Cinema Italia 2021 – Multi-ethnic Italy: the new Italians
The Multi-ethnic Italy: the new Italians film series, which represents a continuation of the fruitful collaboration of the Italian Cultural Institute with Palace Cinemas, and which includes a series of movies whose central topic is the phenomenon of migration to Italy, continues with the screening of the movie Pitza e datteri (Pizza and Dates) by Kurdish-Iranian director Fariborz Kamkari.
The movie will be introduced by Antonella Beconi, Convenor for Italian at the Centre of Continuing Education, University of Sydney, who will also moderate the Q&A session at the end of the movie.
Pitza e datteri (Pizza and Dates)
By Fariborz Kamkari, 2014, 104’
This playful comedy focuses on cultural exchange and integration and is shot entirely within the splendid fairy tale canals of Venice where East and West have for long met historically, artistically and romantically. After their mosque is expropriated and turned into a hairdresser by the landlord, a community of Muslims in Venice search for a new location. A young Afghan Imam named Saladin is called to the rescue, but rather than solving the problem, his arrival ends up complicating the situation with a series of absurd consequences and hilarious moments. These difficulties are further magnified with the charismatic presence of the beautiful Zara.
Director Fariborz Kamkari takles what is a sensitive and loaded subject with gentle
humour and comedy. He brings forth the perspective of the vast community of Muslims with a tender smile through the everyday issues that arise with the crossing of cultures, and offers how these can be overcome.
Q&A with Gili Kugler, senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew, Vrasidas Karalis, Professor of Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies, and Lucia Sorbera, Chair of Arabic Studies, all lecturing at Sydney University.
ADMISSION PRICES
- Full price: $20
- IIC members, Palace Movie Club members & Students: $15*
* University of Sydney, UTS, UNSW, Macquarie University, Centre of Continuing Education students
Information and bookings: www.palacecinemas.com.au