Italian Film Fest returns with contemporary gems

The Italian Film Festival returns on 6 and 7 June at SM Aura’s Cinema 2, featuring a curated lineup of acclaimed contemporary Italian films that reflect the country’s cinematic charm, wit, and emotional depth.

Presented by the Embassy of Italy in Manila and the Philippine-Italian Association, this year’s festival highlights three standout titles:

• Enrico Piaggio: Vespa (2019) by Umberto Marino, a biographical drama on the visionary behind the iconic scooter;

• Quasi Orfano (2022) by Umberto Carteni, a comedy tackling family, ambition, and identity;

• Momenti di Trascurabile Felicità (2019) by Daniele Luchetti, a humorous yet philosophical look at life’s overlooked joys.

The opening film, Enrico Piaggio: Vespa, will be shown by invitation only, while screenings of Quasi Orfano and Momenti di Trascurabile Felicità are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Cinema has the power to provoke thought, to make us laugh, and to inspire reflection in equal measure. With this festival, we want to open a window into Italian culture and invite people in—not only to watch, but to connect,” said Italian Ambassador Davide Giglio.

“This year’s edition places a special emphasis on comedies in contemporary Italian cinema, celebrating the genre as one of the most honest and revealing forms of storytelling—tackling serious subjects with wit, empathy, and sharp social insight.”

Complementing the screenings is an Italian cinema-themed exhibit at SM Aura’s main atrium from June 6 to 15, featuring Vespa displays, iconic imagery, and student-designed posters inspired by Italian films.

The festival is a joint initiative of the Embassy of Italy in Manila, the Philippine-Italian Association, Società Dante Alighieri, SM Supermalls, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Vespa, and MINT College.