Italian Film Festival turns 25 with delightful new program
Image: Still from Conclave. Source: Italian Film Festival
The Italian Film Festival returns this year celebrating its 25th presentation in Australia. Festival attendees should be delighted with the program of 22 of the finest new Italian movies and two retrospective titles.
This film festival is renowned for its gala opening night parties and Festival Director Elysia Zeccola explained what Sydney audiences can expect at the Palace Norton St Cinema.
“Sydney audiences can look forward to the music-filled opening night film GLORIA! introduced by the director and Special Festival Guest Margherita Vicario, followed by an after-party including Peroni, Italian wine, Solbevi Limoncello Spritz and our famous official festival gift bag! We try to bring the spirit of Italian generosity and hospitality to all our events”.
The program consists of many award-winning movies but There’s Still Tomorrow has won the most awards, outperforming Barbie and Oppenheimer at the Italian box office last year. Zeccola highly recommends this unique cinematic offering.
“It’s unique because the director, Paola Cortellesi in her directorial debut, has made a contemporary movie set in the past which cleverly highlights how some things have not changed. She delves into a difficult topic with the right amount of humour, it’s topical without being preachy.”
Screening at the festival is the much-anticipated Marcello Mio which focuses on the iconic Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni and stars Catherine Deneuve and her real-life daughter Chiara Mastroianni.
“This is an intriguing piece of filmmaking and mother-daughter duo Catherine Deneuve and Chiara Mastroianni are so engaging together on screen. Deneuve is an icon, and her longevity, personality and enduring allure always make her films a hot ticket,” enthused Zeccola.
Comedies are always a popular choice at the festival and for a classic Italian comedy, Antonio Albanese plays a teacher from Rome who transfers to a small school in the countryside in the city-versus-country comedy A World Apart. This hilarious film won Best Comedy at the Nastro d’Argento Awards.
The two retrospective films screening at the festival this year are Bread and Tulips which celebrates its 25th anniversary and The Godfather Part II celebrating its 50th anniversary.
“The stunning 4k restoration of The Godfather II on the big screen will only enhance the experience of the film that is widely considered the greatest sequel of all time.”
The closing night dramatic thriller Conclave boasts an all-star ensemble cast and may raise a few eyebrows.
“This is going to be a very hot ticket, and we only have limited screenings, so audiences will need to be quick! This film is a compelling and layered psychological drama that reveals the behind-the-scenes politics at the Vatican, during the process of selecting a new pope. And talk about star power—Stanley Tucci, Ralph Fiennes, and Sergio Castellitto are all in the mix as the cardinals being considered”.
The Italian Film Festival should prove to be an enjoyable alternative to mainstream cinema and all audiences regardless of ethnicity should attend.
“Non-Italians are drawn to Italian culture, design, fashion, architecture etc. and I think it’s because Italians have a unique eye for beauty and a different perspective which appeals to audiences. And of course, there are some stunning films in this year’s program which audiences will only have a chance to see during the festival. It’s such a pleasure to watch films in a festival atmosphere!” concluded Zeccola.
ZECCOLA’S HOT PICKS
COMANDANTE – This gripping maritime thriller is directed and co-written by Edoardo de Angelis and stars festival favourite Pierfrancesco Favino in a powerhouse role.
PARTHENOPE – This visually stunning and sensual romantic drama centers on a Neapolitan woman named after a mythical siren who once lent her name to the city of Naples. Directed by Academy Award winning Paolo Sorrentino.
AN ODE TO NAPLES – Directed by Trudie Styler this documentary is a journey into the soul of the city of Naples and highlights the wonders of this sublime city. Beautiful cinematography by Dante Spinotti and music by rapper Clementino.
Sep 18 – Oct 16. Screens at all Palace cinemas.
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