Earlier this year, when Palace Electric threw open their doors to their rather spiffy new cinema complex within the Nishi Building, they did so with a showcase of the 2012 Lavazza Italian Film Festival (LIFF 2012), which has toured around Australia through other Palace cinemas to great acclaim.
The Zeccola family (owners of Palace Cinemas) take great pride in their Italian heritage and, as such, it was fitting that the LIFF 2012 was as a way of introducing themselves to our movie-loving community. This year Palace Electric is well ensconced in the festival circuit and, like the rest of Australia, Canberrans will have a chance to enjoy the 2013 Lavazza Italian Film Festival with the rest of Australia.
Bravo!
So, what does all this mean for Canberra cinephiles? Well, there are a few treats on offer throughout the duration of LIFF 2013. The opening night will be a typically gala affair on Tuesday 8th October. Pablo Sorrentino’s La Grande Bellezza (Great Beauty) starring Toni Servillo, Carlo Verdone and Sabrina Ferilli will keck off proceeedings, with Lavazza Espresso Napoletano cocktails, Brown Brothers supplying the Prosecco and plenty of Peroni and snacks for those gathered.
Sunday 13 October sees and interesting event take place at the Palace Electric Cinemas with a tribute to the great Italian cantautore, Domenico Modugno, with live music, more Prosecco and the screening of Mr Zvolare: The Story of Domenico Modugno It looks like a really fun afternoon, with the winning combination of Italian wine, Italian music and Italian cinema? What more could you possibly want?
The finale for the festival is always something fun, and this year it’s a trip down memory lane with a screening of Fellini’s 1972 classic Roma. Much like the opening night film, La Grand Bellezza, this is another tribute to the beauty and passionate of Italy’s capital and is one of the director’s finest pieces. The closing night is Sunday 3 November, rounding out almost a month worth of great cinema.
Tickets are available now form the Festival website. Get yours now to take part in the celebration of life and love that is Italian cinema.
Courtesy of The Lavazza Italian Film Festival, we have five in-season double passes to give away. To be in with a chance to win, tell us (via the form on this page) what it is about Italy that you’re passionate about. We’ll announce the best five winners via Facebook on Tuesday 8 October.
