Fare Cinema is finally back! The 4th edition of the Italian Film Week is coming to Dubai. Enjoy 7 days of contemporary and retrospective films that have achieved great success. This series is organized by the Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi, as an annual review of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Cinema Akil Dubai, the only independent cinema in the Gulf. See the full program from May 31 to June 6, 2024.
Starting May 31st, the cinema arthouse is set to present six highly acclaimed films packed with riveting stories on identity, familial ties, and growing pains. The film program is set to open with Paola Cortellesi’s There’s Still Tomorrow, which also stars the director herself and explores the theme of patriarchy in Italian post-war society. This adaptation is followed by the revered Italian filmmaker, Nanni Morreti’s latest film A Brighter Tomorrow. The Italian film festival continues with delving into more family drama depicted in a thriller titled, Like Sheep Among Wolves, directed by Lyda Paticucci, further moving into La Chimera by Alice Rohrwacher which follows Arthur and his band of ‘tombaroli’. The film festival also explores unorthodox love stories set between Morocco and Italy in Casablanca by Adriano Valerio and then jet sets to Belarus, France, and Niger to explore colonialism in the modern world with Disco Boy by Giacomo Abbruzzese.
The Italian Film Week also pays homage to respected filmmaker Roberto Rosellini whose films have had their mark on France’s Nouvelle Vague movement in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The Film Week celebrates his legacy with three of his most seminal works including Rome, Open City, Stromboli, and Journey to Italy.
Speaking about Italian Film Week, Susanna Iacona Salafia, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute Abu Dhabi said, “We’re honoured to bring back the 4th installment of Italian Film Week in collaboration with Cinema Akil. Our aim every year is to unveil the vibrant mosaic of Italian culture, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in its beauty, diversity, and timeless cinematic charm. This edition embodies our commitment to cultural exchange in the Emirates, marking the cinematic masterpieces not only of the past time, such as Rossellini’s legendary neo-realism style, but above all of the present time. We are bringing here, as international premiere in the Gulf area, contemporary films that have already reached a tremendous success all over Europe, such as “There’s Still Tomorrow” by Paola Cortellesi, a renowned Italian actress making her directorial debut. The film has been awarded in Italy and Europe with millions of enthusiastic viewers, gaining a recognized role in Italian contemporary cinema in the world.”
Butheina Kazim, Founder of Cinema Akil said, “We’re proud to host the 4th edition of Italian Film Week, reaffirming our dedication to curating a weeklong journey blending iconic Italian classics with contemporary gems, in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute of Abu Dhabi. This is an opportunity for our community to come rewatch classics and discover new works of art. Over its journey of 4 years, Italian Film Week has solidified its place as a staple in our annual calendar of film programs – attracting more interest every year. This edition is all about celebrating the enduring influence of Italian cinema through our homage to Roberto Rosellini as well as storytelling that reflects on the origins of life in post-war Italy.”
The Italian Film Week will run from May 31st to June 6th at Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue.
Tickets and calendar are available at www.cinemaakil.com
