Booklet 2025 / ICFF - Inclucity Festival

Get ready to feel everything. Proud Partner of the Italian International Film Festival.

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

FROM SCRIPT TO SKYLINE

Where creativity becomes community.

Great films begin with vision. So do great communities. At Cortel Group, we bring ideas to life—not just on paper, but in places where people live, grow, and thrive. As proud sponsors of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival, we celebrate the power of storytelling—both on screen and in the communities we build.

CRISTIANO DE FLORENTIIS

Artistic Director – ICFF Co-Founder

MARA CATALDI Director of Operations

MAURIZIO MAGNIFICO

Managing Director – ICFF Co-Founder

Welcome to the 14th edition of the ICFF and Lavazza IncluCity Festival, a celebration of cinematic excellence, music, and multiculturalism in the heart of Toronto’s Distillery District. We are thrilled to present a rich program that honours the diverse cultures and stories that shape our world, and we are especially excited to showcase the incredible talent of Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon, who will join us as our Guest of Honour.

From June 27 to July 20, this year’s festival will offer an unforgettable array of films, performances, and events. The Opening Night will feature the North American Premiere of Napoli - New York by Gabriele Salvatores, followed by an immersive party at the Illuminarium. Meanwhile, the Lavazza IncluCity Opening Night will present the Canadian Premiere of Juliet & Romeo, a reimagined musical version of the timeless love story.

The festival will shine a spotlight on Toronto as a cinematic city with the “Toronto Screens Toronto” initiative, celebrating films that showcase our city’s vibrant landscape, including Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and What If. The celebration continues with over 30 premieres and a stellar Closing Gala at The Hearn, where we will honour Susan Sarandon’s legendary career.

Music plays a central role in this edition, with daily public concerts as part of the “TO The Beat” series, Opera Night, and a special evening dedicated to contemporary Italian pop. Our diverse programming includes films like The Ballad of Wallis Island, The Marching Band, and The Weekend, as well as a rich selection of international cinema from Diamonds by Ferzan Özpetek to The Dark Side horror series.

This year, ICFF also continues its commitment to architectural and design excellence, with renowned architect Mario Cucinella joining us for keynotes and exhibitions. Plus, the festival’s partnership with Cinecittà brings celebrated filmmakers Antonio and Marco Manetti (the Manetti Bros) to lead a panel on adapting graphic novels for film.

We invite you to explore this year’s program and immerse yourself in the unique blend of films, art, music, and community that makes the ICFF and Lavazza IncluCity Festival a standout cultural experience in Toronto. Thank you for joining us—let’s make this summer unforgettable!

ICFF'S 14TH EDITION

Great Architecture captures the fixed Drama of bricks, steel and glass. It will tell a story and fill our senses with emotion. Like the cinematic arts, it creates a 'spatial poetry'.

T H I S I S W H E R E W E

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I would like to convey my warmest greetings to everyone attending the 2025 ICFF Festival.

This month-long festival showcases some of the best of international cinema. I am certain that the selection of films being presented will entertain and inspire audiences, and that the art exhibits, culinary tastings and live musical performances planned for this event will enhance the experience for everyone in attendance.

I would like to commend ICFF Canada for hosting this celebration of artistic excellence. With so many talented contributors, this year’s edition of the festival is sure to be a resounding success.

I wish you all an enjoyable event.

Welcome to the Lavazza IncluCity Festival!

Over the years, Toronto, Ontario’s capital city, has been making a name for itself as a vibrant, world-class cultural hub thanks to festivals such as this. Every year, we’re host to internationally acclaimed performers and a destination for fans of theatre, film, music and other arts.

I want to applaud the creative and amazing ICFF team for, once again, bringing us this festival of cinema, performing arts, literature and other arts that link us to the artistic traditions of Italy and the world.

Best wishes for another exciting festival.

DOUG FORD Premier of Ontario

MARK CARNEY Prime Minister of Canada

Let’s visualize a better future

At CIBC, we believe the arts are integral to building rich, vibrant communities. That’s why we’re pleased to support Lavazza IncluCity Festival and ICFF, a multidisciplinary and multicultural organization that embraces all facets of the arts, dedicated to fostering unity, understanding, and appreciation among diverse communities through the celebration of arts and culture.

Learn more at cibc.com

STAN CHO

Welcome to the 2025 ICFF-IncluCity Festival!

By bringing together diverse talents and voices from across Ontario and beyond, the ICFF-IncluCity Festival strengthens our communities, enriches our cultural landscape and reinforces our province’s reputation as a premier destination for arts and culture. Since its inaugural event in 2012, the ICFF-IncluCity Festival has grown into a dynamic, multidisciplinary celebration of multiculturalism and the arts, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees every year.

Our government is proud to support this year’s festival through the province’s Experience Ontario program.

Thank you to the ICFF team, contributors, volunteers and all the artists for your passion, hard work and dedication. Your efforts make this festival a remarkable success and serve as inspiration for all.

I wish you all an exciting and memorable experience.

ANDREA CHIARAMELLO

Vice President

Sales

Lavazza North America is proud to once again be a presenting sponsor of this year’s Lavazza IncluCity Festival, marking our eighth year of partnership with this extraordinary celebration of Italian cinema.

As one of the largest Italian film festivals outside of Italy, ICFF brings the beauty, artistry, and storytelling of Italian culture to Canadian audiences, fostering unity and understanding through the universal language of film. Supporting ICFF aligns with our shared commitment to connection, community, and cultural appreciation.

At Lavazza, we believe in creating meaningful connections, whether through a great cup of coffee or shared cultural experiences, and ICFF’s mission to unite diverse communities through the celebration of arts and culture resonates deeply with our values. Film, like coffee, is a powerful catalyst for bringing people together, sparking dialogue, and fostering an appreciation for diverse perspectives.

This year, we’re especially thrilled about the return of the Lavazza IncluCity Festival in Toronto’s historic Distillery District. This vibrant outdoor event not only showcases Italian cinema, but also celebrates Canada’s rich cultural diversity through music, dance, culinary experiences, and visual art. Throughout the event, attendees will be able to experience Lavazza’s signature blends, inspired by the Italian way of life or ‘la Dolce Vita’.

It’s a true embodiment of ICFF’s mission to celebrate creativity, inclusivity, and cultural exchange, and we’re honoured to play a role in supporting this incredible initiative.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming of Ontario

Senior

Retail

Lavazza North America Inc.

Dear Friends,

I wish to send you my warmest greetings on the occasion of the 2025 edition of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival, held, as every year, in Toronto’s dynamic and charming Distillery District. An incredible initiative to celebrate Italian Heritage Month.

I am proud to state that the Festival continues to be recognized as one of Canada’s unmissable cultural appointments for cinema lovers. This year’s program promises to be especially rich and engaging, offering a remarkable selection of contemporary Italian films alongside a variety of cultural and artistic events. It will be a true showcase of Italian talent and creativity and a platform to further deepening collaboration between Italy and Canada.

As Ambassador of Italy to Canada, I am pleased to support the Italian Contemporary Film Festival, with which the Embassy of Italy enjoys a strong and lasting partnership.

I wish you all a wonderful Italian Contemporary Film Festival, filled with inspiration, curiosity, emotions, and a shared celebration of Italian culture.

Buon Cinema a tutti!

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 2025 edition of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF).

Over the years, the Festival has become a cherished tradition in Ontario and has grown into the largest celebration of Italian cinema in North America.

This continued success can be attributed to several key factors:

• the dedication and passion of its Italian founding team;

• the spotlight it places on the work of talented Italian artists, directors, actors, and filmmakers;

• its unique concept, inspired by the Italian way of socializing and connecting;

• and its ever-expanding range of events, including cultural

• initiatives and concerts that make the Festival increasingly inclusive.

Art-whether in the form of film, music, or other cultural expressionsoffers one of the most engaging ways to explore contemporary Italian society and the rich heritage of our country. It is no coincidence that the ICFF opens on June 27, during Italian Heritage Month, serving as the grand finale to a vibrant series of June events dedicated to Italy.

I look forward to welcoming you to the Italian Contemporary Film Festival, held in the iconic and historic Distillery District.

H. E. ALESSANDRO CATTANEO Ambassador of Italy to Canada

LUCA ZELIOLI

Consul General of Italy in Toronto

Visit the Barilla booth to enjoy a high-quality and perfectly al dente Barilla Pasta sample as our SIGN OF LOVE to you!

Console Generale d’Italia a Montreal

Cari amici del Festival del Cinema Italiano Contemporaneo,

è con grande piacere che, in qualità di Console Generale d’Italia a Montreal, rinnovo il mio pieno sostegno al Festival del Cinema Italiano Contemporaneo (ICFF), che torna quest’anno con una nuova edizione ricca di opere che testimoniano l’eccellenza, la creatività e la vitalità del nostro cinema.

Questo appuntamento, ormai radicato nel panorama culturale montrealese, rappresenta un’importante occasione per valorizzare e promuovere la cinematografia italiana, da sempre riconosciuta per la sua eccellenza, innovazione e per la sua capacità di narrare storie universali, umane e di profondo valore sociale.

