PHILADELPHIA – The 24th edition of New Italian Cinema Events presents three days of free screenings of new and original Italian feature films from Dec. 6 to Dec. 8 at the Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
From the festival’s inception, organizers have chosen cutting-edge, thought-provoking cinema that presents fresh perspectives on the issues of the day. This year’s offerings range from dramatic films that tell stories of social distress, related to problems inherent in the world of crime and corruption, to more personal spheres such as adolescent and female growth, but also comedies that are played on the edge of an irony that highlights the social difficulties of today’s world and the various ways and styles of life.
The event is hosted by New Italian Cinema Events in collaboration with PI-Philly and the Consulate General of Philadelphia. Films are curated by Nicola M Gentili, Viviana Del Bianco, Mila Tenaglia,and Matilde Castagnoli.
The films are shown in Italian with English subtitles. Screenings will be in the Rainey Auditorium at the Penn Museum. Attendees are reminded to use the East Entrance near the intersection of South Street and Constitution Avenue.
This year’s lineup:
Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m., “C’è ancora domani” (“There’s Still Tomorrow”) – Set in postwar 1940s Italy, it follows Delia breaking traditional family patterns and aspiring to a different future.
Dec. 7, noon, “Anna” – Anna runs a small farm in an unspoiled area of Sardinia. One day, the construction of a mega resort right next to her grounds will force her to engage in the biggest battle of her life.
Dec. 7, 3 p.m., “Felicità” (“Happiness”) – The tale of a shattered family, of selfish and controlling parents, of a double-headed monster that eats away at the children’s hopes of freedom.
Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m., “Romantiche” (“Romantic Girls”) – A portrait of four types of girls living in different districts of Rome.
Dec. 8, noon, “Zamora” – In soccer, as in life, you have to learn to throw yourself, even if you lose, the important thing is to get up and start again.
Dec. 8, 3 p.m., “Gloria!” – It re-imagines the world of classical music on more equal standing in a Baroque-era Venice.
Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m., “Dieci Minuti” (“Ten Minutes”) – Ten minutes doing something completely new can change the course of a life.