Lavazza Italian Film Festival 2015

Mid September, the 16th season of the Lavazza Italian Film Festival will kick off in Sydney to celebrate all things Italian and film. The festival is renowned for being one of the biggest Italian film festivals outside of Italy!

Beginning on Tuesday the 15th of September, the festival will open with a reception at Palace Verona in Paddington. At 6:30pm, a party will be held with Lavazza Espresso Martinis, Mitchelton Wines, Peroni beer, pizza by Moretti Ristorante Pizzeria and lots of live entertainment.

Immediately following the opening reception will be the premiere of the box office hit movie ‘God Willing’. The movie follows the story of a proud atheist whose son comes home one day and announces that he wants to become a priest!

Still from ‘God Willing’

‘God Willing’ earned its director Edoardo Falcone a Best Director award at the Italian Oscars. It has been widely acclaimed in Italy and is set to be a huge hit at this years Italian Film Festival.

There are many events going on during the duration of the festival, but one that is particularly exciting is the special guest that will be appearing at the Palace Verona. This year, Italian actor Luca Zingaretti will be attending the festival to speak about his latest works and his illustrious career.

Luca is an Italian actor and director who studied at the National Academy of Dramatic Arts Silvio D’Amico. He first rose to prominence when he secured the role of “Ottorino” in Marco Risi’s film “The Wolf Pack” (ll branco). More recently, Zingaretti has directed and starred in the major Italian theatre production of “La Sirene” and Ronald Harwood’s “Taking Sides”.

Italian actor Luca Zingaretti

The introduction of Zingaretti will happen on September 19th at the Palace Verona. The following day (20th), Zingaretti will be holding a Q & A at the Palace Norton Street with festival goers to discuss his works.

The festival will draw to a close on Sunday the 11th of October at the Chauvel Cinema with a screening of the movie “The Conformist” and a final reception featuring Mitchelton Wines and Connoisseur Gourmet Ice Cream.

For the lovers of all things Italian, this is one festival not to miss. There are plenty of films being shown over the month for all people and genres in many different cinemas.

For more information and a guide to all the movies playing during the Italian Film Festival, please check out the website here.