Opening Night - SOMEBODY TO LOVE (FolleMente)
Friday 7 November, 6.30pm for 7.00pm
All Tickets: $30 includes light refreshments - On Sale Here
After the global success of 2016’s Perfect Strangers, writer/director Paolo Genovese has struck gold again with Somebody to Love, an hilarious, all-star romantic comedy that reveals the innermost thoughts and uncertainties of an Italian couple on their awkward first date in Rome. Recently separated philosophy professor and father-of-one Piero (Edoardo Leo) has arrived for dinner at the home of Lara (Pilar Fogliati), a talented furniture restorer, who has recently ended her relationship with a married man. As the two begin to get to know each other, they must also navigate their competing inner voices: the thoughts - whether instinctive, romantic, logical or impulsive - that guide their emotions and decisions. As the evening evolves, their hidden desires and quirks gradually come to light, along with their hearts’ unmistakeable desire to find a perfect match.
(M) 1 hour 38 mins
Italian with English subtitles
WINNER Best Comedy, Best Actress in a Comedy, Nastro d’Argento Awards 2025
NOMINEE Best Actor in a Comedy, Best Sound, Best Song, Nastro d’Argento Awards 2025
FUORI
Saturday 8 November 2025 at 2.00pm
This elegant and moving film from award-winning writer/director Mario Martone (Nostalgia, The King of Laughter) follows a decisive event in the life of renowned Italian feminist writer Goliarda Sapienza, brilliantly portrayed by Valeria Golino.
Rome, 1980. Unable to get her novel The Art of Joy published, author Goliarda Sapienza finds herself briefly imprisoned after she steals some jewellery from a wealthy friend. The experience turns out to be life-changing, as Goliarda discovers a world without class barriers, and forms a deep bond with some of the younger inmates (played by Matilda De Angelis and Elodie).
After their release and during a sweltering summer, the women continue to meet. Her friends’ stories and struggles for independence liberate Goliarda, who re-discovers the joy of living, and her drive to write.
Inspired by Sapienza’s 1983 autobiography The University of Rebibbia, Fuori is an inspiring story of friendship, female solidarity and freedom, capturing the essence of a remarkable woman ahead of her time, whose aspiration for personal and collective freedom remains topical.
Adults: $16.00, Concessions: $14.00 - On Sale Here
(M) 1 hour 55 mins
Italian with English subtitles
OFFICIAL SELECTION Cannes International Film Festival 2025 (In Competition)
SICILIAN LETTERS (Iddu)
Saturday 8 November at 4.30pm
From Fabio Grassadoni and Antonio Piazza (Sicilian Ghost Story), this fictionalised mafia story features standout performances from Elio Germano and Toni Servillo. A dangerous liaisons crime drama with blackly comic elements, Sicilian Letters is loosely inspired by true events and real ‘pizzini’ messages by fugitive Mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro.
In early 2000s Sicily, after serving several years in prison for Mafia-related crimes, Catello (Servillo), a long-serving local councillor, has lost everything. When the Italian Secret Service persuades him to help capture Matteo (Germano), the son of his closest friend and the last major Mafia boss still on the run, Catello sees an opportunity. A shrewd man and a tireless illusionist who turns truth into falsehood and falsehood into truth, under their guidance Catello begins to correspond with the fugitive.
Exploiting the younger man’s emotional state, Catello’s gamble involves a significant risk, as he plays a game of cat and mouse with one of the most wanted criminals in the world.
