Hollywood actor Johnny Depp was named an Illustrious Visitor of the city of La Plata on Wednesday. The city's mayor, Julio Alak, presented him with the symbolic keys to the city. "I am honored to be the recipient of the keys to this city. Everyone has given me a beautiful welcome. I am very excited to be here," the actor expressed upon receiving the honor. The tribute is part of Depp's visit to Argentina to present his second feature film as a director, 'Modigliani, Three Days in Montparnasse,' which will premiere tomorrow in theaters across the country. "Our Faculty of Arts is the oldest in the country, and we have the first film school in Argentina," added the mayor. A crowd of fans gathered around the municipal building to greet the star of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'Edward Scissorhands.' This led them to build a city considered a work of art, the first planned city in Latin America. Since then, La Plata has been a creation born from thought, art, and architecture. The day began with a welcome for the film's other lead, Italian actor Riccardo Scamarcio, who was received by Alak in the Golden Hall of the Municipality. During his speech, the La Plata mayor recalled the origins of the Buenos Aires provincial capital: "La Plata was planned by architects, engineers, and artists after reading the classic of world literature by Jules Verne." The Hollywood star Johnny Depp was distinguished this Wednesday as an Illustrious Visitor of the city of La Plata by the mayor, Julio Alak, in a ceremony at the Municipal Palace that brought together prominent figures from local politics and culture. "I just want to thank you for the effort you have made. This is, in fact, a place that is a goldmine of culture. It is a privilege and an honor to be here." Attentive to the public's fervor, Depp went out onto a balcony on 12th Street and waved to the crowd, which generated screams and applause. According to the organizers, the actor had previously expressed his desire for direct contact with his followers, for which a special security operation was set up. During his visit, the artist was accompanied by businessman Jorge 'Corcho' Rodríguez, a personal friend and the main promoter of his arrival in Argentina. Depp especially thanked Rodríguez, whom he defined as a 'great friend.' Later, the actor visited the Dardo Rocha Passage Municipal Arts Center, where he was able to tour the space and appreciate its cultural and historical value. A declared admirer of Argentine culture, Depp showed interest in the building's history and its role in the cultural life of La Plata. The actor's schedule will continue in the evening at the Municipal Coliseo Podestá Theater, where he will head an 'Open Masterclass and Public Interview' along with Riccardo Scamarcio. The event, with free entry for fans, will combine conversation and screening of scenes from the film. The moderation will be in charge of Verónica Lozano and the theater's director, actor Alejo García Pinto. Subsequently, 'Modigliani, Three Days in Montparnasse' will be screened in a gala function. "The patience and experience of the people, of all those present."
