The Film Society of Lincoln Center announced today the lineup for “Open Roads: New Italian Cinema”, which will take place from June 6-12, 2013. This year’s lineup includes impressive debuts, a return of favorite filmmakers as well as several award winners.
“As the exciting ‘regionalist trend’ that began a few years ago continues with films from diverse areas, including Sardegna and Sicily, so does the incredible diversity of film styles and genres in this year’s dynamic Open Roads series,” says Film Society of Lincoln Center Associate Programmer Marcela Goglio. “Whether it’s a dark comedy, political thriller, satire or romantic comedy, what is most compelling is the wildly different ways most of these films dare to take on pressing social and political issues in contemporary Italy.”
Highlights include the opening night selection EVERY BLESSED DAY, which spotlights Italian singer Thony in an endearing romantic lead role and whose vocal stylings are highlighted in the film’s soundtrack. For more laughs, Pedro Almodovar protégée Pappi Corsicato dishes out a celebrity satire with plastic surgery shenanigans and over-the-top characters in THE FACE OF ANOTHER. The Hollywood Reporter recently sited his films as Italy’s answer to Almodovar “with an added dose of John Waters’ trademark trashiness” -- so audiences can expect some high camp.
The first feature by Palermo-born writer, filmmaker and cinematographer Daniele Cipri, IT WAS THE SON (also a cinematographer for DORMANT BEAUTY) is a provocative, dark and humorous mafia tale following twisted members in a Sicilian family. This bold, colorful and visually stunning film won Best Cinematography at the Venice Film Festival. In addition, rising star Fabrizio Falco won the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best New Young Actor for his roles in both IT WAS THE SON and DORMANT BEAUTY. Italian master Marco Bellocchio’s newest emotional narrative DORMANT BEAUTY also stars Isabelle Huppert and Toni Servillo and spotlights a real-life, right-to-euthanasia case that became a national controversy in Italy in 2008. Another true-life dramatic case ripped from the headlines is Marco Tullio Giordana’s political thriller PIAZZA FONTANA: THE ITALIAN CONSPIRACY which dissects the 1969 Piazza Fontana bombing and highlights its tragic consequences.
Two thought-provoking documentaries, HANDMADE CINEMA and THE RESCUE spotlight the livelihoods of Italian artists. Originally financed by Louis Vuitton and narrated by Chiara Mastroianni, HANDMADE CINEMA turns the camera’s attention to the major players who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes – wigmakers, tailors, designers, painters, make-up artists – all talented craftsmen and artisans who help contribute to the magic of moviemaking. Screening with it is THE RESCUE by director Giovanna Taviani (daughter and niece of the famed Taviani brothers), who created her own documentary following one of the subjects from her father and uncle’s notable film CAESAR MUST DIE. The story follows Salvatore Striano, the main character and prisoner from CAESAR who is rescued from the hell of prison after discovering Shakespeare.
Open Roads: New Italian Cinema has been organized by The Film Society of Lincoln Center together with Istituto Luce-Cinecittà - Filmitalia and the support of Ministero per i Beni e le Attivitá Culturali (Direzione Generale per il Cinema) in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute of New York. Special thanks to the Alexander Bodini Foundation, and Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimó for their generous support. This series was co-curated by Antonio Monda.
Visit www.filmlinc.com for complete film festival information.