The Lavazza Italian Film Festival offers Perth audiences the chance to witness 28 of the finest new-age Italian films. With such an array of movie genres there is something for everyone. Be sure not to miss this special event.

 The Lavazza Italian Film Festival presents Perth with the very best selection of Italian films from 2016; such as the multi award winning “The Space Between” (the first Australian-Italian feature co-production, starring the legendary Flavio Parenti and Dermody). The Italian film festival also offers classic Italian cinema including the digitally remastered “Rocco and His Brother” which centers on the life of a recent widow and her five sons, as they migrate from a small town in Italy, in search of a better life.

 Seasoned Italian film director Marco Bellocchio debut’s for the first time in Australia, his critically acclaimed film “Sweet Dreams”. The film adaption of the best-selling, autobiographical novel “Sweet Dreams, Little One” by Massimo Gramellini revolves around the disappearance of nine-year-old Massimo’s mother, on New Year’s Eve morning. Valerio Mastandrea and Berenice Bejo feature in the films mesmerizing cast, and both deliver outstanding performances. No wonder this Italian production, received excellent reviews at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.  

The rest of the festival is divided into three main categories: It’s Complicated, houses seven films that center on relationships. Italian director Claudio Giovannesi present’s his gritty prison drama “Fiore”; the plot centers on a budding romance between two youths, in a detention center. The story of friendship, limited imagination, and bullying, are brought to life by Italian director Ivan Cotroneo, in “One Kiss”. The 2016 production won Best Screenplay at the Italian Golden Globes. Italy’s master of comedy Diego Abatantuono, stars in the cheeky, lighthearted, comedy Daddy’s Girl. Opening night Director Paolo Genovese premieres his romantic comedy, “Ever Been to the Moon?” Starring Raoul Bova; this comedy revolves around a young fashion journalist, who inherits a farm in Italy’s countryside; she moves there with the purpose of selling the property, but faces one major obstacle. Max Croci’s rom-com “Opposites Attract”, tells the story of some heated competition, all in the name of love. The dark comedy “The Last Will Be The Last” by director Massimiliano Bruno, revolves around a women who is fired from her job, due to her pregnancy. Marco Danieli screens his deeply moving drama “Worldly Girl;” this film highlights the serious issue of religion and love.       

Another section of the fest is Donne Italiane- which showcases many of the leading ladies in Italian cinema. Giuseppe Gaudino previews her first fiction film in nearly 20 years; “Antonia” is based on the celebrated Italian poet Antonia Pozzi. The film delves into some rich Italian history. Director Marco Tullio Giordana’s critically acclaimed film “If you Tell Me”, depicts the real-life story of Lea Garofalo, who grew up around the Ndrangheta (Calabrian Mafia) her entire family are members, but Lea wants a different life for them all. This gripping tale is definitely worth watching. Maria Sole Tognazzi’s film “Me, Myself & Her” is a romantic comedy, about the lives of an older lesbian couple who share everything; they battle society constantly, as they try to build a life together. The master of European cinema, Laura Morante brings her award winning masterpiece, “Solo” to the Lavazza Italian Film Festival 2016. The film revolves around a middle-aged woman who is on a mission to reclaim her life. Many critics liken Monrante’s work to that of Woody Allen.   

Light’s Drama, Action, showcases the best crime dramas, comedies, and biopics that Italy has to offer. Carlos Lavagna’s production Arianna tackles the issue of gender identity, in a refreshing manner. The innovative thriller “Italian Race” from Matteo Rovere offers a glimpse into the world of street racing (set in the world of Gran Turismo). One of the most anticipated films at the festival is the gritty drama “Napoli Jungle”. Director Antonio Capuano captures the essence of a rundown, defeated community, in this gripping masterpiece of Italian cinema. Fiorella Infascelli presents her latest film “Once In Summer” which analyzes two different men, who unknowingly have the same destiny. One of the most talked about films at this year’s Italian Film Festival, “The Ploy” recreates the 1975 murder of Pasolini, who was savagely beaten to death, by a male escort. Director David Grieco really brings this controversial crime to life on the big screen.