Splendido! It’s that time of year again and the Italian Film Festival is back in town.
Covid-19 protocols still require some patchy seating arrangements and other safety measures, but at least we’re free to shuffle off to the flicks again.
Sadly, the same can’t be said for Italia itself and much of Europe as following a carefree and fun-filled northern summer, the pandemic persists.
But, we’re grateful to be able to see the best of recent Italian filmmaking here on home turf.
We got a taste of what’s to come last week when we went along to an early screening of one of the best films in the line-up, an engaging story called La Dea Fortuna (The Goddess of Fortune).
It is a movie by director Ferzan Ozpetek about family dynamics and how love changes over time. It’s also shot in some beautiful Italian locations.
Arturo (Stefano Accorsi) and Alessandro (Edoardo Leo) are in a same sex relationship and have been together for over 15 years. Yet, despite their feelings for one another, their relationship is in crisis.
The couple’s long-time friend Annamaria (Jasmine Trinca) unexpectedly asks them to take care of her two young children for a few days, when she is admitted to hospital for tests.
The men are suddenly faced with a new level of responsibility as ‘parents’ and the addition of the children to their lives transforms their daily routine.As their world is turned upside down, the relationship between Arturo and Alessandro reaches breaking point.
Things get complicated when the kids are dropped off for a spell with their at their maternal granny.
This quirky dramatic comedy features a talented ensemble cast.
And that’s just one of the line up of comedy, drama, thrillers and family films in this year’s Festival, so make sure to get along and see a few.
The Italian Film Festival runs in Perth from October 1 to October 14 and will be screening at Luna Leederville, Luna on SX , Windsor Cinema and Palace Raine Square.
You can find out more about this year’s films and book at: https://www.italianfilmfestival.com.au
