19TH LAVAZZA ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL
Image: Loro
The anticipated wait is nearly over, as the 19th Lavazza Italian Film Festival returns to celebrate another year of fine cinema from Italy, boasting a program of over 30 films which include hilarious comedies, dramas and documentaries.
“The festival will open with Academy award-winning director Paola Sorrentino’s new film Loro. It’s about the scandal-plagued infamous politician Silvio Berlusconi and I think it will give people a lot to talk about at the afterparty, where there will be cocktails, antipasti, gift bags, music and other Italian touches,” explained festival director Elysia Zeccola.
Events are always a major part of the festival and guests in attendance will be Italian actress Valeria Solarino who stars in three films at the festival and who will also be present for Q&A’s. Lisa Camillo a Sydney-Sardinian, will also be presenting a documentary which she produced. “There’s a platinum event for My Big Gay Italian Wedding and Closing Night with a digitally remastered version of Dario Argento’s 1977 horror classic Suspiria.”
Italy produces many excellent films. But was it a difficult process selecting the final program? “It’s not difficult identifying which films will attract an audience, it’s part gut-feeling and part experience. Finding time to watch them all was the hard part!” laughed Zeccola.
With such a wonderful selection of films on offer, Elysia was enthused when asked which would be her top three recommendations. “Dogman is a must-see because it is the new film from the director of Gommorah and Euphoria because it’s Valeria Golino’s second brilliant directorial effort. Happy As Lazzaro by Alice Rohwacher is also my personal favourite. She’s such a talented director and the film has so many layers to it. I already want to watch it again!”
Two other films to watch out for are Boys Cry, a Rome-set crime-drama directed by twin brothers Damiano and Fabio D’Innocenzo and Love And Bullets, an entertaining musical which has won more awards than any other film at the Italian Academy Awards.
“Italians make great films and this year’s selection is the strongest yet. Come to the movies, be entertained and enjoy a little la dolce vita!” (MMo)
Sept 11–Oct 7.Various Cinemas. $18-$80+b.f.. Tickets& Info: www.italianfilmfestival.com.au
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