During their stay in the city, Italian directors will host masterclasses and film forums at the Shanghai Film Academy of Shanghai University.
The Italian film screenings are at the Grand Theater and the Peace Cinema through March 16.
Shanghai Art Film Federation's screenings at the Grand Theater and the Peace Cinema feature both neorealist classics and productions by emerging Italian filmmakers through March 16.
This year marks the 55th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between China and Italy and eight movies will showcase the charm of Italian cinema. Tickets for each screening are 70 yuan (US$9.6).
The event is also an effort of China and Italy to build an exchange and screening platform for the work of outstanding emerging directors from both countries.
Chinese filmmaker Teng Junjie, art director of the program, said young talented Chinese filmmakers will be taking their work to audiences in Italy in the autumn. The program provides support for both Italian and Chinese filmmakers in their career development.
During their stay in Shanghai, Italian directors will host masterclasses and film forums at the Shanghai Film Academy of Shanghai University, sharing their experience with peers and college students.
"Gloria!" focuses on the growth and struggles of women in the late 18th century.
"Gloria!" (2024)
Set in the late 18th century, the directorial debut of Margherita Vicario centers on a young maid with a hidden music talent. Together with a small group of extraordinary musicians, they challenge the outdated shackles of that era to create rebellious, modern music.
The film features many veteran actors. Through delicate storytelling and exquisite visuals, it depicts the growth and struggles of women in the social context of that time.
"Familia" puts the spotlight on complex family relationships.
"Familia" (2024)
The second feature by Francesco Costabile is a family-themed drama film telling a story of 20-year-old Luigi, who lives with his mother and brother. After the leaving of their abusive father a decade ago, Luigi joins an extremist group seeking belonging. But his father's return makes things complicated.
The film portrays complex family relationships, delving into themes of kinship, betrayal and reconciliation, showcasing the interweaving of love and hate among family members. Leading actor Francesco Gheghi won the Orizzonti (Horizons) award for best actor at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.
"Troppo Azzurro" depicts a young man's anxieties in relationships and his courage to face them.
"Troppo Azzurro" (2023)
The feature debut of Filippo Barbagallo is about the emotional growth of 25-year-old Dario, who during a Roman summer, has a relationship first with Caterina, then with his long-time crush Lara. The comedy delicately depicts a young man's anxieties in relationships and his courage to face them.
"Anywhere, Anytime" centers on Issa, a young undocumented immigrant struggling to survive.
"Anywhere, Anytime" (2024)
The directorial debut of Milad Tangshir centers on Issa, a young undocumented immigrant struggling to survive in a large city in Italy. He starts work as a rider with an identity a friend lends him. But when his bike is stolen his life collapses and he is sucked into a dramatic spiral of events.
Focusing on social reality, the coming-of-age drama vividly depicts the struggles and resilience of the immigrant community. It was nominated to compete at International Critics' Week at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.
A comedy classic by Italian master Vittorio De Sica.
"Matrimonio all'italiana" (1964)
The comedy romance is a classic by Italian master Vittorio De Sica. Starring Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni, it tells the love story between a wealthy businessman and a penniless prostitute. The film was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film award at the Academy Awards. Loren also received a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Michele Riondino's diectorial debut focuses on a workplace bullying case.
"Palazzina Laf" (2023)
The directorial debut of Michele Riondino focuses on a workplace bullying case in an Italian factory. Through a delicate narrative and profound character portrayal, the film reveals the difficulties faced by workers in the industrialization process, the struggles of humanity, and the complexity of social structure.
The classic comedy anthology stars Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni.
"Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" (1963)
Starring Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni, the classic comedy anthology by Vittorio De Sica – "Ieri, Oggi, Domani" – tells the stories of three very different women and the men they attract. Three independent chapters explore the themes of love, desire, and social morality. The film was the Best Foreign Language Film at the 37th Academy Awards, and the Samuel Goldwyn International Award winner at the 21st Golden Globe Awards.
"There's Still Tomorrow" tells the story of a working-class wife and mother who dreams of a better future.
"There's Still Tomorrow" (2023)
Set in post-war Rome, the comedy drama directed by Paola Cortellesi revolves around a working-class wife and mother who dreams of a better future. After receiving a mysterious letter, she attempts to break away from traditional family patterns and yearns for a different future.
The touching story about the woman's dream and endeavors impressed both critics and audiences. It won six awards, including Best New Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress at the 69th David di Donatello Awards.
Screening info:
Date: March 7 to 16
Venue: The Grand Theater
Address: 216 Nanjing Rd W. ｜南京西路216号
Venue: Peace Cinema
Address: 290 Xizang Rd M. ｜西藏中路290号
Where and how to buy tickets:
Online movie tickets can be purchased on Taopiaopiao and Maoyan. Movie buffs can also buy tickets at the theaters.
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