The 7th edition of Cine Italiano! - Cinema Italian Style in Hong Kong! is co-presented by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society and Istituto Luce Cinecittà, supported by the Italian Ministry of Culture and Heritage – Film Department in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute in Hong Kong, the Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong, the Grand Cinema and the Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo, the festival will run from 13 to 23 September 2018 at The Grand Cinema. Hong Kong film enthusiasts will be able to enjoy an impressive showcase of award-winning Italian films and restored classics, meet the award winner for Best Actor in the Cannes Film Festival - Marcello Fonte of Dogman, as well as the talented director of Naples in Veils - Ferzan Ozpetek.
This year’s festival will open with the compelling crime thriller Dogman, winner of eight Italian Silver Ribbon Awards including Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor for the superb Marcello Fonte, who also won the Best Actor award in Cannes. Through a revenge saga of a frightening good man tempted by evil, Matteo Garrone delivers a parable about fascism. From hell to heaven is Luchino Visconti’s newly restored masterpiece Death in Venice - its excellent characterization and visualization is a triumph of filmmaking. It won the Cannes Film Festival, 25th Anniversary Prize and five Italian Silver Ribbon Awards, including Best Director and Best Supporting Actress. The 4k restoration has been realized by Istituto Luce Cinecittà and Cineteca di Bologna.
A bewildering versatility in film selection promises to lure audiences with different tastes – exhilarating romance comes in the mafia musical of Love and Bullets by Manetti Bros., and the imaginative fascination of Naples in Veils; family-oriented audiences will find aching resonance in There’s No Place Like Home by Gabriele Muccino and brotherly affection in Euforia by Valeria Golino, #me-too supporters can celebrate success in the rock music of Nico, 1988 by Susanna Nicchiarelli, and the unyielding gallantry in Nome di donna by Marco Tullio Giordana.
“We are honored to once again collaborate with Istituto Luce Cinecittà and the Italian Cultural Institute for the Cine Italiano! festival and continue the HKIFFS’ tradition of introducing a very strong and diverse selection that shed a light on modern and classic Italian cinema to local movie lovers,” said Roger Garcia, Executive Director of the HKIFFS.
“Since 2012, we have accepted this challenge, trusting the experience of the Hong Kong International Film Festival, and could not be more thankful to the generous support of the Italian Consulate General and Cultural Institute. We are excited to bring some of the best Italian films, both classic and contemporary ones to Hong Kong again,” said Mr. Roberto Cicutto, President and CEO of Istituto Luce Cinecittà.
“The success of Cine Italiano! for the past six years has been a great encouragement to continue this tradition. This is my first year joining the event and I look forward to introducing and showcasing our great cinema culture in Hong Kong!” said Hon. Clemente Contestabile, Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong.