Cinema Italia 2022 – Multi-ethnic Italy: the new Italians
The Italian Cultural Institute in Sydney once again renews its collaboration with Palace Cinemas in 2022 by presenting a series of screenings dedicated to some of the most significant contemporary cultural and social aspects of Italian life as well as representative figures of Italian cinema, including those only recently appeared to notoriety.
This year the series takes up the title Multiethnic Italy: The new Italians forcibly abandoned in 2021 due to the pandemic, and includes a series of contemporary Italian films that will illustrate Italy which after having been, in the last century, a country of departure for third-party destinations in recent decades it has become a destination for emigration.
Screenings will take place at the Palace Cinemas Norton Street, Leichhardt. Patrons will receive a flute of prosecco upon arrival.
The films will be preceded by a brief introduction by at least one guest who is different from time to time, to whom, at the end of the screening, the public can also ask some questions. The moderator will be Antonella Beconi, coordinator for the Italian language at the Center of Continuing Education of the University of Sydney, on behalf of the Italian Cultural Institute.
Marina (by Stijn Coninx, 2013, 118’)
A gloriously entertaining biopic that tells the true story of beloved singer, songwriter and accordionist, Rocco Granata, from his early life as an immigrant in Belgium to his emergence as a worldwide musical phenomenon with his 1959 song Marina, one of the biggest international hits of that era. 1948 Calabria, in Southern Italy: Poor local worker Toto Granata (Luigi Lo Cascio, The Best of Youth) leaves his wife Ida (Donatella Finocchiaro,
Angela) and two children to work in the Belgian mines, promising to return wealthier. But like countless others, instead of returning after a few years as planned, his family is forced to join him and adjust to a new life as immigrants in a foreign country. It is here Toto’s only son Rocco discovers his sole joys lie in young love and the music that will eventually immortalise him. This impressive coproduction is directed by multi award-winning filmmaker Stijn Coninx (When the Light Comes and Oscar-nominated Daens) and produced by the Dardenne brothers. The international cast includes charismatic newcomer Matteo Simoni as Granata as well as a cameo by the 75-year-old Granata himself!
Q&A with Marina Freri, executive producer at ABC for RN breakfast, Jason Di Rosso film critic, ABC, and Thomas Campi, illustrator and cartoonist, author of graphic novel Macaroni!
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