The Italian Film Festival returns to Manila from June 26 to July 1, 2026, presenting six acclaimed contemporary Italian films, including the latest works by internationally renowned directors Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty, Youth) and Paolo Genovese (Perfect Strangers).
Organized by the Embassy of Italy in Manila in collaboration with Elephant Pictures, Cineforum Robert Bresson, the Philippine-Italian Association (PIA), and Shangri-La Plaza's Red Carpet Cinemas, the festival continues its mission of promoting Italian culture and strengthening ties between Italy and the Philippines through the universal language of cinema.
Admission to all screenings is free of charge, with daily screenings scheduled at 6:00 PM at the Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.
This year's edition showcases a diverse selection of films representing some of the most significant voices in contemporary Italian cinema:
• La Grazia (The Pardon) by Academy Award-winning director Paolo Sorrentino (2025), a compelling political drama centered on the President of the Italian Republic as he faces two delicate requests for presidential pardon at the end of his mandate.
• FolleMente (Madly) by internationally acclaimed director Paolo Genovese (2025), a witty and insightful romantic comedy that takes audiences inside the minds of its protagonists.
• Elisa by Leonardo Di Costanzo (2025), a powerful drama exploring memory, guilt, and redemption.
• Gioia Mia (Sweetheart) by Margherita Spampinato (2025), a touching story about family, faith, and generational change.
• La Vita da Grandi (Siblings) by Greta Scarano (2025), an uplifting and emotional journey centered on family bonds and independence.
• Le Città di Pianura (The Last One for the Road) by Francesco Sossai (2025), a bittersweet road movie about friendship, self-discovery, and unexpected encounters.
For
many years, the Italian Film Festival has served as an important
platform for cultural exchange, introducing Filipino audiences to the
richness and diversity of contemporary Italian filmmaking while
creating opportunities for dialogue between artists, educators,
students, and cultural institutions.
The festival is part of the
broader efforts to promote Italian cultural heritage and strengthen
people-to-people connections between Italy and the Philippines.
Festival
Director Antonio Termenini continues to oversee the artistic direction
of the festival and the selection of films presented to Philippine
audiences. A film producer and cultural organizer, Termenini is the
founder of Cineforum Robert Bresson, a Rome-based cultural association
dedicated to promoting cinema and cultural exchange. He is also the
creator of the internationally recognized Asian Film Festival in Italy
and Managing Director of Elephant Pictures, a film production and
distribution company. Through these initiatives, he has played an
important role in promoting both Italian and Asian cinema and fostering
cultural dialogue between Europe and Asia.
Additional information
regarding admission procedures and festival activities will be
announced through the official channels of the organizers.
Experience the best of contemporary Italian cinema. Viva il Cinema Italiano!
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