In particolare ci tengo a sottolineare il lavoro svolto dalla direzione artistica del Festival per favorire gli scambi bidirezionali fra Italia e Québec, anche attraverso residenze di registi ed operatori cinematografici: un ponte culturale che rafforza i nostri reciproci legami.

Il cinema italiano continua a distinguersi per la sua straordinaria vitalità, caratterizzandosi anche quale veicolo di promozione turistica dei nostri territori. Quest’edizione lo dimostra, mettendo in evidenza regioni meravigliose come la Calabria, il Lazio e la Campania e costituendo un ulteriore canale di promozione del turismo delle radici.

L’articolato programma del Festival si conferma anche come un potente veicolo di riflessione su tematiche sociali e culturali di grande attualità e rilevanza, allo stesso tempo puntando sulla “leggerezza” che caratterizza alcune pellicole in palinsesto, come il film U.S. Palmese.

Infine, celebriamo quest’anno due importanti ricorrenze nel mondo del cinema. Da un lato, i 150 anni dalla nascita di Elvira Coda Notari, la prima regista del cinema italiano. Dall’altro, ricordiamo il cinquantesimo anniversario dalla morte di Pier Paolo Pasolini, emblematica figura di scrittore e intellettuale il cui legato in ambito cinematografico mantiene intatta la sua attualità.

Il Festival del Cinema Italiano Contemporaneo continua così ad offrire un’occasione preziosa per esplorare e condividere la varietà e la ricchezza del nostro cinema, creando un forte ponte culturale tra l’Italia e il Canada. Con l’auspicio che questa edizione riscuota un grande successo, invito tutti a prendere parte con entusiasmo alle proiezioni e agli eventi in programma, certi che ogni momento sarà fonte di arricchimento e scoperta culturale.

Con i miei più cordiali saluti,

ENRICO PAVONE

At Empire Homes, we design homes that evolve with you — reflecting where you are and supporting where you’re headed. From your first dream of homeownership, we offer guidance, tailored options, and lasting support to help you grow with confidence.

Italy has a long and influential cinema history. Since the end of World War II, when Italian films gained global attention through their “neorealistic” approach, Italian cinema has continued to evolve— from the iconic directors of the ’60s and ’70s to today’s original and visionary filmmakers. Italian movies seem to always have a way to surprise and captivate audiences all around the world.

It is with great pleasure and excitement that we welcome the 14th edition of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF) in Toronto. The festival highlights the active landscape of Italian cinema, inviting audiences on a journey through stories and different narratives depicting Italy in all its different facets.

For over a decade, ICFF has been a key event for film lovers in Toronto and Ontario, offering a space where both established and emerging Italian filmmakers can share their work. This year’s program showcases a wide range of stories that reflect the complexity and richness of Italian culture, speaking to audiences from all walks of life.

As we come together to enjoy Italian cinema, we celebrate the universal power of film to connect people across cultures. Whether you’re a devoted film enthusiast or just discovering Italian cinema for the first time, we invite you to take part in this celebration of cinematic storytelling.

We congratulate ICFF on another successful season and its continued commitment to bringing Italian cinema to Canada.

WHERE REAL WHERE REAL ITALIANS COME ITALIANS COME TO EAT TO EAT

Buona visione!

VERONICA MANSON Director of the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Toronto

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PAUL GOLINI Chairman KEN CANCELLARA DIANE CAPPELLETTO

FIACCO

FOUNDING MEMBERS

BOARD OF ADVISORS

LENNY LOMBARDI

SAM CICCOLINI

PINA D’AGOSTINO

IVANA DI ROCCO TENIO EVANGELISTA

MADELINE ZITO

FRANK MAGLIOCCO

GINA IULIANO MARRELLO SARA MARGANI

AGOSTINO NIGRO

PIETRO PELLICCIONI FABIO VARLESE

MOIRA ROMANO

DOMENIC PRIMUCCI

RICK CAMPANELLI

MARIA CRIGNANO

JOHN GAGLIANO

CRISTIANA ZONI

IANNELLI

STELLA ACQUISTO

CARMINE NIGRO

GIOVANNI CELSI

LIGHTS, CAMERA, CULTURA!

St. Joseph Communications was founded on the notion that we all have a responsibility to help our communities thrive. SJC is proud to support the 2025 Italian Contemporary Film Festival.

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Co-founder

STAFF

CRISTIANO DE FLORENTIIS Artistic Director

MARA CATALDI Director of Operations

MAURIZIO MAGNIFICO Managing Director Co-founder

NATALIE QUERCIA Events & Logistics Manager

FRANCESCO ESPOSITO Operation Manager, Quebec

DONATELLA ZANON Communication Manager

MELINA ZEPPIERI Vaughan Coordinator

KERA PAL Sponsorship Coordinator

CARLO COEN Director of Programming

LICIA BIGLANDS ICFF Youth Cultural Educator

TONIA SERRAO SOPPELSA Director Cultural Events

ICFF TEAM

GRAPHICS

Thanh Le

Sara Chan

Parnian Hadian Haghighi

SPECIAL EVENTS

Madeline Zipitria

Sara Angarita-Ruiz

Khushman Kaur

Bernis Mengra

Anna Galchenko

Desi Schulz

COMMUNICATIONS

Emily Gagliano

Alessandra Papia

Anne-Elise Allegritti

Malcolm Lea

Sofia Hoyle

Andrea Ramolo

Alisea de Florentiis

TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT

Anurag Daimary

Mckenzie Dorie

Nadine Singh

Olivia Amado

BOX OFFICE

Mary De Camillis

SPONSORSHIP & ACCOUNTING

Angie Zarur Vivero

Ana Cabansay

Dino Marsili

LOGISTICS

Licia Biglands

Alessandra Levi

Luisa Saverino

SPECIAL GUESTS-PR

Marco Massarotto

Vania Giusti

CLOSING GALA - A NIGHT WITH: Susan Sarandon

Step into the spotlight as we celebrate the iconic Susan Sarandon with an exclusive gala at The Hearn.

Experience an intimate and inspiring conversation with the Academy Award®winning actress as she reflects on her legendary career, activism, and artistic journey. The talk is part of a glamorous gala evening, as The Hearn is transformed for one night only into a stunning setting of elegance, cinema, and celebration.

This exclusive event follows in the footsteps of last year’s soldout Closing Gala at The Hearn, which earned ICFF the 2024 Canadian Event Award for Best Corporate Event—a testament to the festival’s excellence in producing world-class cultural experiences.

The extremely versatile SUSAN SARANDON brings her own brand of sex appeal and intelligence to every role – from her fearless portrayal of Annie Savoy in Bull Durham to her Oscar®nominated performances in Thelma & Louise, Lorenzo’s Oil, The Client, and Atlantic City to her Academy Award®-winning and SAG® Awardwinning role as Sister Helen, a nun consoling a death-row inmate in Dead Man Walking.

The hard-working actress has made a career of choosing diverse and challenging projects in film as well as television, having received an Emmy® and Golden Globe® Nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in Limited Series or Movie for her portrayal of Bette Davis in Ryan Murphy’s Feud: Bette & Joan opposite Jessica Lange in 2017.

In 2008, she received an Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries for her role in the HBO film Bernard and Doris, as well as a Golden Globe and SAG nomination. She also received an Emmy and SAG nomination for her work in Barry Levinson’s You Don’t Know Jack with Al Pacino for HBO.

THAT DYNAMIK DUO: THE MANETTI BROS

– article by Tonia Serrao Soppelsa

... A DUO THAT BEGAN THEIR APPRENTICESHIP THROUGH NUMEROUS SUCCESSFUL MUSIC VIDEOS, ...

The Manetti brothers, the directing duo that have been causing quite a stir in cinema in the last few years, are an almost indissoluble point of reference as far as our cinematic culture is concerned. They are two film geniuses that will be touching down on our Canadian shores for the ICFF Film festival 2025.

So why are these two such a film novelty? Bear with me. A film is normally and usually constructed, scripted and directed only by a single individual, with intelligence, aptitude and inventiveness. Imagine for a moment, what it would be like for an entity, to be capable of writing and directing something in two, but as if it were a single body, completely in sync!

This is nothing new; think of the Coen Bros with their Big Lebowski, Fargo, No Country For Old Men; Paolo and Vittorio Taviani, and their majestic Padre Padrone, Kaos, Good morning Babylon.

To that list we can now add the Manetti brothers, a duo that began their apprenticeship through numerous successful music videos, and ended up attracting wider public attention thanks to the much lauded TV series L’ispettore Coliandro, a remarkable tour de force.

In 2013, the brothers turned to genre film making with a fantastic Song ‘e Napule (I Am From Naples), rediscovering the city of Naples through the lens of the films they grew up with, that is, of detective stories and Neapolitan dramas.This smart comedy highlights modern day Naples while providing plenty of laughs, with an entertaining melange of car chases between curves and alleys, gunfights, comic relief and plenty of great neomelodic Neapolitan music.

In 2017, the Brothers went to work on Ammore e Malavita, a story that revolves around the Camorra and features a fabulous and hilarious Claudia Gerini.

Certainly, these last two films are among some of the coolest musical comedies in the history of Italian cinema. Ammore e Malavita went on to win the David di Donatello Award for Best Picture at the 2017 Venice Film Festival.

