The Italian film Focus soon returns with screenings at the Labia Theatre. As always, there will also be panels featuring an Italian delegation of filmmakers, local producers, plus educational activity at local film schools.
The program of Italian Film Focus 2017 offers the most recent, top class Italian cinema. All films have been presented to major international festivals and sold in many countries. Comedies are narrated with careful psychological realism, as in the touching relationship between an old poet and a problematic young “caregiver” in FRIENDS BY CHANCE by Francesco Bruni.
In other films the style could be defined as ‘grotesque social’, as in the unpredictable and perfectly orchestrated UGLY NASTY PEOPLE by Cosimo Gomez – a style that has found its best inspirations in some films by Ettore Scola and in graphic novels.
Viewers will have the pleasure of talking about the film directly with director Gomez and actress Rosa Canova. And fresh from the Venetian success, the musical LOVE AND BULLETS by the Mainetti brothers, has been dubbed “explosive”.
Stimulating debate
Stories in the dramatic genre about contemporary Italy and its social conflicts are well expressed by the character of a priest in EQUILIBRIUM by Vincenzo Marra, and in the figures of mayor and inmate who are united by poetry as they face each other in THE ARK OF DISPERATA by Edoardo Winspeare. A reflection on the plight of migrants could not be left out and is found in THE ORDER OF THINGS by Andrea Segre. This film examines the complex relationship between different cultures, between duty and conscience and between north and south, but never forgets about the individuals with their stories, aspirations, challenges – to which the author gives no political interpretations, but urges a civil debate.
The IIF also presents two animation films: THE ART OF HAPPINESS by Alessandro Rak, Winner of the EFA Award – European Film Awards 2014: Best European Animated Feature, and CINDERELLA THE CAT (Gatta Cenerentola), also by Alessandro Rak and Dario Sansone, Ivan Cappiello and Marino Guarnieri. This creative team views animation not only as entertainment for kids but as cinema for all ages, a universal and constantly renewed language.
On the panels
The presence in Cape Town of a delegation of filmmakers offers the opportunity to continue the relationship with the local animation film industry and with representatives of the NFVF. A reminder that five films have been made since the signing of the co-production agreement with South Africa in 2006, and another is in production stage.
Controluce has always been an active part of this process, introducing authors to producers. This year this commitment will be implemented with a panel of our delegation and local animation producers, organized in collaboration with Westgro and Animation Film Festival in Cape Town.
Educational activity
The delegation will also follow-up educational activity developed over the years with meetings and screenings at AFDA, BIG FISH and CITYVARCITY film schools.
What: Italian Film Focus
When, where: 29 November – 3 December, Cinema Labia on Orange, Cape Town
Tickets: R20
Directors: Cosimo Gomez (director of Ugly Nasty People), Rosa Canova (actress of Ugly Nasty People), Alessandro Rak and Dario Sansone (directors of Cinderella the Cat and The Art of Happiness)
Web: www.italianfilmfocus.co.za, www.facebook.com/italianfilmfocus,
www.filmitalia.org
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