Now in its 22nd year, the ST. ALi Italian Film Festival presented by Palace returns to cinema screens this September with the best new Italian films as well as classic gems of Italian cinema screening nationally in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Byron Bay from 21 September.
With a focus on contemporary cinema that tells the stories from today’s Italy, plus a selection of classics honouring the country’s filmmaking tradition, this edition features a sensational line-up of much-loved stars and exciting emerging talent.
The first highlights of the ST ALi Italian Film Festival offer a glimpse into the programme which celebrates Italian cinema and filmmakers at their very best:
The Festival will open with the Australian premiere of THE TIES (Lacci) which opened last year’s Venice Film Festival. Daniele Luchetti’s sumptuous marriage-in-crisis drama spans a 40-year period in Naples and Rome, and boasts an all-star cast including Alba Rohrwacher, Luigi Lo Cascio, Giovanna Mezzogiorno, Laura Morante and Silvio Orlando.
The Australian premiere of 2021 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight winner TO CHIARA (A Chiara) is the latest film by Jonas Carpignano (Mediterranea, A Ciambra). A CHIARA tells the gripping story of a 15-year-old girl from Calabria whose family life starts to unravel when she discovers her beloved father may have criminal ties.
In HIDDEN AWAY (Volevo nascondermi), Berlin International Film Festival Silver Bear winner Elio Germano delivers a powerhouse performance in this multi award-winning biopic about the troubled life of celebrated artist Antonio Ligabue.
Marco Giallini (Perfect Strangers, God Willing) is back – alongside Vincenzo Salemme and Giuseppe Battiston – with THREE PERFECT DAUGHTERS (È per il tuo bene), a comedy hit that sees three friends hinder the love affairs of their daughters.
The Closing Night film of the 2020 Venice International Film Festival, dramatic thriller YOU CAME BACK (Lasciami andare), stars Stefano Accorsi as a man who finds himself torn between the past and the future.
The ST. ALi Italian Film Festival is the biggest Italian film festival in the world, so don’t miss your chance to see the best films the country has produced in the last year, accompanied by a ST. ALi coffee, vino, or aperitivo, as we celebrate la dolce vita and the magic of cinema.
Festival Director Elysia Zeccola said, “We have been bringing Italian stories to Australian cinemas for over 20 years. Never has it been more important to provide a much-needed escape and the chance to become immersed in another world. We are thrilled to have ST. ALi’s continued involvement and the introduction of two fabulous new venues – we can’t wait for Spring to arrive!”
Salvatore Malatesta CEO and Creative Director of ST. ALi said, “We’re proud to return as naming rights partner of the ST. ALi Italian Film Festival which is the next best thing to being in Italy and for now, our only option!”
The full programme will be announced in September.
The 2021 ST. ALi Italian Film Festival is planned to take place nationally from 21 September – 17 October, in the following cities:
Melbourne 21 September – 17 October, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema, The Astor and Cinema Nova
Canberra 22 September – 17 October, Palace Electric
Sydney 23 September – 17 October, Palace Norton, Palace Verona, Chauvel Cinema and Palace Central
Byron Bay 24 September – 13 October, Palace Byron Bay
Brisbane 28 September – 17 October, Palace James Street, Palace Barracks
Adelaide 29 September – 17 October, Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas
Perth 30 September – 17 October, Palace Raine Square, Luna Leederville and Luna on SX
For information and updates, please visit italianfilmfestival.com.au and sign up or follow us on Facebook @ItalianFF and Instagram @ItalianFilmFest for all the latest news.