In the space of just three years (2021-2022 and 2023) the Manetti Bros decided to dust off the creation of the Giussani sisters’ comic books, Diabolik, and bring it to the big screen.

With Diabolik, Diabolik: Ginko Attacks!, and Diabolik: Who Are You?, the directing duo managed to intrigue and excite audiences with an all-Italian production that respects the comic book it originated from. With the Diabolik trilogy, the Manetti Bros. have rendered in images, that immersive sensation that one feels when reading a comic book, bringing back to the surface that masterful mix of intuitive creativity and superb craftsmanship.

...

WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE FOR AN ENTITY,

TO BE CAPABLE OF WRITING AND DIRECTING SOMETHING IN TWO, BUT AS IF IT WERE A SINGLE BODY, COMPLETELY IN SYNC!

Escaping the ashes of postwar Italy to find hope in the streets of New York.

NAPLES TO NEW YORK

ORIGINAL TITLE: Napoli - New York

LANGUAGE: Italian SUBTITLES: English

CAST: Pierfranceso Favino, Dea Lanzaro, Antonio Guerra, Omar Benson Miller, Anna Ammirati, Anna Lucia Pierro

GENRE: Drama LENGTH: 131’ COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 2025

PRODUCTION: Paco Cinematografica, Rai Cinema DISTRIBUTION: Paco Cinematografica

Napoli - New York follows the tale of two Neapolitan kids, Carmine and Celestina, who embark on a ship to New York to escape Italy’s early postwar poverty, unfolds amidst the ruins of a struggling Naples. Relying on each other for support, the children secretly board the ship with hopes of reuniting with Celestina’s sister, who emigrated to America years earlier. Upon reaching the bustling, unfamiliar metropolis, they join countless Italian immigrants in search of a better life. Through a series of challenges and misadventures, Carmine and Celestina must find a way to adapt to their new surroundings, and hopefully eventually find a place they can call home.

GABRIELE SALVATORES, is an award-winning Italian director and screenwriter known for his wide-ranging filmography. Born in Naples, he began his career as a theater director in 1972, founding Teatro dell’Elfo in Milan. His film debut came in 1989 with Marrakech Express, followed by Turné in 1990, both featuring regular collaborators like Diego Abatantuono and Fabrizio Bentivoglio. Turné was screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Salvatores won international acclaim with Mediterraneo (1991), which earned him an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. His diverse body of work includes Puerto Escondido (1992), Sud (1993), Nirvana (1997), and I’m Not Scared (2003). His latest film, Napoli-New York (2025), follows two Neapolitan children escaping postwar poverty for a new life in America.

What if ...being friends has its benefits?

WHAT IF

ORIGINAL TITLE: What If LANGUAGE: English SUBTITLES: /

GENRE: Comedy, Romance LENGTH: 98’ COUNTRY: Canada YEAR: 2013

CAST: Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan, Megan Park, Adam Driver, Mackenzie Davis, Rafe Spall

PRODUCTION: Caramel Films, Fastnet Films DISTRIBUTION: Lionsgate

Wallace, a medical-school dropout nursing the scars of all of his previous failed relationships, has decided to put his romantic pursuits on pause, while those around him, like his roommate Allan, seem to be moving on. Living in vibrant Toronto, Wallace’s world unexpectedly changes when he meets Chantry, a quick-witted animator in a long-term relationship. They form an instant connection and quickly develop a close friendship full of warmth and humour. But as their bond deepens, undeniable chemistry sparks between them, forcing both to confront a complicated question: can the best friend you’ve always counted on also be the love of your life?

MICHAEL DOWSE is a Canadian film director and producer who began his career as a film editor. He made his feature debut with FUBAR (2002), a low-budget mockumentary shot on a digital camera that earned a spot at the Sundance Film Festival. Building on that success, Dowse directed the UK-based It’s All Gone Pete Tong (2004), a cult hit about a deaf DJ in Ibiza. In 2013, Dowse directed What If, a charming romantic comedy starring Daniel Radcliffe, Adam Driver, and Mackenzie Davis, which asks the age-old question: can best friends turn into something more? Most recently, Dowse directed episodes of The Sticky (2024), a comedy-crime series.

The greatest love story of all time, Like You have never seen or heard before.

JULIET & ROMEO

ORIGINAL TITLE: Juliet & Romeo LANGUAGE: English SUBTITLES: /

GENRE: Musical, Romance LENGTH: 121’

COUNTRY: USA YEAR: 2025

CAST: Rebel Wilson, Jason Isaacs, Derek Jacobi, Clara Rugaard, Jamie Ward, Rupert Everett, Dan Fogler, Rupert Graves, Nicholas Podany, Martina Ortiz Luis, Ferdia WalshPeelo, Alex Grech, Max Parker, Dennis Andres, Tayla Parx, Ledisi, Zac Bellward

PRODUCTION: Hero Entertainment Partners

DISTRIBUTION: Briarcliff Entertainment

Set in 1301 at the end of Medieval times, the JULIET & ROMEO Franchise finds our most famous Star-Crossed lovers turning the tides on the history Shakespeare based his own story on, as they reveal the truth to the very future of the Empire. But the biggest twist in this most beloved of tales, is leaving the poetry of Iambic Pentameter in the past, for the original Pop Music that rockets these ever-present themes right to the heart of our characters in the most surprising, and perhaps most powerful way that has ever been seen, or heard, before… The greatest love story of all time, set to the greatest music of our time.

TIMOTHY SCOTT BOGART is a director, writer, and producer. Most recently, he wrote, produced and directed the original Pop Musical Juliet & Romeo, starring Rebel Wilson and Jason Isaacs, Prior to that he wrote, produced and directed the feature musical biopic, Spinning Gold, about Bogart’s father, Neil Bogart, the music icon behind Casablanca Records and its iconic roster of artists Donna Summer, KISS, Parliament, The Village People, and more. He also produced the Lionsgate/Roadside Attractions film, The Last Full Measure. Other film projects include producing the feature film Love and Sex, starring Jon Favreau and Famke Janssen.

of Dolce Vita A TASTE

Where every dish tells a story, and every story tastes like home.

TUCCI IN ITALY

ORIGINAL TITLE: Tucci in Italy LANGUAGE: English SUBTITLES: /

GENRE: TV Show COUNTRY: USA YEAR: 2025

CAST: Stanley Tucci

PRODUCTION: BBC Studios, SALT Productions

DISTRIBUTION: National Geographic

Tucci in Italy is a rich journey across Italy’s diverse regions, exploring the deep connections between food, history, and culture. Hosted by Stanley Tucci, the series takes viewers through Tuscany, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Abruzzo, and Lazio, where Tucci meets locals—from chefs to cowboys—and uncovers hidden culinary gems. Highlights include a lavish Sienese feast in Tuscany, futuristic farm-to-table cuisine in Lombardy, alpine hay soup and fly-fishing in Trentino-Alto Adige, wild seafood traditions in Abruzzo, and rustic dishes beyond Rome in Lazio. Combining stunning cinematography with Tucci’s wit, the series reveals Italy like never before—a feast for the senses that celebrates tradition and innovation. Tucci in Italy offers an intimate and immersive journey into the heart of Italy’s iconic pasta—and the vibrant stories that lie beyond the plate. New Series on National Geographic.

Stream now on STACKTV and on Disney+ in Canada, starting Wednesday, July 9.

EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS

He’s getting the band back together.

THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND

ORIGINAL TITLE: The Ballad of Wallis Island LANGUAGE: English SUBTITLES: /

GENRE: Drama LENGTH: 111’ COUNTRY: USA YEAR: 2024

CAST: Tom Basden, Tim Key, Carey Mulligan

PRODUCTION: Focus Features, Baby Cow Productions, BBC Studios

DISTRIBUTION: Audio Cine Films Inc.

Eccentric lottery winner Charles lives alone on the remote and windswept Wallis Island, where he dreams of reuniting his favourite band, McGwyer Mortimer, for a private concert. Determined to make his fantasy a reality, he invites frontman Herb McGwyer, unaware that Nell, Herb’s former bandmate and ex-girlfriend, will be arriving with her new husband. As the group gathers to relive their glory days, old tensions, along with long-buried feelings and unresolved regrets, bubble to the surface. With emotions running high and a storm cutting off escape from the island, Charles scrambles to salvage his dream gig before it all falls apart.

JAMES GRIFFITHS is a British director and producer known for his sharp storytelling and genre versatility across film and television. He began his career directing short films and television series like Top Buzzer (2004) and Favouritism (2005), gaining recognition for his comedic timing and character-driven narratives. In 2014, Griffiths made his feature debut with Cuban Fury, a salsa-fueled romantic comedy. Griffiths has since directed and executive produced series including Free Agents (2009), Episodes (2011), and A Million Little Things (2018–2019). In 2025, Griffiths directed The Ballad of Wallis Island, a feature-length adaptation of his 2007 BAFTA-nominated short film, The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island, blending heart, humour, and emotional depth.In 2024, they returned with Los Frikis, a powerful coming-of-age drama inspired by true events in 1990s Cuba.

Even fate needs a little help.

