The Lavazza Italian Film Festival returns for its 14th season, bringing with it all the romance, comedy and raw human emotion typical of the passionate Italian soul.
Boasting a line-up of 27 new titles and one classic, this year’s festival promises to enchant and inspire. The event will be book-ended by two extraordinary films, both of which pay homage to Rome, the eternal city. Starring the outstanding Toni Servillo, The Great Beauty (pictured) is a critically lauded drama about love and regret from writer/director Paolo Sorrentino (Il Divo, This Must Be the Place) will launch the festival at the Opening Night Gala on Tuesday, October 22. The Closing Night will see a special screening of the 1972 classic, Fellini’s Roma, a brilliantly vivid tribute from the late, great director, Federico Fellini, to the city he adored. An array of other gems is also lined up for the festival. A Five Star Life follows the glamorous hotel critic, Irene, who spends her days travelling to the world’s best establishments until she is forced to find a balance between work and play. Winner of Best New Director for Leonardo di Costanzo at the David di Donatello awards, The Interval takes us into the Camorra-ridden underworld in which 17-year-old Toto is forcefully enlisted. Another must-see is Mr Volare: The story of Domenico Modugno, which tells of the legendary singer’s incredible journey from a boy in the south of Italy to a world-renowned artist. Lavazza Italian Film Festival 2013 Tuesday, October 22 to Monday, November 11 italianfilmfestival.com.au
