ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

This highly anticipated film festival returns to Sydney with a select program consisting of 37 of the highest achievements in Italian cinema, including comedies, dramas, documentaries, and a retrospective program spotlighting Naples.

City Hub recently spoke to Elysia Zeccola, the Festival Director, about this festival and also about the state of the Italian Film industry after the worldwide lockdowns adversely affected the industry.

“Italian cinemas are struggling as the film industry was heavily impacted by the laws that saw cinemas be the first to close and last to reopen in recent years, and as a result, many cinemas closed permanently in Italy during this period. However, things are looking up as there are a lot of great films coming out now and people are regaining confidence in going out.”

The film to open this year’s festival is Italy’s box office comedy sensation Belli Ciao, starring comedic duo Pio and Amedeo which centres on a north versus south clash. The pre-film party includes antipasti by Moretti, Santa Margherita prosecco and wine, Versa Negronis, Connoisseur Gourmet Ice Cream and the traditional giftbag which is always a favourite.

For festival attendees who enjoy comedies Zeccola highly recommends The Perfect Dinner. “It’s part crime story and part romcom set in Naples and Rome, following Carmine who isn’t cut out for criminal life with the Camorra, who is sent to run a money laundering operation through a Roman restaurant. There he meets a beautiful and determined chef who is chasing a Michelin star.”

The Legend of Christmas Witch 2: The Origins is perfect family viewing which tells the origin story of “La Befana”. “In Italian folklore, she’s an old Italian woman who delivers gifts to children (not Santa Claus!) and this story centres on Dolores – played by Monica Bellucci – who is a good witch that dedicates her life to children. For families with teens, it’s a great way for them to practice their Italian!” enthused Zeccola.

Traditionally audiences enjoy the retrospective titles screened on closing night. When asked why this year’s Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni classic is the perfect way to farewell the festival Zeccola was quick to respond. “Opening with Naples-set drama Nostalgia and closing with Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow which commences in Naples is the perfect way to bookend the festival this year since our special focus is on Naples, the heartbeat of Italian Cinema.”

For festival attendees who would love to travel to Italy but may feel hesitant owing to the ongoing issues with Covid-19, attending screenings at this festival may be the second best option to escape and ‘journey’ to Italy.

“Nothing compares to the magic of cinema, when the lights go down, your phone is switched off and when you can feel the tension during a thriller or laughing-out-loud with strangers during a comedy. I think we are craving this shared experience now more than ever, and this line-up features the best films produced in Italy from the past 12 months.”

 ELYSIA’S HOT PICKS

 NOSTALGIA – Mario Martone’s Cannes competition drama features the excellent Pierfrancesco Favino in a powerhouse performance. It follows a man with a troubled past who returns to his native Neapolitan neighbourhood after 40 years of absence.

THE SHADOW OF THE DAY – The chemistry between on-screen and off-screen couple Riccardo Scamarcio and Benedetta Porcaroli sizzles in this Fascist-era drama which is set in the picturesque provincial town Ascoli Piceno in central Italy.

 THE HUMMINGBIRD – Based on the brilliant best-selling novel by Marco Veronese this film follows the tumultuous life of ophthalmologist Marco Carrera from childhood through adulthood. It features a terrific ensemble cast and arrives at the festival direct from its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

 Sept 13 – Oct 12.

Screening at all Palace Cinemas. 

www.italianfilmfestival.com.au