Unveil The Timeless Charm Of Italy At The Italian Film Festival

The Italian Film Festival returns this year with a program of 31 of the finest movies which includes comedies, dramas and documentaries.

Italian movies are proving to be just as popular in Italy as American films, even surpassing the box office of hit films including A Minecraft Movie, Nosferatu and Captain America: Brave New World.

“Italian audiences continue to show strong support for homegrown cinema. In fact, this year’s highest-grossing film at the Italian box office is Somebody to Love, our Opening Night selection. This highlights the enduring appeal and growing success of Italian films in their domestic market,” explained Festival Director Elysia Zeccola.

The quality of Italian films also seems to be escalating from year to year which is reflected in the popularity of Italian cinema internationally.

“There are some exciting directors making fresh and unique stories, and they are receiving attention on an international stage. We select the films at the world’s most prestigious film festivals: Cannes, Berlin, Venice. There are strong performances and the overall production quality coming out of Italy right now has ensured that Italian cinema is making a strong impression beyond its borders.”

The gala opening reception promises to be a fun event

Italians love to drink, eat and party so the Festival Opening Gala Event at Palace Norton St Leichardt promises to be a night festival attendees should not miss.

“Featured are antipasti, Bandini Prosecco, Connoisseur Gourmet Ice Cream, and a cinema treat courtesy of Lexus, before the premiere of Somebody to Love. After the film, celebrate Italian style with music, Peroni beer, Gloria Spritz courtesy of The Standard Wine Co., whisky cocktail from The Glendronach, roaming cannoli from Cannoleria, cheese grazing table from That’s Amore, and an official festival gift bag,” enthused Zeccola.

Migrant stories are a significant element in some of the films screening at this festival as Italian culture has been firmly embedded within the Australian community.

“There are so many wonderful stories about Italian migrants in Australia. What Italians have brought to the country, including a focus on Italian women and their contribution, is detailed in the terrific documentary called Signorinella: Little Miss.”

Narrated by Italian Australian Greta Scacchi and audiences can enjoy an insightful Q&A after the film (Palace Moore Park Friday 19 September) with the director and special guests.

Something for everyone

Comedies which offer infectious laughter are always a popular choice at the festival and when asked which are unmissable, Zeccola was quick to respond.

“The Opening Night Film, Somebody to Love, from Paolo Genovese, the director of Perfect Strangers, is the #1 smash-hit comedy of the year; and The Illusion starring popular comic duo Ficarra & Picone with festival favourite Toni Servillo re-imagines Giuseppe Garibaldi’s 1860 campaign that unified Italy; and I also really enjoyed the dark humour in Sicilian Letters which caught me by surprise.”

The drama Diamonds is destined to be a sure-fire hit and should be enjoyed equally by all audiences.

“There’s a strong female vibe, a powerhouse cast of Italian women and a serious fashion flair, but plenty of men like women also have an interest in fashion, so everyone is invited to enjoy this story of a group of dressmakers in a costume atelier in Rome.”

Online bullying is intensifying worldwide so a timely and meaningful drama which parents should watch with their teenage children is The Boy With The Pink Trousers. Set in a high school in Rome it portrays the true story of 15-year-old Andrea Spezzacatene who became a target for bullying, online and in person.

Especially for festival attendees who take pleasure in revisiting retrospective titles on the silver screen, classic Australian drama Looking For Alibrandi has been selected as the closing night film. Zeccola explains why this film is still so highly endeared after 25 years.

“This film remains a favourite because it captures that universal feeling of growing up, identity struggles, and family drama in a way that’s both honest and relatable. This is an iconic Italo-Aussie coming-of-age tale that still speaks to anyone trying to figure out who they really are.”

Zeccola’s other three must see selections

Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia – direct from its World Premiere as the Opening Night film in Venice. Explores mercy, power and moral complexities deeply.

Crowned with the Grand Jury Prize at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, The Mountain Bride – Vermiglio offers a poetic glimpse into a family caught between tradition and modernity in the final year of WWII.

Academy Award winner Gabriele Salvatores’ Napoli – New York starring festival favourite Pierfrancesco Favino in a story that follows two Neapolitan children as they journey from Naples to New York in 1949.

Moviegoers who have never attended the Italian Film Festival should step out of their comfort zone and come along to a couple of screenings.

“Tired of endless remakes filled with dazzling special effects but no real story? Come and experience something original. Be transported to another time and place, immersed in the beauty of the Italian language. Escape the daily grind and dive into the magic of a great Italian movie!” concluded Zeccola.

Sept 18 – Oct 15 in all Palace Cinemas