Adults: $16.00, Concessions: $14.00 - On Sale Here
(M) 2 hours 10 mins
Italian with English subtitles
WINNER Lizzani Award, Francesco Pasinetti Award, La Pellicola d'Oro Award - Best Prop Maker, Premio Soundtrack Stars Award Best Soundtrack, Venice Film Festival 2024
NOMINEE Best Original Song, Best Composer, David di Donatello Awards 2025
DIAMONDS (Diamanti)
Saturday 8 November 2025 at 7.30pm
Award-winning filmmaker Ferzan Özpetek returns with this Italian box office hit, a joyous and touching tribute to the costume designers and seamstresses whose great craftsmanship bring to life the magic of cinema. Inspired by Özpetek’s personal experience frequenting film and theatre tailoring shops in the 1980s, Diamonds features a dazzling all-star ensemble cast led by Luisa Ranieri (Parthenope IFF24) and Jasmine Trinca (Maria Montessori IFF24), with costumes by designer Stefano Ciammitti.
In the present day, Özpetek decides to make a film about women and so gathers his favourite actresses for a lunch and script read-through, which leads to his imagination transporting them into another era.
In 1970s Rome, sisters Alberta and Gabriella run a prestigious fashion house, where the noise of the sewing machines fills a workplace populated by women. When an important order arrives from an Oscar-winning costume designer client, challenges arise as the team of talented dressmakers try to fulfill the requirements.
Outside and within the atelier, passions, anxieties, and unbreakable bonds intertwine as the line between reality and fiction begins to blur.
Adults: $16.00, Concessions: $14.00 - On Sale Here
(M) 2 hours 15 mins
Italian with English subtitles
WINNER Audience Award, David di Donatello Awards 2025
WINNER Film of the Year, Nastro d’Argento Awards 2025
NOMINEE Best Supporting Actress, Best Song, David di Donatello Awards 2025
MY DAUGHTER (Una Figlia)
Sunday 9 November 2025 at 2.00pm
Directed by Ivano DeMatteo (Mia IFF24) this compelling drama about forgiveness and parental love that is loosely based on Ciro Noja’s novel Whatever Happens (Qualunque cosa accada) tackles the aftermath of a serious crime committed by a teenager. Pietro (Stefano Accorsi) is a middle-aged man devastated by the loss of his wife, and has been left to raise their teenage daughter Sofia alone. In their shared grief, their bond becomes intense and all-encompassing—two souls healing each other’s wounds through unwavering love and mutual dependence. But when Pietro attempts to move forward and start a new life with a new partner, the fragile balance of their father/daughter relationship shatters and in a moment of uncontrollable rage, his teenage daughter commits an unthinkable act. As Sofia faces the consequences of her actions, Pietro is left to confront a devastating reality as his love for his daughter is put to the test. Caught between heartbreak, guilt, and his paternal instinct, Pietro must ask himself whether he can forgive her.
Adults: $16.00, Concessions: $14.00 - On Sale Here
(M) 1 hour 43 mins
Italian with English subtitles
OFFICIAL SELECTION Bari International Film& Festival 2025
NOMINEE Best Original Story, Best Sound, Nastro d’Argento Awards 2025
SIBLINGS (La vita da grandi)
Sunday 9 November at 4.15pm
The directorial debut from actress Greta Scarano (The Perfect Dinner IFF22), fun dramedy Siblings is inspired by the true story of Margherita and Damiano Tercon, who in 2020 co-wrote the book Mia sorella mi rompe le balle.
Irene (Matilda De Angelis) is trying to build a regular life in Rome when she is forced to return to her hometown Rimini, to take care of Omar (newcomer Yuri Tuci), her 40-year-old autistic brother. She will find out that Omar has very clear ideas about his future: he does not want to live with her at all when their parents are no longer around. Instead, he convinces Irene to give him an intensive course in adulthood to enable him to become independent. More importantly, he aims to fulfill his dreams, such as participating in the talent show that will make him a famous singer.
A joyous tale about overcoming obstacles and daring to go beyond the limits imposed by society and others, Siblings explores the universal bond between siblings.
Adults: $16.00, Concessions: $14.00 - On Sale Here
(M) 1 hour 36 mins
Italian with English subtitles
OFFICIAL SELECTION Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2025
OFFICIAL SELECTION BIF&ST – Bari International Film& Festival 2025
OFFICIAL SELECTION ICFF Italian Contemporary Film Festival 2025
