Italian film festival starts this week at Palace Cinemas: see the Director's top picks

Screening at several cinemas across Perth, the ST ALi Italian Film Festival is finally here and kicking off from October 1 – 14. Screen lovers and fans of foreign-language films will be pleased to know that the festival will feature an incredible array of Italian cinema from crime drama to romance. Now in its 20th year, the full program of Italian films can be enjoyed at Palace Cinemas Raine Square, Luna Palace Leederville, Luna on SX in Fremantle and the Windsor Cinema in Nedlands. [gallery link="none" columns="1" size="large" ids="https://media.localista.com.au/2020/09/Elysia-Zeccola-at-Palace-Raine-Square-Perth-1.jpg|Film Director Elysia Zeccola "] With films for the whole family the festival is a great way to discover your new favourite Italian directors and actors, or reminisce in timeless cinematography and classic Italian film screenings such as Monica Belucci’s legendary Malèna. Festival Director Elysia Zeccola has shared her top three picks, which are not to be missed and showcase some of Italy and Europe’s most acclaimed directors and actors.

Pinocchio

Opening the entire festival and directed by Matteo Garrone, Pinocchio is a gothic live action reimagining of the classic tale starring Roberto Benigni as Gepetto. "I loved Pinoccio, Matteo Garrone is such an exciting director, full of surprises, and this utterly beguiling interpretation of an important Italian classic has universal appeal, " Elysia said.

"What struck me most is that the moral lessons and themes of the film are still as relevant today as they were when the original story was first written."

The Traitor

The centrepiece selection for the programme, Marco Bellocchio’s drama The Traitor, stars Pierfrancesco Favino as a Sicilian Mafia boss-turned police informer.

"Marco Bellocchio’s highly anticipated crime drama The Traitor is very compelling viewing as Pierfrancesco Favino delivers a gripping performance playing Sicilian mafioso turned police informant Tommaso Buscetta."

Goddess of Fortune

One of the main special presentations this year is Goddess of Fortune by Ferzan Ozpetek. Featuring an all-star cast including Stefano Accorsi, Edoardo Leo and Jasmine Trinca. Elysia commented:

"Ferzan Ozpetek returns to Rome for his latest film The Goddess of fortune featuring a stellar cast including festival favourites Stefano Accorsi, Edoardo Leo and Jasmine Trinca."

"It is a relationship drama that is genuinely moving and highly entertaining."