A trip to Italy in film

For those of us who can’t quite manage to squeeze a trip to Italy out of the budget this year: fear not. The Italian Film Festival 2010 includes ‘something for everyone from teenagers to non-subtitle-reading husbands’…

For those of us who can’t quite manage to squeeze a trip to Italy out of the budget this year: fear not. For if we can’t go to Italy, then Italy shall come to us in the form of the 15th annual Italian Film Festival 2010. And what better way to welcome the festival to New Zealand than last night’s media preview at Rialto Cinema in Newmarket.

Upon arrival, guests were treated to a taste of Italy including a glass of Frangelico liqueur, bite-sized frittatas, and Italian pressed sandwiches. It was standing room only in the reception area with press and friends of the festival sharing lively conversation with the occasional Italian expression thrown in for good measure.

Later in the evening we were treated to a special viewing of the film Una questione di cuore (A Matter of Heart) – a film that boasts two awards: Best Actor and Best Screenplay.

This engaging and thoroughly entertaining drama is just one of 17 films on offer at this year’s festival, which has its gala opening on 29th September in Auckland.

Festival director, Cav. Tony Lambert, handpicked the lineup, which he says includes ‘something for everyone from teenagers to non-subtitle-reading husbands’.

After being inspired by last night’s film, my personal selection will include: The Man Who Loves – starring the gorgeous Monica Bellucci (pictured below), The 1000-Euro Generation – for a look at the realities of being young, hardworking, and penniless, The Wind Blows Round – to challenge my reluctance towards change, and The Friends at the Café Margherita – for what will hopefully be a good laugh.

As for Tony Lambert’s suggestion: ‘Pick a time when you can indulge yourself with around two hours of great entertainment and go and see the film that is screening then. I am certain you will not be disappointed’.

The 2010 Italian Film Festival screens for two and a half weeks in Auckland and continues with two weeks in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Nelson, Napier, and Tauranga.

Also on offer this year (for those who can’t get enough of Italian cinema) is a selection of the 2009 festival films available in a DVD box set.

See www.italianfilmfestival.co.nz for more details.

By Jasmine Pearson, August 2010.