic La Dolce Vita.

Fellini's classic film was considered the best film of the era when it premiered in 1960, and has become a Hollywood icon. The film, which is being called an "homage," has been approved by the late director's estate.

The film, which originally starred Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg in the main roles, is about a restless reporter, Marcello Rubini, who wanders through Rome trying to figure himself out. La Dolce Vita won the Palme d'Or at the 1960 Cannes Film Festival and until recently, a remake, prequel or sequel to the film has never been allowed.

Deadline reported on Thursday AMBI was given the OK by the last living blood member of the Fellini estate, Fellini's niece Francesca. Italian-based AMBI will be producing the film through its LDM Productions.

Francesca Fellini agreed to AMBI Group Principals Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi's vision for the film. Variety reported that in addition to AMBI handling the film, Italian producer Daniele Di Lorenzo will also finance the film's production.

Neither the rapidly expanding AMBI nor the Fellini estate have released the planned details of the film.