FOUR LETTERS OF LOVE

ORIGINAL TITLE: Four Letters of Love LANGUAGE: English SUBTITLES: /

GENRE: Drama LENGTH: 125’ COUNTRY: Ireland, UK YEAR: 2024

CAST: Fionn O’Shea, Ann Skelly, Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, Gabriel Byrne

PRODUCTION: Genesius Pictures, AX1 Films, WRAP Fund

DISTRIBUTION: Quiver Distribution

Set against the landscape of Ireland, Four Letters of Love follows Nicholas and Isabel, who grew up worlds apart; his shaped by sudden upheaval, hers shaped by the beauty and stillness of an island filled with art and wonder. Though strangers, they are unknowingly bound by invisible threads, each haunted by the feeling that something - or someone - is missing. As they navigate their youth, grief, and the ache of misplaced love, their lives move in synchronicity, circling ever closer with every choice and chance encounter. Four Letters of Love is a sweeping, lyrical story about soulmates, the quiet forces that guide us, and the enduring power of true love. Based on Niall Williams’ best-selling novel.

Director, writer, and producer POLLY STEELE, born in London, was deeply influenced by French cinema during her teens in France. She began her career at the BBC’s Video Diaries, pioneering reality-style storytelling. She later produced Elton John: Tantrums & Tiaras (1997), an intimate portrait of Elton John. An award-winning UK filmmaker, Steele is known for sensitive, compelling stories, with credits across major UK broadcasters. Her silent video portraits captured emotional depth beyond words. Steele wrote and directed Let Me Go (2017), a family drama about a woman grieving her mother and confronting her past and, most recently, Four Letters of Love (2024), a tale of two soulmates who grew up worlds apart yet are drawn together by fate.

In a world bound by tradition, one woman dares to rewrite her story—guided by the courage of a hidden community.

MY PLACE IS HERE

ORIGINAL TITLE: Il Mio Posto È Qui LANGUAGE: Italian SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Drama LENGTH: 110’ COUNTRY: Italy, Germany YEAR: 2024

CAST:  Marco Leonardi, Ludovica Martino, Giorgia Arena

PRODUCTION: Orisa Produzioni, Goldkind Filmproduktion

DISTRIBUTION: Beta Cinema

After World War II, Marta, a single mother living in a rural village in Southern Italy, finds herself in an arranged marriage to a man she doesn’t love. Her life, however, takes an unexpected turn when she befriends the local homosexual, Lorenzo, who works as a wedding planner. Lorenzo introduces Marta to the hidden community of gays and lesbians who persist despite ossified prejudices and norms. Inspired by their resilience, Marta challenges the bigotry of the conservative town, embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Follow Marta as she finds her place in the world as a woman.

CRISTIANO BORTONE, is an award-winning producer, writer, and director. Some of his work includes Rosso Come il Cielo (2006), Caffè (2016) and The Italian Recipe (2022). He directed his latest film, Il Mio Posto è Qui (2024), with his wife, Daniela Porto, the original writer of the book of the same name. He founded the Italian production company Orisa Produzioni and the Chinese company Yiyi Pictures, which is dedicated to local Chinese films and co-productions.

DANIELA PORTO, is a novelist, producer, and director. She is known for writing the book “Il Mio Posto è Qui.” This novel was developed into a film in 2024, which was directed by Porto and her husband, Cristiano Bortone. Some of her other work includes Una Ballena (2024) and The Italian Recipe (2022), both as an executive producer.

When the cold war goes north, you’d better bring your toque.

CANADIAN BACON

ORIGINAL TITLE: Canadian Bacon LANGUAGE: English SUBTITLES: /

GENRE: Action, Comedy LENGTH: 119’ COUNTRY: Canada, USA YEAR: 1995

CAST: John Candy, Alan Alda, Rhea Perlman, Kevin Pollak, Rip Torn, Kevin J. O’Connor, Bill Nunn, G. D. Spradlin, Jim Belushi, Steven Wright

PRODUCTION: Dog Eat Dog Films, Gramercy Pictures, Maverick Picture Company, Polygram Filmed Entertainment, Propaganda Films

DISTRIBUTION: Park Circus Group

In a desperate bid to boost his plummeting approval ratings, the U.S. President is convinced to spark a cold war—hey, what about Canada, eh?! The government rolls out a propaganda campaign, painting the peaceful northern neighbour as a looming threat. Taking the message a bit too seriously, an overenthusiastic Niagara Falls sheriff, Bud Boomer, leads a misguided charge to expose the so-called northern threat. As paranoia spreads, chaos ensues with absurd cross-border stunts, including sabotage missions, anti-Canada rallies, and even an invasion plan. The situation continues to spiral as the sheriff and his ragtag group of patriots plunge deeper into their delusions.

MICHAEL MOORE is an American filmmaker, author, and activist known for his bold documentaries. Born in Flint, Michigan, Moore rose to prominence with Roger & Me (1989), which critiqued General Motors and its impact on his hometown. His following films, including the Academy Award-winning Bowling for Columbine (2002), Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004), and the satirical comedy Canadian Bacon (1995), which humorously critiques U.S. foreign policy, explored themes like gun violence, the Iraq War, and healthcare. Moore’s work challenges corporate power, government policies, and social issues, using humour and controversy to spark debate. His provocative style continues to influence American cinema and activism.

Toronto Screens Toronto: A Cinematic Tribute to Paul Bronfman

This year’s festival proudly presents a special tribute celebrating the legacy of Paul Bronfman a Founding Partner of William F. White and Pinewood Toronto Studios, and a driving force in Canadian film and television. A visionary leader and generous mentor, Bronfman, who passed away earlier this year, played a pivotal role in shaping Toronto into a global production centre. His impact endures through the studios he established, the talent he championed, and the city he helped bring to life on screen.

PRESENTED BY:

15 years of epicness. Totally epic. Totally Canadian.

SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD

ORIGINAL TITLE: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World LANGUAGE: English SUBTITLES: /

GENRE: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance LENGTH: 112’ COUNTRY: Canada YEAR: 2010

CAST: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Aubrey Plaza, Alison Pill, Anna Kendrick, Ellen Wong, Chris Evans, Brie Larson, Jason Schwartzman

PRODUCTION: Universal Pictures, Marc Platt Productions, Big Talk Productions, Closed on Mondays Entertainment, Dentsu DISTRIBUTION: Audio Ciné Films Inc., Universal Studios

Scott Pilgrim, a 22-year-old bass player from Toronto, is living the dream—or at least trying to. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Ramona Flowers, a mysterious girl who’s as cool as she is confusing. But there’s a catch: to win her heart, Scott must face off against her seven evil exes, each one weirder, more powerful, and more ridiculous than the last. With the help of his oddball bandmates, Scott must level up—literally and figuratively—if he’s going to survive this wild, video game-inspired adventure. Set in Toronto, this fastpaced journey through love, self-discovery, and epic showdowns challenges Scott to grow up and realize that fighting for love isn’t always the easiest fight.

EDGAR WRIGHT is an English director, screenwriter, producer, and actor, celebrated for his fast-paced, stylized films. He began his career making independent shorts before debuting with A Fistful of Fingers (1995). Wright rose to prominence with the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy - Shaun of the Dead (2004), Hot Fuzz (2007), and The World’s End (2013) - co-written with longtime collaborator Simon Pegg. In 2010, Wright directed Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, a genre-bending, visionary film about a young man who must defeat his new girlfriend’s seven evil exes. Most recently, Wright directed Last Night in Soho (2021), a psychological horror film exploring fashion, identity, and obsession across two eras of London.

MARIA MONTESSORI

ORIGINAL TITLE: La Nouvelle Femme LANGUAGE: Italian, French

GENRE: Biography, Drama LENGTH: 100’

SUBTITLES: English, French (in Montreal)

COUNTRY: France, Italy YEAR: 2023

CAST:  Jasmine Trinca, Leïla Bekhti, Rafaëlle Sonneville-Caby, Raffaele Esposito

PRODUCTION: Geko Films, Tempesta DISTRIBUTION: TVA Films

In 1900, Lili d’Alengy, a celebrated Parisian courtesan at the peak of her fame, is hiding a secret —her daughter, Tina, was born with a learning disability. Fearing the scandal would ruin her reputation, Lili flees to Rome when her daughter’s condition threatens to become exposed. There, she meets Maria Montessori, an innovative doctor pioneering a revolutionary teaching method for children who were then called ‘deficient.’ Maria’s groundbreaking method offers a glimmer of hope for Tina. But Maria, too, carries a secret of her own: her child was born out of wedlock. Together, the two women will help each other earn their place in a patriarchal world of men, overcome societal challenges, and make history.

LEA TODOROV, in Paris, France, is a versatile director, writer, and actress. She has made a significant impact in the film industry with both short and feature films. Some of Todorov’s notable works include Saving Humanity During Office Hours (2012), a short film she wrote and directed, and her role in Memoir of War (2017). Her most recent film, Maria Montessori (2023), explores the life of the iconic educator Maria Montessori. The film follows the transformative experiences of a Parisian courtesan who seeks Montessori’s help for her daughter with a learning disability. Todorov’s films are known for their historical depth and emotional storytelling.

Two women defying all odds to change the world for their children.

The only thing more complicated than university is family.

