Italian Film Festival 2023
Image: KIDNAPPED. Image: film still
It’s been a bumper year for the Italian Film Industry, which translates to a bigger and better Italian Film Festival for Sydneysiders, so come along, put your phone on ‘do not disturb’ and escape to Italy for the price of a movie!
This year, festival attendees have 28 films to select from, 4 retrospective titles and a programme of shorts. Whether it’s hilarious comedies, dark dramas, or insightful documentaries there’s something for all tastes!
“Going to the cinema is still one of the most accessible and affordable activities to get out of the house with family and friends. It’s up to two hours of entertainment in state-of-art surrounds for the price of a panino!” enthused Festival Director, Elysia Zeccola.
With Italians returning to the movies in droves, there have been many box office hits and they will all be screening at the festival.
“So far this year the three top titles are: A Brighter Tomorrow, an entertaining comedy about filmmaking in the age of streaming giants; the slow burning drama, The Eight Mountains, a tale about friendship set against the backdrop of the Italian Alps; and the opening night movie, The Last Night of Amore, a taut thriller starring Pierfrancesco Favino.”
One movie which should draw huge crowds owing to the controversy that surrounds it is Kidnapped.
“This compelling and heartbreaking film is based on a true story and it exposes an anti-Semitic period, as well as hinting at the child abuse that occurred, in the history of the Catholic Church, which the Vatican no longer denies,” explained Zeccola. “This gripping saga is a must-see festival highlight, direct from Cannes where it screened in competition.”
Audiences who enjoy watching hits from the past should attend the screening of the Roberto Benigni classic comedy Nothing Left to Do But Cry, the story of two best friends who are transported back in time to the 15th century. It’s a laugh out loud movie that should be revisited on the big screen.
Somebody Down There Likes Me is a wonderful documentary from cinematic master Mario Martone that should also prove to be a popular selection at the festival. “This is a tribute to the Neapolitan actor-director Massimo Troisi who died prematurely in 1994 and who is still a source of inspiration today. Troisi’s last film the beloved Oscar-winning classic Il Postino will close the festival. The documentary paints a fascinating portrait of his life,” concluded Zeccola.
ZECCOLA’S HOT PICKS
LA CHIMERA – Set in 1980’s Tuscany, we follow a lovesick Englishman who plunders Etruscan artefacts with a motley gang. Director Alice Rohrwacher takes audiences somewhere special with her unique and eccentric storytelling style. Stars Josh O’Connor.
BURNING HEARTS – Strikingly shot is black and white this movie surrounds a forbidden relationship between a man and woman in rival families which rekindles a deadly feud. An intense crime story of love and revenge.
DELTA – Standout performances in this clash between local fishermen and poachers on the Po River in Northeastern Italy. A gritty and compelling drama starring Alessandro Borghi and Luigi Lo Cascio.
September 19 – October 18
Screening at all Palace Cinemas
www.italianfilmfestival.com.au
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