Overview
Great news for all you lovers of everything Italian, the Italian Film Festival is here. Screening at Rialto and Bridgeway Cinemas and happily coinciding with erratic spring weather, this year's festival promises a fantastic and diverse line-up, so there's bound to be something to suit everyone's tastes.
The tantalising selection includes comedy, romantic comedy and drama, plus two documentaries that open windows on life in modern Italy, as well as the classic Oscar-winning Cinema Paradiso from 1988. The pick of the festival is certain to be the opening night comedy, Benvenuti al Sud (Welcome to the South). It's the New Zealand premier of this hilarious box office sensation that proves the age-old rivalry between north and south is still very much alive and kicking.
There are also two special screenings at this year's festival - A Second Childhood, which includes morning tea and coffee and a 'films for foodies' screening of Basilicata Coast to Coast, which means Italian nibbles, wine and even a foodie gift bag.
The most successful event of its kind, the Italian Film Festival is in its 17th year and still going strong. Viva il cinema italiano!