WHEN MOM IS AWAY…WITH THE IN-LAWS

ORIGINAL TITLE: 10 Giorni con i suoi LANGUAGE: Italian SUBTITLES: English

CAST: Fabio De Luigi, Valentina Lodovini, Giulia Bevilacqua, Dino Abbrescia, Angelica Elli, Gabriele Pizzurro, Bianca Usai, Leone Cardaci, Matteo Castellucci

GENRE: Comedy LENGTH: 90’ COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 2025

PRODUCTION: Colorado Movie DISTRIBUTION: True Colours

When their eldest daughter, Camilla, decides to move to Puglia with her boyfriend Antonio to attend university, Carlo and Giulia Rovelli, along with their younger children, Bianca and Tito, follow her to Antonio’s family estate, the Paradisos. Carlo, however, isn’t ready to let go of his firstborn—especially not to a boy he doesn’t trust. As the Rovellis settle into the Paradisos, Carlo is determined to make his presence anything but welcome. Amid thefts, lies, romantic elopements, and a web of misunderstandings, both families are forced to navigate their differences, learning that, for the sake of their children, they must find a way to coexist.

ALESSANDRO GENOVESI, is an acclaimed Italian film director, screenwriter, and actor celebrated for his unique blend of comedy and emotional depth. Born in 1979, Genovesi began his career in the early 2000s, earning widespread recognition with his debut film ‘La peggior settimana della mia vita,’ a comedic exploration of family chaos and mishaps. Some of his most well-known works include the 2021 comedy mystery 7 Donne e un Mistero, a remake of the French film 8 Women, and The Tearsmith (2024). Genovesi’s latest project, 10 Giorni con i Suoi (2025), continues his tradition of mixing humour with poignant reflections on relationships and personal growth.

Nicola & Maria Rosa Caldarone

Giuseppe & Teresa Del Duca

Giacomo & Agnese De Giorgio

Luigi & Nina Di Cristofaro-Neri

With the fall of royalty comes the birth of a new world.

THE FLOOD

ORIGINAL TITLE: Le Déluge LANGUAGE: French SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Drama, History LENGTH: 101’ COUNTRY: Italy, France YEAR: 2024

CAST: Guillaume Canet, Mélanie Laurent, Aurore Broutin, Hugo Dillon, Roxane Duran, Anouk Darwin Homewood

PRODUCTION: Ascent Film, Rai Cinema, Adler Entertainment, Quad DISTRIBUTION: Goodfellas

In 1792, Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and their children were arrested and imprisoned in the Tour de Temple, a grim fortress in Paris, awaiting trial. Far from the grandeur of Versailles, they are isolated and vulnerable for the first time in their lives. Surrounded by violence, constant harassment, and growing public disdain, the royal family faces the unravelling of both their identities and the old regime. Le Déluge unveils the little-known months leading to their tragic fate, revealing the collapse of absolute monarchy. The film exposes two of history’s most iconic figures—not only to the public but to themselves and humanity. It is a powerful exploration of power, downfall, and the birth of the modern world, where the royal family’s personal and political masks are stripped away, leaving them utterly exposed.

GIANLUCA JODICE is an Italian director who is celebrated for his captivating storytelling and insightful exploration of historical and contemporary themes. Born in Naples, Jodice earned a degree in philosophy from the University of Naples Federico II before transitioning into filmmaking, where he has made a notable impact in both documentary and narrative cinema. His 2014 documentary Searching for the Great Beauty examined Paolo Sorrentino’s acclaimed film The Great Beauty. Jodice’s most recent film, the historical drama Le Déluge (2024), has garnered critical acclaim for its poignant portrayal of the final months of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette’s imprisonment during the French Revolution.

SIBLINGS

ORIGINAL TITLE: La vita da grandi

LANGUAGE: Italian SUBTITLES: English

CAST: Matilda De Angelis, Yuri Tuci, Maria Amelia Monti, Paolo Hendel

GENRE: Comedy, Drama LENGTH: 96’ COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 2025

PRODUCTION: Groenlandia, Halong, Rai Cinema

DISTRIBUTION: Rai Cinema

Irene has built a life for herself in the bustling city of Rome, far from the coastal town of Rimini where she grew up. But when her mother calls with a favour she can’t refuse, Irene finds herself back in the childhood home she thought she’d left behind for good, tasked with caring for her autistic older brother, Omar. What was meant to be a brief visit quickly unravels into something far more complicated. Omar has his own bold vision for his future. He wants to get married, have exactly three children—because three is the perfect number—and become a famous rap artist. But to chase those dreams, Omar knows one thing: he needs to be independent. Determined to help, Irene embarks on an impromptu crash course in ‘adulting’—a journey neither of them expected. In their childhood home filled with memories, the siblings confront fears, dreams, and the complexities of their bond.

GRETA SCARANO is an actress and writer born in Rome, Italy. Beginning her career as an actress in television series, Scarano was in R.I.S. – Delitti Imperfetti (2008–2012), Un Posto al Sole (2008– 2009), and Squadra Antimafia –Palermo Oggi (2012-2015). Scarano’s transition to the big screen was met with critical acclaim. In 2015, she received the Guglielmo Biraghi Award at the 70th Silver Ribbon Awards for her performance in Senza Nessuna Pietà (2014), a crime drama about a violent debt collector. In 2025, Scarano made her feature film directorial debut with La Vita da Grandi, a moving story about a woman who returns to her hometown to care for her autistic brother.

Growing up is never easy. But sometimes, it takes two.

Experiences HERE.

matter

Experience the charm of Omni King Edward Hotel, a beautifully restored historic landmark in the heart of Toronto. Indulge in a traditional Afternoon Tea, unwind at the serene Mokara Spa, and savor the culinary delights at the Consort Bar, known for its exquisite specialties. With luxurious accommodations and impeccable service, this iconic property offers a perfect blend of classic elegance and modern comfort.

Rediscover love, laughter, and the connections that change us.

THE FRIKIS

ORIGINAL TITLE: Los Frikis LANGUAGE: Spanish SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Drama LENGTH: 111’ COUNTRY: USA YEAR: 2024

CAST: Adria Arjona, Héctor Medina, Eros de la Puente, Luis Alberto García, Jorge Perugorría

PRODUCTION: Lord Miller, New Slate Films, New Slate Ventures

DISTRIBUTION: Moonrise Pictures

Inspired by true events, Los Frikis is a coming-of-age story set in early 1990s Cuba. Gustavo idolizes his older brother Paco and Paco’s punk band, the “Frikis.” Amid the crushing economic crisis, the Frikis hear of a rare opportunity: a governmentrun treatment home offering relief from their hardships. In a desperate search for freedom and a place to express themselves, they deliberately injected themselves with HIV to live at the treatment center. Within its walls, the band builds their own utopia, a sanctuary where they can live openly and play music freely, defying the limitations imposed by society and circumstance.

MICHAEL SCHWARTZ & TYLER NILSON are an American filmmaking duo known for their emotionally resonant, character-driven storytelling. Schwarts is a producer, director, and writer, and Nilson is a director, actor, writer, and producer. They began their career together directing the short film The Moped Diaries (2014), capturing their personal and emotionally grounded style They rose to prominence with their debut feature, The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019), a heartwarming adventure starring Shia LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson, and Zack Gottsagen, which became the highest-grossing indie film of the year. In 2024, they returned with Los Frikis, a powerful coming-of-age drama inspired by true events in 1990s Cuba.

Some getaways should come with a warning.

OH, HI!

ORIGINAL TITLE: Oh, Hi! LANGUAGE: English SUBTITLES: /

GENRE: Comedy, Romance LENGTH: 94’ COUNTRY: USA YEAR: 2025

CAST: Molly Gordon, Logan Lerman, Geraldine Viswanathan, John Reynolds, David Cross

PRODUCTION: Cliffbrook Films, QWGmire, Watermark Media

DISTRIBUTION: Mongrel Media

Iris thinks she’s found the perfect guy in Isaac - he’s cute, charming, funny, and the kind of person who plans a surprise weekend getaway. It all sounds perfect: a cozy farmhouse, lake swims, fresh strawberries, and dancing under the stars. But as the trip unfolds, subtle tensions surface and their romantic escape starts to feel a little... off. What begins as a dreamy weekend quickly unravels into a mess of mixed signals, awkward silences, and increasingly questionable decisions. Oh, Hi! is a sharp, offbeat comedy about modern love, denial, and trying too hard to make things work - because nothing kills the vibe faster than real feelings.

SOPHIE BROOKS is a London-born, Brooklyn-based writer and director celebrated for her sharp, heartfelt storytelling. She made her feature debut with The Boy Downstairs (2017), which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was later acquired by FilmRise and HBO. Before that, her short films earned early recognition: Malcolm (2012) won second place at NYU’s New Visions and Voices Festival, and Maple Leaves (2013) premiered at the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival in 2014. Brooks’ sophomore feature, Oh, Hi!, focuses on the unfortunate complications and confusion of modern dating. Brooks’ work highlights intimate, relatable stories infused with a quirky edge.

Immerse yourself in French, right in the heart of Toronto.

Separated by death. Reunited by destiny.

