A Date with Italian Cinema @ the Shang

The Philippine-Italian Association launched Un appuntamento con il Cinema Italiano (A Date with Italian Cinema) @ the Shang which is part of their celebrations of their 50^th Anniversary this year. Once a month, an Italian film (with English subtitles) will be shown for free at the Shangri-La Plaza for film enthusiasts and the general public to enjoy.

RAd with Cristina Moricca (right most) of the Philippine Italian Association,
film producer Alemberg Ang (2nd from right) and other guests.

This film event formally opened with the screening of the film Meditarraneo. Before the film was shown, cocktails were served at the Shaw Hall which was graced by officers and members of the Philippine-Italian Association, Film Development Council of the Philippines and other invited guests. Aside from Mediterraneo, other films slated to be shown are La Stanza del Figlio (The Son’s Room), L’Ultimo Baccio (The Last Kiss), Romanzo Criminale (The Crime Novel), Travolti da un Insulito Destino (Swept Away), Vincere (Victory) and Le Fate Ignoranti (Ignorant Fairies).

Mediterraneo

The film shown during the launch was Mediterraneo, the winner of the Academy Award Best Foreign Language Film in 1992. This movie, directed by Gabriele Salvatores, tells the story of a bunch of misfit and seemingly incompetent Italian soldiers who got stranded at the Greek island during the early days of World War II. In the midst of the war that was raging at the world around them, the soldiers eventually adapt to the carefree, rustic and peaceful life along with the residents of the island.

Mediterraneo is a breath of fresh air compared to the special effects laden blockbusters/franchises that have been dominating the cineplexes in recent years. The simple plot, the quirkiness of the characters and the idyllic nature of the island combine for a very charming and human film. The story took place during World War II but the soldiers weren’t depicted as combatants but rather as human beings. War always focus on destroying the enemy and having the other side lose, but this film focused more on making connections and relationships in which both sides win.

La Stanza del Figlio (The Son’s Room) will be the next film to be screened. This movie, directed by Nanni Moretti will be shown on May 24, 2012. Limited seats only. Seats are on a first-come, first-served basis. For inquiries call Ms. Marissa Ronquillo of the Philippine Italian Association at 815-1310 or 892-7253.