The Embassy of Italy in the Philippines invites the public to the free screening of Italian movies as the Philippine Italian Association hosts the Italian Film Festival in the Philippines.
The event, which seeks to promote contemporary Italian cinema to Filipino audiences and filmmakers, is a four-day screening event that features six films from Italian filmmakers. It runs from October 21 to 24, 2023 at Venice Grand Canal Mall, Cineplex Cinema 3.
The festival presents an exceptional occasion to delve into the illustrious culture and narrative prowess of Italy as represented by its skilled filmmakers.
His Excellency Ambassador Marco Clemente will open the event, which is scheduled for October 21, 2023, at 5:00 PM at Venice Grand Canal Mall, Cineplex Cinema 3 in Taguig City.
According to His Excellency Ambassador Marco Clemente of the Embassy of Italy in the Philippines, this event aims to showcase modern Italian cinema to Filipinos, who are known as avid viewers of films.
“Aside from the fact that Filipinos are known to be ‘lovers’ of films and other streaming content, the Italian Film Festival also aims to illustrate how Italian filmmakers produce films, which can be a good avenue for audiences and other aspiring Filipino filmmakers to continue thriving in this industry,” Clemente said.
Amb. Clemente said that since the Philippines and Italy have “enduring” similarities in terms of cinema, this event not only strengthens the two nations’ cultural relationship but also builds more connection between the Italian and Filipino communities.
“The Philippines and Italy have long been connected, and while there are similarities in our culture and way of life, this event will make our bond intact because our culture, beliefs, and experiences are on the same page,” he said.
“We are hoping that more Filipinos will be inspired to move forward, live their realities, and confront the difficulties of life by expressing themselves more, and we hope that through this event, we will make that possible for the Filipino community,” he added.
Italian Film Festival Synopsis
Day 1 (October 21)
- 20:30 Diabolik (2021) ‘133
The encounter between Diabolik and the fascinating Eva Kant, set in Clerville in the 1960s. A “diabolical” encounter where love and crime mix in a series of adventures in which only Inspector Ginko seems to be able to hamper their plans.
Day 2 (October 22)
- 18:30 Leonora Addio (2022) ‘90
Leonora Addio tells the daring adventure of the ashes of Pirandello and the bustling journey of the urn from Rome to Agrigento, until the troubled burial occurred fifteen years after his death. And to close the movie, the last story of Pirandello written twenty days before he died: “Il Chiodo” where the young Bastianeddu, taken from his mother’s arms in Sicily and forced to follow his father across the ocean, cannot heal the wound that drives him to a senseless act.
- 20:30 Il Colibrì (2022) ‘126
It’s the story of the life of Marco Carrera, “il Colibrì”, a life of fatal coincidences, losses,and absolute loves. The story proceeds according to the strength of the memories that allow us to jump from one period to another, from one era to another, in a liquid time that goes from the early 70’s to a near future. Marco met Luisa Latters by the sea; she’s a beautiful and unusual girl. A love that will never be consumed and will never die, throughout his entire life. His married life will be another one, in Rome, with Marina and his daughter Adele. Marco will go back to Florence thrown away by a relentless fate, subjecting him to harsh tests. Daniele Carradori will protect him from the most violent bumps; he’s the psychoanalyst of Marina, who will teach Marco how to accommodate the more unexpected changes in life. “Il Colibrì” is the story of the ancestral power of life, the story of the strenuous fight we are all in to resist what sometimes seems unbearable. Even with the mighty weapons of illusion, happiness, and joy.
Day 3 (October 23)
- 18:30 Il Ritorno di Casanova (2022) ‘95
Leo Bernardi is an experienced and acclaimed director at the end of his career who has no intention of accepting his own decline. For his latest movie, Leo has chosen to tell the story of Arthur Schnitzler’s Casanova, who is incredibly like himself, more so than he can imagine. The one narrated by Schnitzler is a Casanova who has passed his youth: he no longer has his charm and power over women, he no longer has money, and he no longer has the pleasure of traveling around Europe. After years of exile, he has only one goal: to return to Venice, his home. On his journey home, Casanova meets a girl, Marcolina, who awakens his desire for conquest. While trying to seduce her, Casanova will come to the most tragic conclusion: he has become old. The concerns and doubts of both men are incredibly similar. What is more important, cinema or life? What is more essential—to keep playing your character or to let yourself enjoy the surprises that life offers you?
- 20:30 Settembre (2022) ‘110
It happens on a September day that three characters realize that the life they find themselves in is not the one they dreamed of. That happiness is a distant idea yet still possible – a choral tale that explores human relationships, our deepest nature, and the search for a more authentic contact between people. From the screenwriter of Wife and Husband, Cross and Delight, and The Champion, a debut work of existential melancholy, tight dialogues, and great expressive freedom.
Day 4 (October 24)
- 18:30 Diabolik Ginko all’attacco (2022) ‘111
Diabolik nearly gets caught in Inspector Ginko’s latest trap, leaving his partner in crime, Eva Kant behind in the escape. Furious, Eva offers Ginko her help in capturing the King of Terror, but the former has to face the return of an old flame of his: Altea Duchess of Valleberg.
