The Italian Cultural Center of Minneapolis - St. Paul, in partnership with MSP Film Society, is thrilled to present the 16th Italian Film Festival of Minneapolis - St. Paul (IFF), taking place at The Main Cinema from February 27 through March 2, 2025. This year's lineup, while still being finalized, promises an extraordinary celebration of Italian cinema, featuring some of the best contemporary films alongside timeless classics.

Don't wait to secure your spot! Festival passes are now available, granting access to all festival screenings and events, including to special advance showings of the highly anticipated film Vermiglio by Maura Delpero, which will start in late January or early February ahead of the festival. Please note that access to these advance showings will be limited, so be sure to secure your pass early to guarantee your spot.

Schedule of Events:

February 27, 2025

Il tempo che ci vuole (The Time it Takes)

A deeply personal and emotional exploration of a father-daughter relationship, where cinema acts as both a metaphor and a tool for connection, Il tempo che ci vuole tells the real story of screenwriter-director Francesca Comencini and her father Luigi, one of Italy's leading director's of the 60's and 70's. When the film begins, Luigi is working on his iconic film production of "Pinocchio", and through this project he shares with his daughter both his work and his life. The film then evolves as the magic of childhood gives way to the complexities of adulthood. This transition and the inevitable loss of innocence are central themes, as is the way cinema shapes their connection and provides a language for their emotional exchanges. As the daughter grows, she begins to perceive the distance that grows between them, reflected in her belief that she will never measure up to her father. This recognition of a break with childhood is both painful and inevitable, with the father ultimately taking a decisive role in guiding her through a dark moment in her life.

Il tempo che ci vuole premiered out of competition at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival and has since become one of the most acclaimed and successful Italian films of the past year.

Click here to Buy Tickets

February 28, 2025

Semidei (Flesh and Bronze)

Semidei, directed by Fabio Mollo and Alessandra Cataleta, is a captivating documentary that traces half a century of history, focusing on the enigmatic "Bronzi di Riace", two ancient Greek statues discovered in 1972 off the Ionian coast of Calabria, after 2,000 years underwater. These statues, among the 20th century's most significant archaeological finds, became a defining symbol for the small town of Riace.

Blending archival footage with contemporary interviews, Semidei offers a powerful exploration of humanity's past, present, and future. Drawing on the words of philosopher Georges Didi-Huberman, who suggests that unconscious desires are those of a future we have yet to understand, the film raises the question: can we glimpse the future by looking at two statues that are 2,500 years old? By mixing past and present, Semidei creates a continuous narrative, spanning millennia, while contemplating the future, a future that, more than ever, feels uncertain.

A love letter to Calabria and its people, Semidei underscores the importance of preserving the Bronzes and the message they represent for humanity today. The documentary premiered at the 2023 Venice International Film Festival as part of the Giornate degli Autori, and IFF is honored to host its U.S. premiere.

Click here to Buy Tickets

Tutto quello che vuoi (Friends by Chance)

An aimless young troublemaker, Alessandro (Andrea Carpenzano), squanders his days gambling and getting into fights, and he often spends his nights in jail. With few prospects, he begrudgingly accepts a job as a companion to Giorgio (Giuliano Montaldo), an elderly poet suffering from Alzheimer's. On their daily walks, the two banter and become friends, and Alessandro quickly learns more about this forgotten poet as the old man's memory drifts. After learning a secret from Giorgio's past, Alessandro and his friends work to uncover the mystery of this tale, an unexpected history lesson and a touching coming-of-age adventure.

Winner of two Nastri d'Argento awards for Best Screenplay (Francesco Bruni), Special Award (Giuliano Montaldo), and two David di Donatello for Best Supporting Actor (Giuliano Montaldo) and the David Giovani award, this touching coming-of-age film blends humor and emotion, featuring unforgettable performances by Andrea Carpenzano and Giuliano Montaldo, himself one of Italy's greatest directors of the 1960s.

