‘Vermiglio’ tells a story where the characters and landscape come together in a timeless way. Picture: X/@erickohn
The Italian Film Focus (IFF) is back, bringing South African audiences a selection of this year’s best Italian cinema. This year's showcase features six acclaimed films fresh from Europe’s biggest festivals, with appearances from celebrated directors and actors.
One of the highlights is “Sicilian Letters”, presented by Antonio Piazza and Fabio Grassadonia.
This film, which competed at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, explores the underbelly of the mafia through “pizzini” — coded messages used by fugitive mob bosses. Starring Toni Servillo and Elio Germano, a gripping and metaphorical take on a complex topic.
Another must-see is “Vermiglio”, Italy’s official submission for the upcoming Oscars and winner of the Venice Film Festival’s Special Jury Prize.
With Giuseppe De Domenico leading the presentation, the film blends stunning landscapes and timeless narratives into a poetic cinematic experience.
Two films from the Rome Film Festival will also be screened: “Eternal Visionary”, directed by Michele Placido, offers an intimate look into the world of writer Luigi Pirandello, while “The Opera! Arias for an Eclipse” is an inventive reimagining of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth.
Co-directed by David Livermore and Paolo Gep Cucco, and co-produced by Dolce & Gabbana, the film features performances by Fanny Ardant, Vincent Cassel, and an ensemble of remarkable opera singers.
Audiences can also enjoy the latest works of celebrated directors Marco Tullio Giordana and Gianni Amelio. Giordana’s “The Life Apart” examines how music intertwines with family dramas, while Amelio’s “Battleground” offers a perspective on war and the personal cost of resistance.
Since the co-production agreement between Italy and South Africa was signed in 2006, the partnership has led to five feature films and numerous documentaries.
This year’s IFF continues to foster collaboration through master-classes with local film schools and meetings with South African filmmakers to explore future projects.
The event is made possible through the support of the Italian Consulate General in Johannesburg, the Consulate of Italy in Cape Town and the Italian Cultural Institute in Pretoria.
The Italian Film Focus started on Wednesday, November 27, in Johannesburg, and runs until Monday, December 2 at Ster-Kinekor “The Zone” in Rosebank.
The Cape Town run is from Friday, November 29, to Sunday, December 1, at Cinema Labia. Entry is free, with tickets available one hour before each screening.