Celebrating 25 Years of Italian Film Focus: U.S. Palmese screening in Mitchells Plain

The Italian Film Focus (IFF) is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year, marking 25 years of cultural exchange between Italy and South Africa. To commemorate this occasion, the IFF is taking one of its standout films, the lively comedy U.S. Palmese, to the vibrant community of Mitchells Plain, with the aim of connecting Italian cinema to new audiences.

Set to take place at RLabs, a dynamic community hub that empowers local youth through innovation and creativity, this special screening is part of a broader initiative to engage the community in the arts. RLabs is known for its far-reaching programs that include digital skills training and community projects focused on sustainability and social innovation. By partnering with RLabs, the IFF not only showcases Italian cinema but also invites local talent to join in a rich tapestry of cultural exchange.

Attendees will be welcomed by distinguished guests, including the Consul of Italy in Cape Town and the President of the Italian filmmakers’ association, Controluce. A delegation of prominent Italian filmmakers will also be present, including Filippo Scotti, known for his role in Paolo Sorrentino's acclaimed film The Hand of God and the recent hit The Last One for the Road. Screenwriter and producer Corrado Azzolini, and screenwriter Mimmo Rafele, also from the Italian film industry, will engage the audience in a Q&A session after the screening.

The evening promises more than just film; it will celebrate local creativity with food trucks, live music, and an art exhibition featuring talents such as Dion Cupido and Shaunez Benting, culminating in a cultural festival that embodies the theme of inclusion through the arts.

Supported by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport of the Western Cape, and financed by Italy's Ministry of Culture and its cultural institutes, the event not only acknowledges the importance of fostering local talent but also underscores the significance of community engagement through the arts. Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, will be in attendance, demonstrating governmental support for initiatives that drive cultural inclusion.

This special screening is part of IFF’s ongoing cultural exchange program that includes masterclasses at renowned institutions such as the University of Cape Town (UCT) and AFDA – The School for the Creative Economy. These initiatives continue to nurture the link between South African and Italian filmmakers, paving the way for collaborative projects that enrich both artistic communities.

Since its inception in 2001, when Controluce first introduced the IFF at the Sithengi Film Festival, the festival has evolved into an essential platform for audiovisual storytelling, creating educational pathways and fostering professional collaborations that continue to flourish. Through various exchange programs, IFF has facilitated the historic Italy–South Africa co-production agreement, which has allowed for numerous film projects to emerge from this collaborative effort.

This year's festival continues to break boundaries, taking engaging content to venues beyond the traditional festival circuit, including RLabs and the Franschhoek Theatre. The film U.S. PALMESE, which insightfully explores cultural diversity through the lens of football, exemplifies the shared experiences that unite communities through cinema.

For those interested in participating, the event is free and open to the public, with tickets available through Eventbrite. This is a unique opportunity to witness the fusion of Italian cinematic art with South African culture, and to engage in meaningful dialogue with filmmakers from both countries.

For more contact: Bettina Elten at +27822600153