IFF is honored to bring this little gem of Italian cinema once more to the screen in Minnesota, and highlight the incredible work of visiting director Francesco Bruni.

Click here to Buy Tickets

Un altro ferragosto (Another Summer Holiday)

The sequel to 1996 film Ferie d'agosto, it revisits the island of Ventotene and its characters in a follow-up that reflects the passage of time and changing societal dynamics. The original film was a groundbreaking comedy that stood out for its sharp portrayal of class, politics, and social identity in Italy during the 1990s. It became emblematic of Paolo Virzì's distinctive filmmaking style, blending humor with keen observations on Italian society, and it sealed the director's writing collaboration with his long time friend Francesco Bruni.

Un altro Ferragosto builds upon this foundation, offering a new perspective on the same group of people and exploring how they have evolved or how the political landscape has shifted over the decades. It also serves as a continuation of the personal stories, reflecting the ways in which the characters' relationships and worldviews have changed since the original film. By returning to the setting of Ventotene, Virzì connects the past and the present, providing both a nostalgic revisit for fans of the first film and a fresh exploration of Italian society through the lens of his distinctive comedic style.

In short, it is not necessary to have seen Ferie d'agosto to fully enjoy Un altro Ferragosto!

Click here to Buy Tickets

March 1, 2025

Io la conoscevo bene (I Knew Her Well)

One of Italy's most important, beautiful yet widely unknown films of the 1960s and a fascinating, multi-layered portrait of Italian society during those years, "Io la conoscevo bene" immerses the audience in the vibrant world of Rome, echoing the atmosphere of "La Dolce Vita", while offering a critical, incisive perspective on the culture of fame and sexual politics in Italy at the time.

Pietrangeli, alongside co-writers Ruggero Maccari and Ettore Scola (director of IFF's 2023 sold out premiere "We all loved each other so much"), crafts a complex character study of a young country girl-actress wannabe navigating a world of superficiality and exploitation that is by turns funny, tragic, and altogether jaw-dropping. The portrayal of Adriana, marked by her shifting fashions, hairstyles, and the ever-changing whims of her many, contradictory desires, is considered one of the greatest career achievements of actress and icon Stefania Sandrelli. The sophistication of actor Ugo Tognazzi's talent as Adriana's sleazy agent, the extraordinary black and white cinematography by Armando Nannuzzi and a brilliant, original score by Piero Piccioni mixed with some of the most famous pop tracks by Mina, Peppino di Capri and Sergio Endrigo are just a few of the many other reasons not to miss this unparalleled achievement of Italian filmmaking. "Io la conoscevo bene" is a film that captures the energy and contradictions of its era with sharp wit, emotional depth, and startling realism. It's a work that speaks to the struggles of women in a patriarchal society, while also celebrating the allure and superficiality of the glamorous world of 1960s Italy. With its mix of comedy, tragedy, and social critique, the film defies any genre, was way ahead of its time, was too modern and contemporary to be fully understood at the time of its release,  and stands as the highest example of Antonio Pietrangeli's innovative and visionary directing. Winner of three NastrI D'Argento in 1966 for Best Director (Antonio Pietrangeli), Best Screenplay (Antonio Pietrangeli, Ettora Scola, Ruggero Maccari), Best Supporting Actor (Ugo Tognazzi).

Click here to Buy Tickets

Ricomincio da tre (I'm Starting From Three)

Co-written with Anna Pavignano, the film marks Troisi's remarkable debut both in film directing and acting. It offers a charming, witty, and poignant look at the life of Gaetano, a shy, introspective young man from Naples, who is yearning to escape the suffocating provincialism of his family and the monotony of his factory job. The plot unfolds as Gaetano decides to leave his southern-Italian city for what he believes to be a more modern and cosmopolitan city: Florence. In search of a new life, a fresh start and, in general, filled with a young man's desire to explore the world (for crying out loud, don't anyone dare call him an "emigrante"!), Gaetano is about to grow up and discover love for the first time.

