The Italian Cultural Institute is proud to collaborate with Cinema Reborn to present the Australian premiere of the newly restored 4K edition of Paisan (Paisà), a landmark of Italian neorealism directed by Roberto Rossellini.
Part of Cinema Reborn 2025, an annual festival dedicated to bringing restored cinema classics back to the big screen, this special screening highlights the power of film preservation and the enduring relevance of cinematic masterpieces. The festival, created by a community of passionate cinephiles, filmmakers, historians and critics, celebrates the art of cinema and the invaluable work of archives and restoration experts worldwide. Cinema Reborn 2025 will take place at Ritz Cinemas, Randwick, from Wednesday, 30 April to Tuesday, 6 May 2025.
Following the international success of Rome, Open City, Rossellini crafted Paisan, an ambitious and deeply moving six-episode narrative set during the Allied liberation of Italy in World War II. Spanning from Sicily to the Po Valley, the film offers a raw, documentary-like portrayal of war’s chaos and human resilience. With a cast blending professional actors and non-professionals, Italians and American soldiers alike, Paisan captures both the harsh realities of conflict and the fragile, often tragic, attempts at human connection across cultures.
Critically acclaimed since its release, Paisan was described by Bosley Crowther of the New York Times as “a milestone in the expressiveness of the screen… it is not an ordinary film—neither in form nor dramatic construction.”
The screening will take place at Ritz Cinemas, Randwick, on Sunday, 4 May 2025, at 2:00 PM, introduced by Gino Moliterno. This is a rare opportunity to experience one of the greatest films of Italian neorealism in its fully restored glory.
For bookings and further Info: https://www.ritzcinemas.com.au/movies/paisan-1946
