The Italian Cultural Institute, Singapore Film Society, The Picturehouse and The Arts House celebrate the celluloid of Italy once again in the annual flick-fest. The films presented have won awards and been met by worldwide screening success; most exude the Italians’ sharp wit and hope for the country’s future. The festival will open with The Missing Star (4, then 8 & 12 June): the first ever Italian-Singaporean co-production. In the film, Vincenzo, a maintenance manager of a defunct Italian steel mill, sets out for China to warn the new owners of its equipment of a potentially dangerous flaw in the furnace. Another film not to be missed is Along the Ridge (5 & 6 June), about an 11-year-old boy whose mother abandons him and his elder sister Viola. Despite the tragedy, both children, along with their father Renato, stick it out as a family. Other highlights include Sacred Heart (7 & 14 June), One of Two (5 & 13 June) and The Classic Comedy Series (7, 8 & 15 June). The latter is inspired by the satirical work of the late Giovanni Guareschi, creator of the fictional priest Don Camillo. The series includes the titles Don Camillo, Don Camillo and Congressman Peppone, The Return of Don Camillo, Monsignor…But Not Quite and Comrade Don Camillo. Each film looks at Italy, shortly after World War II, with characters Don Camillo and Peppone symbolising two opposing cultures: traditional Catholic versus revolutionary Italy.

The films will be screened at The Cathay, The Picturehouse and The Arts House. Go to www.iicsingapore.esteri.it for full festival details.