This film is often noted for its blend of humor and tragedy, as it explores the life of a young man, Gaetano, navigating a world filled with personal challenges and emotional growth. It is a very significant film in Troisi's career, highlighting his natural and innate talent both behind and in front of the camera.

In 1981 "Ricomincio da tre" was the highest grossing movie, and the most awarded Italian film. It won a David di Donatello for Best Movie and Best Actor (Massimo Troisi), 4 Nastri D'Argento including Best Actor and Best New Director, Best Producer, and Best Screenplay.

Click here to Buy Tickets

El paraiso

Taking place in desolated, dilapidated, seaside outskirts of Rome, "El Paraiso" tells the story of a complicated, emotionally charged mother-son relationship set against the backdrop of Italy's Colombian diaspora and drug-trafficking industry.

Julio-Cesar, a driftless 40-year-old man lives with his mother, a dynamic and complex Colombian woman who was pregnant with him when she entered Italy working as a drug mule. Their lives are completely and at times uncomfortably intertwined as they navigate survival on the fringes, working together in the shadow world of the criminal drug trade. With the arrival of a young, beautiful woman carrying drugs from Columbia, the balance of their insular world is interrupted and a chain of intense events is set into motion. Julio Cesar must search within as he grapples with his relationship with his mother, his own identity as an independent man, and his fractured relationship to a homeland he's never seen. Featuring incredible performances, rare views into immigrant community life, and a deeply honest yet compassionate explanation of the relationship between mother and son, "El Paraiso" is a harsh, moving, poetic thought-provoking film that is not to be missed.

Click here to Buy Tickets

C'e ancora domani (There's Still Tomorrow)

A box office sensation by actress and comedian Paola Cortellesi in her directorial debut. Set in 1940s Rome, a city grappling with the aftermath of the war and the hope of newfound liberation, it portrays the struggles of a working-class wife and mother, who endures physical and psychological abuse from her military veteran husband, while trying to create a better future for her children, particularly her teenage daughter. Everything changes when a mysterious letter arrives, igniting a spark of courage in Delia to break free from societal conventions and pursue a better future, not only for herself but for the women who came before and after her.

The film's black-and-white cinematography and themes pay tribute to classic Italian cinema, particularly the works of directors like De Sica and Rossellini.

Co-written by Cortellesi, the screenplay is inspired by the lives of her own grandmother and great-grandmother, drawing a deeply personal connection to the struggles and triumphs of Italian women after the war. The film's success is evident not only in its box office numbers, becoming the 2023 Cinema sensation, the highest-grossing film ever directed by a female Italian director, and the 10th highest-grossing film in the country of all time, but also in its critical recognition. It received 19 nominations at the 69th David di Donatello, winning 6 awards, including Best New Director and Best Actress for Cortellesi.

Click here to Buy Tickets

March 2, 2025

Il postino (The Postman)

Based on true events, "Il Postino" tells the story of Mario (Massimo Troisi), a shy postman who forms a transformative bond with the exiled Chilean poet Pablo Neruda (Philippe Noiret). Set on a small island off the Italian coast in 1953, Mario's job is to deliver Neruda's mail, which is inundated with letters from women. Fascinated by the poet's charm and allure, Mario befriends Neruda in hopes of learning his secret. Through their relationship, Neruda not only helps Mario win the heart of Beatrice (Maria Grazia Cucinotta), the town's most beautiful woman, but also teaches him to see his life and village through a more poetic lens.

Nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Actor, Best Picture, Best Screenwriting, "Il Postino" is a timeless masterpiece that brought Massimo Troisi, an icon of Italian cinema, international stardom. His portrayal of a simple, humble, innocent postman, capturing the essence of a man's transformative journey, resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, making "Il Postino" a standout in Italian and world cinema.

