A brief recap of the first week of the Italian Film Days. Where does the competition stand? Which films have been screened and what remains?
After a grand start with the excellent film La Pecora Nera by Ascanio Celestini, the Italian Film Days continued at Espace Magnan. The Festival is moving forward and amazes with every screening. Here, the art of cinema takes on its full meaning.
The three “major” films of the festival.
Among the entire selection, the programmer highlights three standout films of the festival. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are the favorites.
- La Pecora Nera by Ascanio Celestini. Released in 2010, the film was a resounding success with our Italian neighbors. It uniquely and touchingly tackles the theme of madness. And it must be said, it sets a very high bar in the competition. Upcoming screenings: Wednesday March 20 at 11am and Thursday March 21 at 6pm.
- L’uomo che verrà by Giorgio Diritti. Based on a true story, the Marzabotto massacre in Italy during World War II. The film was released in 2009 and received praises at the Italian Césars in 2010 and at the Rome Film Festival in 2009. Upcoming screenings: Wednesday March 20 at 6pm, Friday March 22 at 9:15am.
- Sette opere di misericordia by Gianluca and Massimiliano De Serio. A mysterious and human film that won over the Annecy and Grenoble festivals. Upcoming screenings: Thursday March 21 at 9pm (in the presence of one of the directors), Friday March 22 at 5pm, and Saturday March 23 at 11am.
The other films in competition, the “emerging productions.”
- L’ultimo sogno di Howard Costello: This is a silent film in which a young man takes a journey from Paris to Rome in a dream. During which he encounters his own death. An atypical and daring work by Michel Diomà. No more screenings.
- I giorni della vendemmia by Marco Righi. This story of a young boy whose life is turned upside down by the arrival of a carefree and presumptuous young woman charmed the Grenoble and Milan festivals. Upcoming screenings: Saturday March 23 at 6pm.
- Mai più come prima by Giacomo Campiotti. Released in 2005, the film tells the story of four teenagers who go to the mountains once they get their diplomas. The journey turns into a true odyssey for these young adults. Unique screenings: Thursday March 21 at 9:15am and 2pm.
- Rosso come il cielo by Cristiano Bortone. A young man loses his sight. Passionate about cinema, he discovers life through the sounds he hears, thus creating his own stories. This feature film received the grand prize at the Montreal Film Festival for youth. No more screenings.
The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday the 23rd at 9pm. The jury is currently still deliberating and is giving away absolutely no clues about their preferences. That same evening, the public award will be announced, since the audience has the opportunity to vote at the end of each screening. As for you, you still have one more week to catch up on what you missed.
