A N.I.C.E. treat for film fans

Ciao cinema lovers! A festival featuring films by some of Italy’s best contemporary directors is coming to Cork early next month.

Organized by the Embassy of Italy in Ireland and the Italian Institute of Culture, the 4th edition of the N.I.C.E. Italian Film Festival Ireland will run in Cork from 4-6 April.

Taking place at The Arc Cinema on North Main Street, Cork city, the festival will feature a captivating selection of films by the likes of Paolo Sorrentino, Ferzan Özpetek, and the young and talented Pilar Fogliati.

This year’s selection features ten films and 22 screenings and is particularly dedicated to the complexities of female characters, exploring the balance between self-representation and external portrayal.

‘Romantiche’ (Romantic girls), Pilar Fogliati's directorial debut, delves into the lives of four women navigating personal challenges and aspirations, highlighting their unique journeys toward self-discovery and belonging.

‘Diamanti’ (Diamonds), directed by Ferzan Özpetek, transports viewers to a bustling tailoring shop in 1970s Rome and its 18 female employees, each bringing their own stories, dreams, and challenges.

Margherita Vicario's directorial debut, ‘Gloria!’, is set in the late 18th century female institution of Sant'Ignazio near Venice. It follows Teresa, a visionary musical talent, as she challenges the era's conventions by creating music that is both rebellious and modern.

A highlight of the festival will be the first Irish showing of Paolo Sorrentino’s latest film, ‘Parthenope’, a tribute to the director’s love for the city of Naples, embodied in the life of a young girl, Parthenope.

Also set in Naples, ‘Il treno dei bambini’ (The Children’s Train) by Cristina Comencini tells the story of poverty and pride in a divided Italy at the end of World War II. Another historical drama featuring in the festival, ‘L’abbaglio’ (The Illusion) is set in 19th century Sicily and follows a group of unlikely fighters who, under Garibaldi's command, are tasked with deceiving the enemies of the Bourbon army. The film skilfully blends historical elements with an intense narrative, offering a fascinating glimpse into crucial events that shaped Italy's unification.

A very different theme is explored in the documentary, ‘Real’, directed by Adele Tulli, which reflects on what it means to be human in the digital age. Through a series of thought-provoking interviews and visual storytelling, the film examines how technology, social media, and virtual realities are reshaping the way we perceive ourselves and others.

‘Familia’, by Francesco Costabile, is a story about domestic violence and the attempt to rise above it. Winner of several international awards, the film blends genres, ranging from thriller to social drama.

Finally, ‘Una Storia Nera’ (A Dark Story), directed by Leonardo D'Agostini, is a thriller where, after a bitter divorce, a man disappears without a trace, leaving his ex-wife and children to unravel the mystery.

All films will be screened in Italian with English subtitles.