I dream of my own film festival, and maybe someday you’ll all be invited to a I Love Italian Movies Film Festival.
Sometimes the movies that make it to the US are not the best that Italy has to offer and it frustrates me. For example, my favorite actor Luigi Lo Cascio has made dozens of movies that Americans would love, and yet the only one I don’t like, Mare Nero, is distributed here and others far better are impossible to find.
I dream of my own film festival, and maybe someday you’ll all be invited to a I Love Italian Movies Film Festival, but in the meantime, here’s the collection of movies I’d choose.
La Prima Neve
Andrea Segre’s story of loss and friendship premiered at the Venice Film Festival last year and I was sure I’d see it in the US, but I’m still waiting. It was my favorite movie of the year.
Le Meraviglie
Alice Rohrwacher won the Grand Prix at Cannes and this one will most likely show up sooner or later. It stars her sister Alice Rohrwacher.
Sole a Catinelle
Americans should know Checco Zalone. First of all, he’s hilarious, and second of all, his movies have made more money in Italy than any other movie. His critics are taking his comedy too literally and should use a more ironic eye.
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Anni Felici
Daniel Luchetti’s autobiographical film was screened at this year’s Open Roads: New Italian Cinema in New York, and directed Micaela Ramazzotti’s best performance ever.
Salvo
Directors Fabio Grassadonia and Antonio Piazza mob story is amazing, and a US distributor agrees because this one will soon be available ( in theaters August 22 and DVD later in the year). And it stars Luigi Lo Cascio.
Tulpa
My film festival will have sex, and Claudia Gerini, and neo-giallo. Every good film festival should.
Smetto Quando Voglio
Young and innovative director Sydney Sibilia’s comedy screened at Open Roads and it was a definite crowd pleaser. It stars the very handsome Edoardo Leo.
Io E Te
Cinema Made In Italy has been showing this one from Bernardo Bertolucci across the country.
Amiche Da Morire
The adorable actresses from this comedy (Claudia Gerini, Cristiana Capotondi, Sabrina Impacciatore) from director Giorgia Farina would be a big hit in the US.
I Love Italian Everything 