9 – 14 June 2025
SKOPJE
From June 9 to 14, 2025, the 25th edition of the “Italian Cinema Week – ITALIAN SCREENS” will take place. Organized by the Italian Embassy in Skopje, in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrade and the National Cinematheque of the Republic of North Macedonia, the festival is made possible by ITALIAN SCREENS, a project supporting the internationalization of the Italian audiovisual sector. Its goal is to promote the best of Italian filmmaking abroad, along with support tools such as tax credits and funds dedicated to distribution and co-productions.
This year’s edition will feature six of the most representative works of contemporary Italian cinema. The films, all released between 2024 and early 2025, have participated in prestigious international festivals, earning critical and audience acclaim, as well as major awards. The unifying theme of the selected films is that of journey—whether physical (toward or away from one’s homeland), visual, inner, existential, temporal, or emotional.
Opening the festival on Monday, June 9, will be “Parthenope” (2024), the latest masterpiece by the award-winning Paolo Sorrentino—a work blending poetry, nostalgia, and love for Naples, the director’s hometown. At the heart of the story is Parthenope, an independent, unconventional woman with magnetic beauty, on a perpetual quest for knowledge. Hers is an existential and symbolic journey, marked by meaningful encounters, loves, friendships, and disillusionments, deeply intertwined with that of Naples—a splendid yet decadent city, beautiful and damned, which in the film becomes a living, vibrant character in its own right.
On Tuesday, June 10, “The Blunder” (2025) by Roberto Andò will take audiences on a journey through history. Inspired by a little-known short story by Leonardo Sciascia, the film is based on a marginal but real event from the Expedition of the Thousand. The director blends historical drama and comedy, juxtaposing a faithful reconstruction of events with an emotional and ironic narrative carried by purely fictional characters. Through this approach, the film reinterprets the Risorgimento with a critical eye, questioning the heroic narrative of official history and reflecting on the construction of Italian identity and the illusions that accompanied the unification process.
Wednesday, June 11, will feature “Madly” (2025), the latest work by Paolo Genovese—a delightful romantic comedy that delves into the innermost thoughts of its two protagonists, revealing the mysterious mechanisms guiding our actions and the inner conflicts influencing our choices. The different personalities in their minds, portrayed by exceptional actors, come to life: we see them argue, fight, rejoice, and move each other. Each one vies for dominance in the final decision, resulting in comedic, unpredictable, yet deeply reflective situations about human psychology.
Thursday, June 12, will screen “Naples – New York” (2024), the new film by Oscar winner Gabriele Salvatores, loosely inspired by an original concept by Federico Fellini. Set in the post-WWII era, the feature tells the epic journey of two children who leave Naples in search of a better life in the promising New York. Balancing comedy and drama with skill, the director invites reflection on contemporary themes such as migration, solidarity, and discrimination.
Friday, June 13, will showcase “Siblings” (2025), the directorial debut of Greta Scarano, who delivers a lighthearted yet profound film. Based on an autobiographical novel, it delicately and humorously addresses autism, avoiding any rhetoric or pity. A bittersweet portrait of a path toward independence, filled with dreams, fragility, and shared growth—moving yet never losing sight of humor.
Closing the festival on Saturday, June 14, is “Diamonds” (2024), the latest cinematic success by Ferzan Özpetek, winner of the 2025 David di Donatello – Audience Award. Set in a Roman tailor shop in 1974, the film explores the personal and professional relationships of a group of women crafting costumes for cinema. Through this microcosm, Özpetek examines universal themes such as the struggle against patriarchy, the search for identity, love, and friendship. The result is a choral work celebrating female solidarity and resilience.
All films will be shown in their original language with Macedonian and English subtitles. Screenings will take place at the historic National Cinematheque of the Republic of North Macedonia, starting at 8:00 PM.