Click here to Buy Tickets

Sei fratelli (Family Matters)

In "Sei Fratelli", six half-siblings - Marco, Guido, Leo, Luisa, Gaelle, and Mattia - come together for the first time following the death of their charismatic but troubled father, Manfredi Alicante. Though they share the same paternal figure, their mothers are different, and they've lived in separate worlds. Manfredi, a man of contradictions-adventurer, charmer, and failed businessman-leaves behind a legacy that binds them together in unexpected ways.

The film explores their attempt at reconciling their pasts in the house that once belonged to their father in Bordeaux, where, for a fleeting moment, they dream of becoming a united family. As they struggle with unresolved tensions and identities that define them, they must grapple with the illusion of unity that their father's death brings. Their journey reflects the complexities of modern families, where bonds are tested, rivalries persist, and love alternates with silence.

With a unique visual style that blends moments of comedy and drama, "Sei Fratelli" captures a raw, unpolished sense of reality. The film is an exploration of family dynamics, the roles we inherit, and the inevitability of returning to our individual selves. The "dreamy" cast is composed by some of the most talented Italian actors presently in the industry.

Click here to Buy Tickets

Familia

Based on an autobiographical account, this moving story centers on Gigi, a young man struggling to escape the shadow of violence that defined his childhood and threatens to doom his family's future. In early 2000s Rome, Gigi lives with his brother and mother (played by Babara Ronchi, one of the most renowned of a new generation of actresses and winner of the David di Donatello for Best Actress in 2022) far from his violently abusive father, who has been imprisoned for nearly ten years. Tormented by feelings of pain and anger, Gigi finds refuge in a local fascist gang where his rage is accepted and encouraged. When his father reappears after being released from prison, the cycle of abuse, fear and anger resumes, exposing how Gigi and his family have been betrayed by the system supposedly meant to protect them. Gigi must navigate a difficult path forward, doing his best to protect his loved ones while avoiding a destiny in which he follows in his father's footsteps. Through strong acting and well-crafted cinematography and sound design, this film captures the oppressive tension and conflicting emotions existing within a fractured family, and conveys a sense of empathy and compassion for the characters. There are no easy solutions for Gigi, and he must decide what kind of man he wants to be. "Familia" premiered in the Orizzonti section of the 2024 Venice International Film Festival, where it was awarded the Best Actor prize for Francesco Gheghi's performance of Gigi.

Click here to Buy Tickets

Gloria!

In the year 1800, at the convent of Sant'Ignazio just outside Venice, a young scullery maid named Teresa harbors musical sensibilities well beyond her years - By at least two centuries. While the orphaned choir girls and orchestra of Sant'Ignazio fill its walls with baroque and neoclassical music of the time, Teresa's heart is filled with melodies reminiscent of the pop and jazz music of today. Though presciently gifted, she is confined to cleaning, and the other girls snub her as a scullery maid. Perlina, the orchestra's despotic and cruel conductor, makes matters worse in his ineffectual frenzy to compose new music for Pope Pius VII's impending visit to Sant'Ignazio.

When a mysterious gift arrives at the convent - a newfangled musical contraption called a pianoforte - it is shut away in a storage room, deemed unfit for holy music, until Teresa stumbles upon it one fateful night. Finally given the chance to properly express her musical gifts, Teresa picks up the piano with astonishing speed. But her experimentations attract the attention of four other girls, who discover her secret. Excited at the possibility of escaping their dreary lives at the orphanage, the girls agree to share the piano with Teresa and secretly create their own compositions for the Pope's visit, in defiance of Perlina. However, Teresa's bold musical stylings cause friction among her newfound collaborators, who have never heard anything of the kind before. As baroque and modern styles clash, the girls must find a way through newfound friendships and rivalries to overcome the obstacles and injustices they face, in a world that continually denies women agency. Delightfully anachronistic, "Gloria!" is an imaginative love letter to the passion, perseverance and creativity of history's forgotten female composers.

Click here to Buy Tickets

Date: February 27 - March 2, 2025

Location: The Main Cinema, 115 SE Main Street, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Click here for more information