Cinephiles, rejoice: The Italian Film Festival 2023 is here in Singapore. As part of the Italian Festival 2023 organised by the Embassy of Italy, the film festival celebrates the best productions Italy has to offer. From documentaries on one of the biggest names in fashion to moving coming-of-age films, here are the ones we have our eye on.
Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams
Directed by Luca Guadagnino of Call Me by Your Name fame, this documentary lenses Salvatore Ferragamo’s journey from a humble shoemaker to the founder of one of the world’s most storied fashion houses. See how the Italian designer built his legacy around creating some of fashion’s most beloved shoe models, as well as dressing Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor.
This film features interviews with Ferragamo’s family and friends, as well as fellow designers Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin.
Screening Saturday, 17 June, 2pm.
Immensity
Just in time for Pride Month, this Italian film set in Rome in the ’70s sees 12-year-old Adriana struggle with gender identity as tensions between estranged parents grow. Adriana remains obstinate about being a boy, causing the small family to finally reach a breaking point. A tale of fitting in yet choosing to be true yourself, Immensity is a unique coming-of-age film not to be missed.
Screening Saturday, 10 June, 8.30pm.
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The Eight Mountains
In the mood for something heartwarming? This 2022 Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize Winner is your perfect pick. This film, directed by Felix van Groeningen, chronicles the lifelong friendship of two men, Pietro and Bruno. Set in a faraway village in the majestic Italian Alps, the young boys form a brotherhood that lasts decades, even as Pietro leaves in search of a better life in the city, only to be led back by fate to his childhood home—and Bruno.
Screening Friday, 9 June, 7.30pm.
Cinema Paradiso
This Italian classic sees Salvatore, a famous film director, returning back to his hometown for a funeral and there, he reminisces about how his love for the theatre started in his youth. As relatable as it is moving, find your community of film heads at the screening of Cinema Paradiso.
Screening Sunday, 18 June, 4.30pm.
MARGINS
And for music fans, grab your friends and sit in for MARGINS, a comedy about the power of music and friendship set in the summer of 2008. The film follows Edo, Iac and Miche and their quest to bring Defense—their favourite punk hardcore band—to their small town despite facing many obstacles along the way.
Screening Thursday, 15 June, 8.30pm.
All screenings are held at The Projector.
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