27 – 29 September 2024 – Johannesburg

28 – 29 September 2024 – Cape Town

ITALIAN SCREEN
SOUTH AFRICA

The Embassy of Italy in Pretoria, the Consulate General of Italy in JohannesburgConsulate of Italy in Cape Town, and the Italian Cultural Institute of Pretoria (IIC), in collaboration with DGCA-MiC and Cinecittà, proudly presents the second edition of Italian Screens. This year, acclaimed Italian films will be showcased in Johannesburg and Cape Town, offering a unique opportunity to experience the best of Italian cinema.

Experience the best of Italian cinema with Italian Screens, a free film series. Watch the acclaimed Italian films with English subtitles in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Seats are limited—register now to secure your spot!

Italian Screens is an initiative promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the General Directorate for Cinema and Audiovisual of the Ministry of Culture (DGCA-MiC), organised by Cinecittà. 

The four films presented in South Africa, all in Italian with English subtitles, are Il primo giorno della mia vita (The First Day of My Life) by Paolo Genovese, Romeo è Giulietta (Romeo is Juliet) by Giovanni Veronesi, and Confidenza (Trust) by Daniele Luchetti, and Il sol dell’avvenire (A Brighter Tomorrow) by Nanni Moretti. Roberto Stabile, Head of the Italian Screens Project, will attend the opening in Cape Town to present to local industry professionals the best of what the Italian audiovisual sector has to offer. The event aims to encourage co-productions, enhance the professional quality of the industry, and support the internationalisation of Italian cinema.

directed by Paolo Genovese

Genre: Drama

Il Primo Giorno Della Mia Vita (The First Day of My Life) is a captivating Italian drama directed by Paolo Genovese. The film tells the intertwined stories of four individuals on the brink of despair, each struggling with profound personal crises. Just as they reach the point of no return, they encounter a mysterious stranger who offers them an extraordinary opportunity: a glimpse of what the world would be like without them.

Over the course of one transformative week, these individuals are taken on a journey that challenges their beliefs, perceptions, and the choices that brought them to the edge. Through this surreal experience, they confront the possibility of a fresh start and the potential for redemption.

Exploring themes of hope, resilience, and the intricate web of human connections, Il Primo Giorno Della Mia Vita is a poignant reflection on the value of life and the power of second chances.

Screened at: Ster-Kinekor, The Zone Rosebank

When: Friday, 27 September at 18:00


directed by Giovanni Veronesi

Genre: Drama

Romeo è Giulietta (Romeo is Juliet) is a contemporary Italian retelling of William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. Directed by Giovanni Veronesi, this film brings a fresh perspective to the classic story of star-crossed lovers, set against the vibrant backdrop of modern Italy. The narrative follows Romeo and Giulietta, two young lovers who must navigate their passionate relationship amidst the longstanding enmity between their families.

Veronesi’s adaptation captures the intensity and enduring relevance of the original play, exploring themes of love, fate, and the powerful influence of family and society in shaping our destinies. This film offers a poignant reflection on the challenges of love 

Screened at: Ster-Kinekor The Zone Rosebank

When: Saturday, 28 September at 18:00


directed by Daniele Luchetti

Genre: Drama

Confidenza (Trust) is a deeply emotional and introspective film that delves into the complexities of relationships, trust, and betrayal. Directed by Daniele Luchetti, this Italian drama explores the intricate dynamics of a marriage that is tested by infidelity. The story revolves around a couple whose bond is strained after an affair, leading them to confront their deepest insecurities, desires, and the very nature of their relationship.

Luchetti’s direction offers a nuanced portrayal of love and commitment, capturing the delicate balance between intimacy and distance that defines human connections. Confidenza is a powerful exploration of the fragility of trust and the enduring struggle to maintain emotional closeness in the face of life’s challenges.

Screened at: Ster-Kinekor The Zone Rosebank

When: Sunday, 29 September at 17:00

directed by Nanni Moretti

Genre: Comedy-Drama

Il Sol dell’Avvenire (A Brighter Tomorrow, literally translated “The Sun of the Future”) is a profound and multifaceted Italian drama directed by the renowned filmmaker Nanni Moretti. The film is set in Rome during the 1950s and weaves together personal and political narratives, exploring the complexities of filmmaking, love, and ideological commitment.

The story follows Giovanni, a director working on a film about a pivotal moment in Italian history – the Communist Party’s relationship with the broader political landscape. As Giovanni navigates the challenges of his project, he confronts his own personal crises and the shifting dynamics within his marriage, all against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world.

Moretti’s film is both a reflection on the art of cinema and a meditation on the intersection of personal and political identities. Il Sol dell’Avvenire offers a rich and layered narrative that invites audiences to reflect on the past, the nature of storytelling, and the future of ideals.

Screened at: The Labia Theatre, Cape Town

When: Saturday, 28 September at 18:00


directed by Giovanni Veronesi

Genre: Drama

Romeo è Giulietta (Romeo is Juliet) is a contemporary Italian retelling of William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. Directed by Giovanni Veronesi, this film brings a fresh perspective to the classic story of star-crossed lovers, set against the vibrant backdrop of modern Italy. The narrative follows Romeo and Giulietta, two young lovers who must navigate their passionate relationship amidst the longstanding enmity between their families.

Veronesi’s adaptation captures the intensity and enduring relevance of the original play, exploring themes of love, fate, and the powerful influence of family and society in shaping our destinies. This film offers a poignant reflection on the challenges of love 

Screened at: The Labia Theatre, Cape Town

When: Saturday, 28 September at 20:00


directed by Paolo Genovese

Genre: Drama

Il Primo Giorno Della Mia Vita (The First Day of My Life) is a captivating Italian drama directed by Paolo Genovese. The film tells the intertwined stories of four individuals on the brink of despair, each struggling with profound personal crises. Just as they reach the point of no return, they encounter a mysterious stranger who offers them an extraordinary opportunity: a glimpse of what the world would be like without them.

Over the course of one transformative week, these individuals are taken on a journey that challenges their beliefs, perceptions, and the choices that brought them to the edge. Through this surreal experience, they confront the possibility of a fresh start and the potential for redemption.

Exploring themes of hope, resilience, and the intricate web of human connections, Il Primo Giorno Della Mia Vita is a poignant reflection on the value of life and the power of second chances.

Screened at: The Labia Theatre, Cape Town
When: Sunday, 29 September at 18:00