The 2022 ST. ALi Italian Film Festival presented by Palace returns to cinemas nationally in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Byron Bay from 13 September, whisking audiences straight to Italy with a selection celebrating the country’s filmmaking tradition. From contemporary drama, comedy and documentaries to a retrospective honouring one of Italy’s greatest filmmakers, this year’s rich program will transport audiences with a cinematic escape to la bella Italia!
The 2022 Festival opens in Brisbane on 21 September with Italian box office hit BELLI CIAO, starring comedic duo Pio and Amedeo. It follows two formerly inseparable friends who reunite in their hometown in Puglia after years apart, resulting in an entertaining north versus south culture clash. Opening Night receptions will include delicious Italian antipasti, Santa Margherita Prosecco and more.
Direct from the Cannes Film Festival is this year’s Festival Centrepiece NOSTALGIA, directed by Mario Martone and winner of Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Actor at the 2022 Nastri D’Argento Awards. An atmospheric urban drama starring the superb Pierfrancesco Favino, it follows a man returning to his hometown of Naples after 40 years and rediscovering the city, its codes and rules, and facing a past that has haunted him.
One of Italy’s most significant filmmakers, Pier Paolo Pasolini, will be the focus of a retrospective celebrating the centenary of his birth. The Festival is thrilled to present three of his iconic film adaptions of literary works: THE CANTERBURY TALES on its 50th anniversary, ARABIAN NIGHTS and THE DECAMERON.
New Italian Cinema highlights include BREAKING UP IN ROME (Lasciarsi un giorno a Roma), an homage to the Italian capital. This heartfelt romantic comedy directed by and starring Edoardo Leo delves into the difficulties a couple faces when they separate after many years living together.
Romance is a key ingredient of the suspenseful and delicious comedy THE PERFECT DINNER (La cena perfetta) which sees a Neapolitan mafioso who is sent to Rome to launder money through a restaurant crossing paths with a chef who dreams of winning a Michelin star.
THE SHADOW OF THE DAY (L’ombra del giorno) features brilliant performances from a smouldering Riccardo Scamarcio and rising star Benedetta Porcaroli. Following the declaration of racial laws in Fascist Italy, a restaurateur’s life changes when a girl with a dangerous secret starts to work at his restaurant in this dramatic love story.
For families comes the prequel to the hugely successful THE LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS WITCH (IFF19) called THE LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS WITCH 2 – THE ORIGINS (La Befana vien di notte 2: Le origini), featuring an excellent ensemble cast including Monica Bellucci. Set in the 18th Century, the comedy explores the origins of the Befana.
The full programme will be released and tickets go on sale Thursday 18 August.
The 2022 ST. ALi Italian Film Festival presented by Palace screens in the following locations:
Sydney 13 September – 12 October, Palace Central, Palace Norton St, Palace Verona, Chauvel Cinema
Canberra 14 September – 12 October, Palace Electric Cinema
Melbourne 15 September – 12 October, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema, The Astor, Cinema Nova
Brisbane 21 September – 16 October, Palace Barracks, Palace James Street
Adelaide 21 September – 16 October, Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas
Perth 22 September – 16 October, Palace Raine Square, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX, Windsor Cinema
Byron Bay 23 September – 9 October, Palace Byron Bay
For information and updates, please visit www.italianfilmfestival.com.au