From January 24 to February 2, 2025, Beirut hosts the inaugural edition of the Italian Film Festival. This remarkable event showcases the best of contemporary Italian cinema while strengthening cultural ties between Italy and Lebanon. A unique cinematic experience awaits audiences at Metropolis Art Cinema.
The Italian Embassy in Lebanon and the Italian Cultural Institute, in collaboration with Metropolis Art Cinema, proudly announce the first edition of the Italian Film Festival. This one-of-a-kind event will take place in Beirut, at the newly reopened Metropolis Cinema in Mar Mikhael, from January 24 to February 2, 2025. It highlights contemporary Italian cinema, reconnecting Lebanese audiences with a vibrant artistic tradition often overshadowed in recent decades.
The festival begins on January 24 at 8:00 PM with the Middle East and North Africa premiere of Vermiglio, a poetic masterpiece by Oscar-nominated director Maura Delpero. The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception at 7:00 PM, creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere. The festival closes on February 2 with a breathtaking cine-concert featuring È Piccerella, a silent film directed in 1922 by Italy’s first female filmmaker, Elvira Notari. This classic will be accompanied by a live performance of an original electronic score by composer Maurilio Cacciatore in its world premiere.
This festival aims to tell the story of contemporary Italy through authentic narratives, diverse landscapes, and compelling characters, while strengthening cultural exchanges between Italy and Lebanon. It also highlights Italian cinematic excellence and the opportunities the country offers as a unique filming destination. Additionally, this initiative supports Metropolis Art Cinema, a symbol of cultural rebirth in Beirut, recently reopened with international backing from figures such as Cate Blanchett and Nadine Labaki.
The program features a diverse selection of films, including Vermiglio by Maura Delpero, Nonostante by Valerio Mastandrea, Sulla terra leggeri by Sara Fgaier, Quell’estate con Irene by Carlo Sironi, Familia by Francesco Costabile, La vita accanto by Marco Tullio Giordana, Iddu by Fabio Grassadonia and Antonio Piazza, Confidenza by Daniele Luchetti, Un mondo a parte by Riccardo Milani, and Gloria! by Margherita Vicario. The cine-concert È Piccerella will conclude this exceptional cinematic journey.
The Italian Film Festival offers a gateway to the art and culture of Italy, a journey full of inspiration, emotion, and discovery.
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