On the occasion of the first centenary of Marcello Mastroianni‘s birth, the Italian Cultural Institute of Abu Dhabi is organizing a special celebration with the screening of films by the legendary Italian actor, an icon of the world cinema. The tribute to Mastroianni will also inaugurate the series “Film Forum and Psychology” with in-depth insights and introspective analyses of the characters in his films. This journey will be guided by some psychotherapists who, drawing inspiration from the captivating stories of the proposed films, will connect them to current issues in relationships and family dynamics that concern us closely, analyzing the film from a psychological perspective for the audience. The confirmed titles for September and October are: “Miss Arizona”, “Sunflower” (I Girasoli), “Dark Eyes” (Oci Ciornie).
These masterpieces of Italian cinema will offer the audience a unique opportunity to appreciate the talent and versatility of Mastroianni, one of the most beloved actors in cinema history. The cycle dedicated to Mastroianni will conclude with the film about his life, played by his daughter Chiara Mastroianni in the role of her father, titled “Marcello Mio,” as soon as it becomes available for private viewing. The film was presented at the 77th Cannes Film Festival to commemorate this important anniversary.
Giovanna and Antonio, Romano and Anna, Chiara and Marcello, the couples featured in the the three selected films for the proposed series Film Forum and Psychology will also provide an opportunity for a contemporary psychological analysis of their controversial relationships.
Films screening at the IIC of Abu Dhabi:
September 9: Miss Arizona (1988)
Set in Budapest in 1920, the young Mitzi (Hanna Schygulla), a former prostitute and widow of a Jewish man, must raise her son Andràs alone. During an artistic audition, she meets Sandor Rosznyai (Marcello Mastroianni), a half-Jewish Hungarian, and the two begin to see each other. They move to Italy and form the “Trio Arizona.” Due to the rise of fascism, they return to Hungary, where Sandor opens a theater, and Mitzi gathers acclaim for several years. On the eve of World War II, Sandor is arrested, and upon his return, he discovers the theater has been destroyed by a bombing. Set in Hungary and Italy, the film is an Italian-Hungarian co-production directed by Pál Sándor. It is a collectible film with limited distribution in Italy at the end of the ’80s but was widely known in Hungary. The projection of this film at the Italian Cultural Institute of Abu Dhabi is an event in cooperation with the Hungarian Embassy in the UAE.Limited access to the event only on invitation
“Film Forum and Psychology” :
September 13, 6:30pm: Sunflower (1970)
“Sunflower” tells the story of Giovanna (Sophia Loren) and Antonio (Marcello Mastroianni), a couple separated by World War II when Antonio is forced to leave for the Russian campaign. After the war, Giovanna discovers that Antonio is not dead as she believed but lives in Russia with another woman and child. Determined to find him, she embarks on a journey across Russia, uncovering the pain and sacrifices caused by the war. The film is an intense drama exploring themes of love, loss, and remembrance, highlighting human reactions to traumas that lead to unavoidable life choices, as experienced by the two protagonists. With Dr. Daniela Pattarozzi, psychotherapist, transactional analyst, and EMDR therapist.
October 7: Dark Eyes (1987)
Based on the stories of Anton Chekhov, “Dark Eyes” follows the life of Romano (Marcello Mastroianni), an Italian man dissatisfied with his marriage and life. During a business trip to Russia, Romano meets Anna (Elena Safonova), a young woman who changes the course of his existence. Fascinated by Anna, Romano reflects on his life, mistakes, and lost hopes. The film is a dramatic comedy exploring themes of love, nostalgia, and the search for happiness, with particular psychological introspection relevant even today. With Dr. Letizia Mugnai, clinical psychologist and systemic-relational psychotherapist specialized in couple and family therapy.
Public access to the event on pre-registration
https://mastroianni100.splashthat.com/
November 22 : Marcello Mio (2024)
Chiara Mastroianni, actress and daughter of Marcello, decides to become her father for a summer, imitating his unique style, speech, and mannerisms. Surprised by this decision, those around her, including her mother Catherine Deneuve and other acquaintances in the film industry, decide to support her on her journey through Italy in the places of Marcello’s life. The film “Marcello Mio” intertwines Chiara’s personal story with the public one of her parents, seeking to blur the lines between reality and fictional narrative. The director, Christophe Honoré, uses the story to explore psychological themes such as identity, fame, and family memory. With Dr. Valeria Risoli, psychologist and psychotherapist.
Public access to the event on pre-registration