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.
The series has particular significance in a period in which, while still complying with the directives of the health authorities dictated by the pandemic, the organizers are able to offer lovers of Italian culture, members and students a series of enjoyable screenings in the hall.
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 Cinema 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.
The series begins with the screening of the movie Alì ha gli occhi azzurri (Ali Blue Eyes) by director Claudio Giovannesi.
Alì ha gli occhi azzurri (Ali Blue Eyes) (Claudio Giovannesi, 2012, 94’)
The movie draws its title from Pier Paolo Pasolini’s poem with the same title. Nader (Nader Sarhan), a 16-year-old Italian-born son of Egyptian Muslim parents is at the centre of this 
tale of a young man caught between his peers and his cultural roots. When his hot-headed friend gets into a fight, Nader stabs a young Romanian in his defence, forcing Nader to flee the scene and go into hiding. Cold, hungry and afraid, he avoids the victim’s family, who are seeking revenge. Director Claudio Giovannesi developed this multi-award winning feature film from his documentary, Brothers of Italy, using many of the real-life characters in the fictional film. Sarhan won the best young actor award at the Angers European First Film Festival. His portrayal of a second-generation immigrant is raw and real, made even more true thanks to family and friends playing themselves in a story strongly based on their own lives. With Italy still struggling to come to grips with its growing immigrant population, this film explores issues in a way that is fresh, engaging, and vital.
Q&A with Alice Loda, Lecturer in International Studies and Global Societies at UTS.
TICKETS:
- 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