The Italian Film Festival returns to Manila on June 26-July 1, presenting six acclaimed contemporary Italian films including the latest works of renowned directors Paolo Sorrentino (“The Great Beauty,” “Youth”) and Paolo Genovese (“Perfect Strangers”).
Organized by the Embassy of Italy in Manila in collaboration with Elephant Pictures, Cineforum Robert Bresson, the Philippine-Italian Association, and Shangri-La Plaza’s Red Carpet Cinemas, the festival continues its mission of promoting Italian culture and strengthening ties between Italy and the Philippines through the universal language of cinema.
Admission to all screenings is free of charge, with daily screenings scheduled at 6 p.m. at the Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema in Mandaluyong City.
This year’s festival features:
• “La Grazia” (The Pardon) by Sorrentino, a compelling political drama centered on the president of the Italian Republic as he faces two delicate requests for presidential pardon at the end of his mandate.
• “FolleMente” (Madly) by Genovese, a witty and insightful romantic comedy that takes audiences inside the minds of its protagonists.
• “Elisa” by Leonardo Di Costanzo, a powerful drama exploring memory, guilt, and redemption.
• “Gioia Mia” (Sweetheart) by Margherita Spampinato, a touching story about family, faith, and generational change.
• “La Vita da Grandi” (Siblings) by Greta Scarano, an uplifting and emotional journey centered on family bonds and independence.
• “Le Città di Pianura” (The Last One for the Road) by Francesco Sossai, a bittersweet road movie about friendship, self-discovery, and unexpected encounters.
The Italian Film Festival has long served as an important platform for cultural exchange, introducing Filipino audiences to the richness and diversity of contemporary Italian filmmaking while creating opportunities for dialogue between artists, educators, students, and cultural institutions.
Antonio Termenini continues to oversee the festival’s artistic direction and the selection of films presented to Philippine audiences. A film producer and cultural organizer, Termenini is the founder of Cineforum Robert Bresson, a Rome-based cultural association dedicated to promoting cinema and cultural exchange. He is also the creator of the internationally recognized Asian Film Festival in Italy and managing director of Elephant Pictures, a film production and distribution company. Through these initiatives, he has played an important role in promoting both Italian and Asian cinema and fostering cultural dialogue between Europe and Asia. CONTRIBUTED
Additional information regarding admission procedures and festival activities will be announced through the official channels of the organizers.
