| 2026 ITALIAN FILM SERIES All films are the original Italian version with English subtitles Films begin at 6:45 p.m. at the Norris Center 755 8th Ave. South, Naples, FL (the corner of 8th Avenue South and 8th Street South) A $5 donation is appreciated |
January 12, 2026 Noi e la Giulia (The Legendary Giulia and Other Miracles) 2015 Comedy 155 minutes Three dissatisfied middle-aged men join forces with a militant communist to refurbish an abandoned farm and turn it into a B&B, with unexpected help from a young pregnant woman and a handyman from Ghana. Things get complicated and very funny when members of the local mafia show up demanding protection money. It was nominated for 7 Donatello awards winning Best Supporting Actor and Best Director. This highly enjoyable comedy is a fantastic way to start the 2026 film series. |
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| January 26, 2026 Sciuscià (Shoeshine) 1946 Drama 91 minutes An outstanding example of classic Italian Neorealism and an Academy Award winner, Shoeshine is directed by Vittorio De Sica. This riveting drama depicts the impoverished life of children on the streets in post WWII Rome through the lives of two young friends. Trying to earn enough money to buy a horse, they are duped and end up in juvenile prison. This intense drama will have you on the edge of your seats and is not to be missed. Winner of Academy Award for Best International Film, 1948 |
February 9, 2026 Commissario Montalbano (Detective Montalbano: A Sense of Touch) 2002 Action / Crime fiction 100 minutes For those that have asked when he would return, here is Episode 7 of the 36-part Montalbano series that ran from 1999-2020. Commissario Salvo Montalbano and the rest of the team investigate the seemingly unrelated murders of a local fisherman and a blind man. But, as always, Salvo has his doubts and sets out to find the connection. Another fascinating murder mystery filmed in spectacular Sicilian locations. Here’s your chance to join in the chase. |
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| February 23, 2026 pane e tulipani (bread & tulips) 2000 Romantic Comedy 116 minutes Winner of 8 Donatello Awards including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Director, this is a warm-hearted comedy about love, determination, and friendship. When Rosalba, a busy, unappreciated housewife, is left behind at a rest stop while on a group tour with her family, she makes her way to Venice and begins a new life. Does it last? You will have to watch to find out. |
March 9, 2026 Nuovomondo (Golden Door) 2006 Historical romantic drama 118 minutes Unique among immigrant films, Golden Door accurately depicts the rarely covered challenges, sacrifices, and hardships endured by Italians coming to America at the start of the 20th Century. They are seen through the eyes of a naïve Sicilian peasant who, along with his brother, son and mother, sets out to reach the land of milk and honey and a better life. This is an intimate and intense film, introduced by Martin Scorsese and the winner of six awards at the Venice Film Festival including Best Picture. Even if you know much about the immigrant experience, you must see this film. |
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| March 23, 2026 Divorzio all'Italiana (Divorce Italian Style) 1962 Dark comedy / Satire 104 minutes This is a classic of Italian Film making, satirizing Sicilian macho Catholic life starring Marcello Mastroianni at his absolute best. With divorce illegal, Fefe, a married, bored aristocrat, is unable to wed his 16-year-old niece. Growing increasingly desperate, he devises an elaborate and comic scheme to eliminate his wife. To say his plan goes array, would be an understatement of epic proportions. The winner of an Academy Award, 2 Golden Globes, numerous other awards and an honored place on the Italian Heritage list of 100 Italian Films that must be saved, there is no better way to end our film series. |