WISTERIA

ORIGINAL TITLE: Wisteria LANGUAGE: English SUBTITLES: /

GENRE: Romance Fantasy LENGTH: 93’ COUNTRY: Canada YEAR: 2024

CAST: Joseph Marrese, Caitlyn McNerney and Michael Miranda

PRODUCTION: Basentana Productions and Naomi Media DISTRIBUTION: /

Under the wisteria trees, Alana and Jack are two lovers who vowed to love each other eternally, not only in this lifetime but the next. However, their world shatters when a tragic accident takes Jack’s life, leaving Alana alone and broken. Ten years after Jack’s death, Alana sees a 10 year old boy, Gustav Karoff a musical protégé, on the news. The boy bears an uncanny resemblance to Jack as a child. Consumed by a need to know the truth, Alana travels to Vienna to meet the boy, navigating suspicion, skepticism and her own sanity. What follows is the story of faith in the impossible and an unrelenting pursuit to uncover the truth about the boundaries of life, death and eternal love.

NINA MOSCONE MARRESE has a strong interest in Canadian film and studied film at the University of Toronto. With this, her focus was on quality story telling where story and character were key form and function. Nina wrote two films, Stefan and Mrs. Effelberg’s Tenants, that were finalists in notable scriptwriting competitions. From here Nina was introduced to many film productions forums and was encouraged to bring her stories to the screen. Nina was happy to team up with Rouzbeh Heydari to produce The Junction. The Junction won two accolades: BEST DIRECTOR and BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY. This film went on to air on CTV and Air Canada. In 2024, Nina collaborated with Plato Fountidakis from Fast Motion Studio / Naomi Media, to bring her story WISTERIA to light.

When the bell rings, the chaos begins.

A WORLD APART

ORIGINAL TITLE: Un Mondo a Parte LANGUAGE: Italian SUBTITLES: English

CAST: Antonio Albanese, Virginia Raffaele

GENRE: Comedy, Drama LENGTH: 112’ COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 2024

PRODUCTION: Wildside, Medusa Film DISTRIBUTION: Vision Distribution

Michele Cortese, an elementary school teacher, is about to start a new chapter after 40 years of teaching in Rome. He’s reassigned to the Cesidio Gentile Institute, known as Jurico, a small, multi-grade school in the heart of the Abruzzo National Park, with just a handful of children aged 7-10. Initially struggling with his urban inadequacy, Michele finds support in vice-principal Agnese and the spirited students, gradually adjusting to the peaceful rural life. As he grows closer to the children and settles into his new role, unforeseen challenges arise, forcing him to navigate obstacles that threaten the school’s future. Michele must confront these challenges head-on, relying on his newfound bonds to keep the school alive.

RICCARDO MILANI, born in Rome, Italy, is an acclaimed film director and screenwriter. He began his career as an assistant director to Mario Monicelli on Let’s Hope It’s a Girl (1986). Following this, Milani worked with renowned filmmakers such as Nanni Moretti, Florestano Vancini, and Daniele Luchetti. In 1994, Milani made his directorial debut with the comedy-drama Auguri Professore. Known for his successful comedies, his notable works include Il posto dell’anima (2003), Thank You Guys (2023), and Like a Cat on a Highway (2017). Recently, he directed the comedy Un Mondo a Parte (2024), a story about elementary school teachers trying to save their school.

Defying the odds to unite Italy.

THE ILLUSION

ORIGINAL TITLE: L’abbaglio LANGUAGE: Italian SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Drama, History LENGTH: 124’ COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 2024

CAST: Toni Servillo, Salvatore Ficarra, Valentino Picone, Tommaso Ragno, Giulia Andò, Pascal Greggory

PRODUCTION: BiBi Film, Tramp Limited, Rai Cinema, Medusa Film

DISTRIBUTION: Rai Cinema

Giuseppe Garibaldi embarked on the legendary Expedition of the Thousand from Quarto, accompanied by a wave of young idealists from every corner of Italy. Among his loyal officers was a new and notable figure—Colonel Vincenzo Giordano Orsini of Palermo. Among the many volunteers who joined Garibaldi’s cause were two Sicilians: Domenico Tricò, a farmer who had migrated north, and Rosario Spitale, an illusionist. Upon landing in Sicily at Marsala, the Thousand immediately engaged the Bourbon army, whose numerical superiority was glaringly apparent. With the enemy’s strength seeming overwhelming, it appeared nearly impossible for Garibaldi to break through their defenses and reach Palermo. However, just when retreat seemed inevitable, Garibaldi conceived a brilliant and daring plan.

ROBERTO ANDO’, born in Palermo, Sicily, is an acclaimed Italian director, screenwriter, playwright, and author. He began his career as an assistant director, collaborating with iconic filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola and Federico Fellini. In 1986, Andò debuted with ‘La Foresta-Radice-Labirinto,’ a puppet theater work. After directing several documentaries, his feature debut came in 2000 with Il manoscritto del Principe. Known for his exploration of political and moral themes, Andò’s films include Viva la Libertà (2013) and Le Confessioni (2016). His novel ‘Il Trono Vuoto’ won the Campiello Prize, and from it, he adapted the successful Viva la Libertà. His latest film, L’Abbaglio (2024), continues his critical engagement with contemporary Italian society.

Come celebrate 40 years of Studio Ghibli and take a fantastical journey into a world where imagination is always on the move!

HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE

ORIGINAL TITLE: ハウルの動く城  LANGUAGE: Japanese SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Adventure, Animation, Family, Fantasy

LENGTH: 119’

COUNTRY: Japan, USA YEAR: 2004

CAST: Chieko Baisho, Takuya Kimura, Akihiro Miwa, Tatsuya Gashūin, Ryūnosuke Kamiki, Haruko Kato

PRODUCTION: Howl’s Moving Castle Production Committee, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, DENTSU Music and Entertainment, Mitsubishi, Nippon Television Network, Studio Ghibli, Tohokushinsha Film Corporation, Tokuma Shoten, d’rights

DISTRIBUTION: GKIDS

In a war-torn kingdom, an unconfident young woman named Sophie is cursed with an old body by a spiteful witch. Seeking a way to break the spell, she finds refuge in the moving castle of the mysterious wizard Howl, a self-indulgent yet insecure young man with a reputation for avoiding responsibility. As Sophie navigates this magical world alongside Howl’s quirky companions, she discovers that things—and people—are not always what they seem. With the fate of the castle and those she cares about at stake, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, courage, and unexpected romance in a story that blends adventure, magic, and heart.

HAYAO MIYAZAKI is a world-renowned filmmaker and animator. As the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, he has left an indelible mark on the world of animation and filmmaking. Known for his imaginative storytelling, breathtaking animation, and profound themes, his iconic works, such as ‘Spirited Away’ (2001), ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988), and ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ (1989) have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. His works have garnered critical acclaim, earning him numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2024 for his newest film, ‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023). Miyazaki’s films continuously captivate audiences with his richly layered narratives and vibrant characters.

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s...

A

chance to win a trip for two to Turkey

Ancient wonders, mouth-watering flavours, and an epic hot air balloon ride — all with Canada’s favourite* small group adventure travel company that’s been blazing trails since 1990.

*Not biased whatsoever

Scan to win

Their Italian getaway? They’re killing it.

I DON’T UNDERSTAND YOU

ORIGINAL TITLE: I Don’t Understand You LANGUAGE: English, Italian SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Horror, Comedy LENGTH: 96’ COUNTRY: USA, Italy YEAR: 2024

CAST: Andrew Rannells, Nick Kroll, Nunzia Schiano, Morgan Spector, Amanda Seyfried

PRODUCTION: Pinky Promise DISTRIBUTION: Vertical Entertainment

Dom and Cole, a married couple from Los Angeles, travel to Italy to celebrate their 10th anniversary and reconnect before adopting a child, expecting wine, relaxation, and quality time together. Instead, they find themselves lost in the countryside, drenched by rain, and completely out of their depth in a village where they don’t understand anyone and no one understands them. As they bumble through one cultural misunderstanding after another, things go from awkward to absurd. With no cell service, translator, or idea of what’s happening, the couple’s patience - and relationship - are tested. A sharp, offbeat comedy about love, language, and the chaos of not having a clue.

DAVID JOSEPH CRAIG, is a writer, actor, and director known for his sharp comedic sensibility and emotionally grounded storytelling. He co-wrote and co-directed the 2024 film I Don’t Understand You, a dark, twisted comedy set in rural Italy. His work often explores identity, relationships, and the absurdities of modern life.

BRIAN CRANO , is a filmmaker and screenwriter whose work blends humour with emotional insight. He previously wrote and directed Permission (2017), a romantic dramedy that gained critical acclaim for its fresh take on monogamy and modern love. Crano co-directed I Don’t Understand You (2024) alongside longtime collaborator David Joseph Craig.

A country divided, a family united.

I’M STILL HERE

ORIGINAL TITLE: Ainda Estou Aqui LANGUAGE: Portuguese, French

SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Biography, Drama, History LENGTH: 137’ COUNTRY: Brazil, France YEAR: 2024

CAST: Fernanda Torres Selton Mello Valentina Herszage Bárbara Luz, Fernanda Montenegro

PRODUCTION: VideoFilmes, RT Features, MACT Productions, Arte France Cinéma, Conspiração Filmes, Globoplay DISTRIBUTION: Mongrel Media

In 1971, during the height of Brazil’s military dictatorship, the Paiva family — Rubens, Eunice, and their five children — lived a joyful, open life in a beachside home in Rio de Janeiro. Their house is always open for all their friends and filled with warmth and hope despite the political tension beyond its walls. One day, Rubens, a former politician, is taken by authorities for questioning and never returns, and Eunice is left to pick up the pieces. With quiet strength and determination, she must reinvent herself and chart a new path for her family, navigating the dangers of a repressive regime while holding on to love, resilience, and a sense of justice.

