The ST. ALi Italian Film Festival returns to Perth this year, running from Thursday, September 22 until Sunday, October 16. From contemporary drama, comedy and documentaries to a retrospective honouring one of Italy’s greatest filmmakers, the 2022 program screens at Palace Cinemas Raine Square, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Windsor Cinema. We caught up Festival Director Elysia Zeccola to find out her Top 5 Picks from this year’s program.
The atmosphere of Naples emanates from Mario Martone’s Cannes competition drama Nostalgia featuring the excellent Pierfrancesco Favino in a powerhouse performance. It follows a man with a troubled past who returns to his native Neapolitan neighbourhood after 40 years of absence.
The chemistry between on-screen and off-screen couple Riccardo Scamarcio and Benedetta Porcaroli sizzles in the Fascist-era drama The Shadow of the Day which is set in the picturesque provincial town Ascoli Piceno in central Italy.
Giuseppe Tornatore’s documentary Ennio: The Maestro about the life and work of legendary composer, Ennio Morricone, includes fascinating interviews with Clint Eastwood, Quentin Tarantino, and Oliver Stone and clips of classic films scored by Morricone.
Based on the brilliant best-selling novel by Marco Veronese The Hummingbird follows the tumultuous life of ophthamlogist Marco Carrera from childhood through adulthood. It features a terrific ensemble cast and arrives at the festival direct from its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The deliciously entertaining comedy, The Perfect Dinner, follows a criminal who wants out of the mafia and a chef who is chasing a Michelin star whose paths cross. It’s a delectable immersion in the world of haute cuisine that will leave you eager to get in the kitchen.
The ST. ALi Italian Film Festival is screening at Palace Cinemas Raine Square, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Windsor Cinema from Thursday, September 22 until Sunday, October 16, 2022. For more info head to www.italianfilmfestival.com.au
