The N.I.C.E. Italian Film Festival opens in Dublin this week following a well-attended run in Cork city last week.
The programme features a mix of new Italian films by up-and-coming directors as well as movies from experienced and renowned directors.
It runs at the Light House Cinema from April 27 – May 1.
The festival seeks to promote Italian film internationally.
Organisers say that discovering new talent is paramount and it helps to ensure that Italian filmmakers can be appreciated both in the homeland and abroad, by telling stories with different techniques and methods.
It opens with a film by one of Italy’s most beloved contemporary authors, Pierfrancesco Diliberto, known as “Pif”.
It traces the themes of work, mass media, society and human relationships in the internet age.
Screenshot from ‘Dante’ by Pupi Avati
Viviana Del Bianco, Artistic Director of N.I.C.E. said; “I am delighted that we are able to bring the N.I.C.E. Italian Film Festival back to Ireland this year.
“It is a magnificent celebration and showcase of Italian filmmakers presenting first and second works of great value, ranging from comedy to drama.
“It proves how, despite the difficulties of recent years, Italian authors are more active and motivated than ever.”
Director of the Italian Institute of Culture in Dublin, Marco Gioacchini said; “We are thrilled to bring two complete editions of the Festival to the two main cities of Ireland this year.
“It is an unmissable opportunity to watch a selection of films by new Italian directors that tell of the expectations and difficulties of today’s young people and explore the themes of social integration, crime and immigration.
“It is interesting to remember that these themes continue to dominate areas of the Italian debate and of the Italian imagination itself.
“I am certain that this second edition will firmly consolidate the presence of the Festival in Ireland.
“The aim is to represent a cultural reference for those who love our country, along with the hope of fully including the Festival in the rich international film programming that takes place every year in Ireland.
“I would like to sincerely thank all the partners of this edition who made the event possible.”
There are many people and institutions involved in the Festival such as the Florence N.I.C.E., the Embassy of Italy in Ireland, the Gate Cinema in Cork, Light House Cinema in Dublin, University College Cork and the staff of the Italian Institute of Culture.
For more information please see www.nicefestival.org/en/nice-festival-ireland/