It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year since I last reviewed the Italian Film Festival but September will see the start of the 16th annual Italian Film Festival, this time backed by iconic Italian brand, Alfa Romeo…
It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year since I last reviewed the Italian Film Festival but September will see the start of the 16th annual Italian Film Festival, this time backed by iconic Italian brand, Alfa Romeo.
This year’s line-up boasts 19 films including a multi-award winning classic from 1948 entitled Bicycle Thieves.
You might be surprised to learn that this splendid Italian event is NZ’s largest cultural film festival – almost as big as all our other film festivals combined! Perhaps it might be time to sit up and take notice (if you haven’t already) and check out something from this year’s fine selection.
The festival kicks off in Auckland on September 28 – smack dab in the middle of World Cup – but don’t fret! As festival director, Tony Lambert, suggests, ‘…if rugby is not your thing…or you just want to take a break, then this festival may be just what you’re looking for.’
Newmarket’s Rialto Cinema hosts the gala opening on the 28th which features the film The First Beautiful Thing (La Prima Cosa Bella). Guests are treated to a complimentary Italian drink before the screening and tickets cost $25. Spaces are limited for this popular event so get in quick.
In both Auckland and Wellington the festival runs for 2 ½ weeks, with 2 week long seasons in 5 other major centers including (miraculously) Christchurch who could probably do with a bit of festivity right about now.
My pics for the 2011 festival are the romantic drama Ten Winters, Rome Film Festival award winning drama, Raise Your Head, and tongue-in-cheek comedy Happy Family.
And, in case you missed out last year, a selection of the 2010’s festival releases are now available in DVD box sets so you can take a little piece of Italian cinema home with you to enjoy all year round.
Tickets are available now from both Rialto Newmarket and Bridgeway Cinemas in Auckland. See www.italianfilmfestival.co.nz for details.
By Jasmine Pearson
20 August 2011.
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