ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

Buon giorno Sydney, the Italian film festival is back in town and will be showcasing the best of Italy’s colourful, vivacious cinema.

Now in its 12th year, the festival is the largest in the world, outside Italy of course.

This year the festival runs over three weeks and brings 30 of Italy’s filmic treasures down under.

Some of the highlights include opening night comedy Welcome to the South; director Marco Bellochio’s, Sorelle Mai; exciting thriller, A Quiet Life; and closing night special by director John Turturro, Passione.

As well as the films, the festival is putting on special events with Italian stars. Renowned chef, Donato Buchicchio will make antipasti from Italian produce to accompany special screenings of Basilicata Coast to Coast and Italy’s rising star, Matilde Maggio will open the festival.

If you like Italy’s flamboyant, dramatic film style, this is the festival for you! Just jump on a vespa and ride into town.

Sep 15-Oct 5, Palace Cinemas, prices vary, italianfilmfestival.com.au