WALTER MOREIRA SALLES JR. is a celebrated Brazilian filmmaker known for his deeply humanist and politically resonant films. Salles gained international acclaim with Central Station (1998) and The Motorcycle Diaries (2004), which explored identity, displacement, and Latin American history. He also directed Linha de Passe (2008), a moving portrait of four brothers struggling to find purpose in São Paulo. His 2024 film I’m Still Here, based on the true story of the Paiva family during Brazil’s military dictatorship, won Brazil its first Oscar for Best International Feature. With a background in economics and documentary, Salles brings a reflective, poetic realism to stories rooted in memory, family, and resistance, bridging personal narratives with broader political truths.

FAMILY

ORIGINAL TITLE: Familia LANGUAGE: Italian SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Drama, Thriller LENGTH: 120’ COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 2024

CAST: Francesco Gheghi, Barbara Ronchi, Francesco Di Leva

PRODUCTION: Tramp Limited, Indigo Film, O’ Groove DISTRIBUTION: True Colours

Twenty-year-old Luigi Celeste lives with his mother, Licia, and his brother, Alessandro. Nearly a decade has passed since they last saw their father, Franco—a man whose presence once filled their home with fear, pain, and relentless abuse. Now consumed by anger and searching for belonging, Luigi is drawn into a violent far-right group that thrives on hatred, manipulation, and oppression. But when Franco unexpectedly returns, his presence reopens old wounds, reigniting trauma and threatening to unravel everything Luigi has built. This gripping tale follows Luigi and his family through the depths of despair and the fight for redemption—no matter the cost.

FRANCESCO COSTABILE, born in Cosenza, Italy, is a writer and director who studied directing at the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome. In 2001, Costabile wrote and directed the short film La Sua Gamba. Over the years, Costabile started directing feature films, beginning with the 2009 documentary L’abito e il Volto, about renowned Italian costume designer Piero Tosi. In 2013, Costabile co-directed La Carrera, a musical documentary exploring the Holy Week traditions in Sardinia’s North Coastline. Costabile’s most wellknown work is the 2022 true crime drama-thriller Una Femmina: The Code of Silence. Most recently, Costabile wrote and directed Familia (2024), a gripping family drama thriller that delves into themes of trauma and resilience.

A journey toward redemption at any cost.

Bound by fate, haunted by secrets.

DIABOLIK: WHO ARE YOU?

ORIGINAL TITLE: Diabolik Chi Sei? LANGUAGE: Italian SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Action, Crime, Mystery, Thriller LENGTH: 124’ COUNTRY: Italy, France YEAR: 2023

CAST: Giacomo Gianniotti, Miriam Leone, Valerio Mastandrea, Monica Bellucci, Pier Giorgio Bellocchio

PRODUCTION: Rai Cinema, Mompracem

DISTRIBUTION: Beta Cinema

Captured by a ruthless gang, long-time rivals Diabolik and Ginko find themselves locked in a dim cell, facing certain death. As they confront their inevitable fate, Diabolik reveals his shadowy past with the inspector, sharing secrets he has long kept hidden. Meanwhile, Eva Kant and Altea form an unlikely alliance, driven by their determination to rescue their men. ‘Diabolik Chi Sei’ is the third installment in the Manetti Brothers’ trilogy, following the previous films ‘Diabolik’ (2021) and ‘Diabolik - Ginko Attacks’ (2022). These films chronicle the journeys of the iconic antihero, Diabolik, set in Clerville. The films are based on the successful Italian comic series that began in 1962.

MARCO MANETTI, is an Italian director and producer. Manetti’s first film was the multi-director horror film DeGenerazione (1994), alongside his brother and eight other Italian directors. Following that, Marco and Antonio formed a duo known as The Manetti Brothers, directing films like the Diabolik trilogy, the crime-musical Love and Bullets (2017), and the Italian soccer film U.S. Palmese (2024).

ANTONIO MANETTI, is an Italian director and producer. Manetti’s first film was the multi-director horror film DeGenerazione (1994), alongside his brother and eight other Italian directors. Following that, Antonio and Marco formed a duo known as The Manetti Brothers, directing films like the Diabolik trilogy, the crime-musical Love and Bullets (2017), and the Italian soccer film U.S. Palmese (2024).

Epic scores. Iconic stories. Hans Zimmer like never before.

HANS ZIMMER & FRIENDS: DIAMOND IN THE DESERT

ORIGINAL TITLE: Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert LANGUAGE: English SUBTITLES: /

GENRE: Music LENGTH: 158’

COUNTRY: Germany, USA, UK YEAR: 2025

CAST: Hans Zimmer, Billie Eilish, Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve, FINNEAS, Jerry Bruckheimer, Pharrell Williams, Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya

PRODUCTION: Executive Visions Inc., Jerry Bruckheimer Films, RCI Global, SiFi Films

DISTRIBUTION: Trafalgar Releasing

Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert captures an extraordinary live performance of some of Zimmer’s most revered compositions, including music from Dune, Gladiator, Interstellar, The Lion King, and much more. Decades of cinematic masterpieces are brought to life by his band and a world-class orchestra at Dubai’s iconic Coca-Cola Arena and beyond. From the dunes of the Dubai Desert, to the heights of the globally renowned Burj Al Arab helipad, these performances deliver an intimate and unique experience of Zimmer’s most loved and renowned movie soundtracks.

PAUL DUGDALE is an Emmy, BAFTA, and DGA award-winning director celebrated for his dynamic, intimate, and culturally resonant documentaries and concert films. He began his career directing Adele 20 (2008), capturing a then-rising Adele, and has since become a go-to filmmaker for major music talents. His collaborations span from Coldplay Live 2012 to Taylor Swift’s critically acclaimed Reputation Stadium Tour (2018). Dugdale’s storytelling elevates the live music experience, offering cinematic depth to stage performances. His latest film, Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert (2025), continues this tradition, showcasing his talent for blending performance and narrative to illuminate the power of music across genres and generations.

The Real Taste of Italy

DECODED

ORIGINAL TITLE: 解密 (Jie Mi) LANGUAGE: Mandarin, English

SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Drama, Thriller, War LENGTH: 156’ COUNTRY: China YEAR: 2024

CAST: Liu Haoran, John Cusack, Chen Daoming, Daniel Wu, Yu Feihong

PRODUCTION: As One Productions, Beijing Happy Pictures, CMC Pictures, Media Asia Zexin Films, Shanghai Tao Piao Piao Movie & TV Culture, Tianjin Maoyan Weying Media

DISTRIBUTION: CMC Pictures

During the global turmoil of the 1940s, deciphering enemy communication codes quickly and precisely became critical. Rong Jinzhen, a reclusive mathematical prodigy, had shown extraordinary talent from a young age. After inadvertently solving a notoriously difficult problem assigned by his university professor, he drew the attention of influential figures and was recruited into a top-secret intelligence agency. Thrust from isolation into a high-stakes world of surveillance, strategy, and psychological warfare, Rong is forced to confront the limits of his mind and the weight of his role. Decoded examines how one man’s intellect is drawn into the unforgiving machinery of war, where numbers and logic become tools of power.

CHEN SICHENG (陈思诚) is a distinguished Chinese actor, director, and screenwriter known for his versatile contributions to contemporary cinema. A Central Academy of Drama graduate, Chen began his acting career in the early 2000s, with notable performances in films such as Spring Fever (2009) and Tai Chi Zero (2012). Chen gained acclaim as a director with the 2012 television series Beijing Love Story, which he also co-wrote and starred in. He is best known for creating and directing the Detective Chinatown film franchise, one of China’s most successful comedy-mystery series. In 2024, Chen directed Decoded (Jie Mi), his first literary adaptation, presented in IMAX format, highlighting his focus on delivering a premium visual experience.

One mind. One mission. Countless lives on the line.

U.S. PALMESE

ORIGINAL TITLE: U.S. Palmese

LANGUAGE: Italian SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Comedy LENGTH: 120’ COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 2024

CAST: Rocco Papaleo, Blaise Afonso, Giulia Maenza

PRODUCTION: Rai Cinema, Mompracem

DISTRIBUTION: Beta Cinema

In Palmi, a small town in Calabria, Don Vincenzo, a genial retired farmer, has a crazy idea to revive the local soccer team by organizing a bizarre fundraiser hiring the Italian major league Serie A, soccer player Etienne Morville, a bad-tempered guy but among the strongest in the world. Albeit unwillingly, Morville leaves Milan to move to Palmi and try to save his image. In the small town he will come up against a reality of sincerity, which will lead everyone on an unforgettable experience.

MARCO MANETTI, is an Italian director and producer. Manetti’s first film was the multi-director horror film DeGenerazione (1994), alongside his brother and eight other Italian directors. Following that, Marco and Antonio formed a duo known as The Manetti Brothers, directing films like the Diabolik trilogy, the crime-musical Love and Bullets (2017), and the Italian soccer film U.S. Palmese (2024).

