Italian Screens 2023: A Triumphant Showcase of Italian Cinema in New Delhi and Mumbai
The Italian Screens festival, dedicated to showcasing the finest contemporary Italian cinema to the world, returned in 2023 with resounding success. From December 8th to 10th, New Delhi and Mumbai simultaneously hosted screenings of six acclaimed Italian films, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting cinematic impression.
This initiative, a collaborative effort between the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Cinecittà, and the Academy of Italian Cinema, presented a curated selection of films across PVR cinemas, all in their original language with English subtitles. The event was spearheaded by Roberto Stabile, Head of Special Projects for the DGCA-MiC at Cinecittà, and locally organized in partnership with the Italian Embassy in New Delhi and the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai.
Roberto Stabile expressed his elation, stating, “The return of Italian Screens in 2023 has been truly thrilling. This initiative not only presents our latest productions but also showcases the numerous benefits Italy offers for international co-productions, filming, and distribution.”
The festival showcased six diverse films, each crafted by renowned Italian directors:
- Nostalgia by Mario Martone (Cannes Film Festival)
- Lord of the Ants by Gianni Amelio (Venice Film Festival)
- The First Day of My Life by Paolo Genovese (director of Perfect Strangers)
- 8 Mountains by Felix Van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch (Cannes Film Festival)
- Settembre by Giulia Steigerwal (winner of two David di Donatello Awards)
- Burning Hearts by Pippo Mezzapesa (Venice Film Festival)
The event resonated deeply with audiences, captivating film enthusiasts, critics, and the general public. Vincenzo de Luca, Ambassador of Italy to India and Nepal, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to host the second edition of Italian Screens, following last year’s resounding success. This initiative strengthens the cultural bridge between our two countries, both deeply rooted in a rich cinematic tradition.”
The festival delivered an enthralling experience, bringing the essence of Italian cinema vibrantly to life in Mumbai. Italian Screens 2023 stands as a testament to the power of cinema to bridge cultural gaps and foster appreciation for artistic excellence.