ANTONIO MANETTI, is an Italian director and producer. Manetti’s first film was the multi-director horror film DeGenerazione (1994), alongside his brother and eight other Italian directors. Following that, Antonio and Marco formed a duo known as The Manetti Brothers, directing films like the Diabolik trilogy, the crime-musical Love and Bullets (2017), and the Italian soccer film U.S. Palmese (2024).

One star, one town, and a game that turns everything upside down.

It wouldn’t be a family trip without a few breakdowns.

TREASURE

ORIGINAL TITLE: Treasure LANGUAGE: English, Polish GENRE: Comedy, Drama LENGTH: 111’

COUNTRY: Germany, France, Poland, Belgium, Hungary YEAR: 2024

CAST: Lena Dunham, Stephen Fry, Zbigniew Zamachowski

PRODUCTION: Seven Elephants, Kings&Queens Filmproduktion, Haïku Films

DISTRIBUTION: LevelFILM

A father-daughter road trip set in 1990s Poland, Treasure follows Ruth, an American music journalist, and her father, Edek, a charmingly stubborn Holocaust survivor, on a journey to his homeland. Ruth hopes to uncover the truth about her family’s past and reconnect with a history that has always felt out of reach. But Edek has an agenda of his own. As they visit the places of his youth, he resists reliving painful memories. This emotional, funny culture clash of two New Yorkers exploring post-socialist Poland is a powerful example of how reconnecting with family and the past can be an unexpected treasure.

JULIA VON HEINZ is one of Germany’s most acclaimed film directors, known for her powerful storytelling and international acclaim. Her debut feature, Nothing Else Matters (2007) won the German Film Award for Best Children’s and Youth Film in 2007. One of von Heinz’s recent films, And Tomorrow the Entire World (2020), competed at the Venice Film Festival and earned a nomination for Best Film at the 2021 German Film Awards. Treasure (2024) is the final instalment of her Aftermath Trilogy, which explores the Holocaust’s lasting impact. Von Heinz earned her doctorate from Film University Babelsberg, teaches directing in Munich, and co-founded Kings&Queens and Seven Elephants production companies.

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TORONTO EVENTS

FRIDAY, JUNE 27 

AWA Multiculturalism

Celebration

6.30 pm — Trinity Cinema

Opening party

7.15 pm — Illuminarium

Napoli-New York

7.15 pm — Party + Movie

SATURDAY, JUNE 28

The Great Canadian Soundbook

1 - 4 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Canadian Asian Music Society

4.30 pm — Trinity Cinema

Courtyard Concerts

6.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

What If (+ Bao short film)

8.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Juliet & Romeo

9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

SUNDAY, JUNE 29

Joie de Vivre: Francophone Sounds of Canada

1 - 4 pm — Trinity Cinema

PCMFF

4.30 pm — Trinity Cinema

Cinematic Tour

5.30 pm — Distillery District

Courtyard Concerts 6.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

The Ballad of Wallis Island 9.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Tucci in Italy 9.30 pm — Trinity Cinema

MONDAY, JUNE 30 

The Sound of Us 2 - 5 pm — Trinity Cinema

Our Music Festival 7.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

Four Letters of Love 8.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

My Place is Here 9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

TUESDAY, JULY 1

Ahead by a Century 2 - 5 pm — Trinity Cinema

Fab Collab 6.45 pm — Trinity Cinema

Canadian Shorts #1 6.30 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Canadian Bacon 8.45 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Scott Pilgrim vs The World 9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

WEDNESDAY, JULY 2

Sarah Jordan and Matt Von 7.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

Maria Montessori 8.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

When Mom is Away… With the In-Laws 9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

THURSDAY, JULY 3

Nina’s Daughters 7.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

The Flood 8.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Siblings 9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

FRIDAY, JULY 4

African Women in Acting 7.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

The Frikis 8.00 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Oh, Hi! 9.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Deep Red 10.30 pm — Trinity Cinema

SATURDAY, JULY 5

African Women in Acting 7.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

Wisteria 7.30 pm — TIFF Lighbox

The Weekend

8.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

A World Apart 9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

SUNDAY, JULY 6



Cinematic Tour

5.30 pm — Distillery District

PCMFF

5.30 pm — Trinity Cinema

Kouraba Toronto

7.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

Sake Tour

7.30 pm — Distillery District

The Illusion

8.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Howl’s Moving Castle 9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

MONDAY, JULY 7

Eight Band

7.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

Animation & Experimental Shorts

8.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

I Don’t Understand You 9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

TUESDAY, JULY 8

Mario Cucinella: An Exclusive Talk

6.30 pm — Canadian Stage

I’m Still Here

8.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Family

9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9

Masterclass Mario Cucinella + Exhibit inauguration

6.45 pm — TMU

Our Music Festival

7.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

Industry Day + Diabolik: Who Are You?

7.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Hans Zimmer & FriendsDiamond in the Desert

9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

THURSDAY, JULY 10

Wellington Music

7.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

Decoded

8.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

US Palmese

9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

FRIDAY, JULY 11



Treasure

8.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Opera Night w/ Lucia Cesaroni

9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

SATURDAY, JULY 12

Cocktail Workshop 5.30 pm — Spirit House

Michael Malcolm 7.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

Vincenzo Nibali - The 7th Champion

8.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Dangerous Game 9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

Borderline 10.00 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Serata 11.00 pm — Illuminarium

SUNDAY, JULY 13

Cinematic Tour 5.30 pm — Distillery District

MusicOntario 6.15 - 8.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

Akıllı Tavsan Momo 6.30 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Vermiglio 8.30 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Miracle Mirrors 9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

MONDAY, JULY 14

Matt Von 7.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

Short International #1

8.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

The Marching Band

9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

TUESDAY, JULY 15 

The Dyna Entertainment & Antidote Artists

7.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

The Little Girl with the Suitcase

7.00 pm — City Playhouse

Canadian Shorts #2

8.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Maria, I’m Dying! 9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16



Toronto Blues Society 6.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

Sake Tour

7.30 pm — Distillery District

US Palmese

7.00 pm — City Playhouse

The Little Girl with the Suitcase

8.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Showtime 7

9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

THURSDAY, JULY 17

A World Apart 7.00 pm — City Playhouse

The Blue Avalanche

8.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Diamonds

9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

FRIDAY, JULY 18

African Women in Acting 7.15 am — Trinity Cinema

Industry Day + Darkest Miriam 7.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Nuvola. An Open Project for the City 9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

SATURDAY, JULY 19

Cinematic Tour

5.30 pm — Distillery District

Closing Gala: A night with Susan Sarandon

6.30 pm — The Hearn

Napoli New York

9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

SUNDAY, JULY 20

pm — Trinity Cinema

Cocktail Workshop

5.30 pm — Spirit House

Short International #2

8.15 pm — Birra Moretti Cinema

Song of the Fireflies 9.15 pm — Trinity Cinema

ONLINE PLATFORM

JUNE 30 - JULY 10

Shorts Collection

La bambina con la valigia

Napoli New York

Un mondo a parte Il Corpo

Gioco Pericoloso

Familia

10 giorni con i suoi

Ammore e Malavita

Diabolik chi sei?

VAUGHAN EVENTS MONTREAL EVENTS

TUEDAY, JULY 15

The Little Girl with the Suitcase

7.00 pm — City PlayHouse

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16 

US Palmese 7.00 pm — City PlayHouse

THURSDAY, JULY 17

A World Apart

7.00 pm — City PlayHouse

WEDNESDAY, JULY 2

Maria Montessori

9.00 pm — Dante Park

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9

My Place Is Here 9.00 pm — Dante Park

FRIDAY, JULY 11

Love and Bullets 9.00 pm — Dante Park

SATURDAY, JULY 12

U.S. Palmese

7.00 pm — Cinéma du Musée

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23

Siblings 9.00 pm — Dante Park

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30

A Small Southern Enterprise 9.00 pm — Dante Park

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6 

Napoli New-York 9.00 pm — Dante Park

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13

The Illusion 9.00 pm — Dante Park

Hans Zimmer & Friends-Diamond

In the tracks of a legend: Vincenzo Nibali’s Sicilian ride.

VINCENZO NIBALI - THE 7TH CHAMPION

ORIGINAL TITLE: Vincenzo Nibali - Il 7° Campione

LANGUAGE: Italian SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Documentary, Biography LENGTH: 54’ COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 2024

CAST: Vincenzo Nibali, Rachele Perinelli, Antonio Nibali, Giovanna Romano, Carmen Nibali, Salvatore Nibali

PRODUCTION: Red Carpet, Rai Documentari

DISTRIBUTION: Rai Com

Vincenzo Nibali sets off on a spring tour of his beloved Sicily—this year not featured in the Giro d’Italia—accompanied by friends, family, and local fans. As he pedals through the island’s breathtaking landscapes, Nibali retraces the key moments of his life and career: his childhood, his first rides, his move to Tuscany at 16 to chase a dream, and the triumphs that made him a cycling legend. One of only seven riders to win the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a España, Nibali’s journey becomes more than just a ride—it’s a heartfelt tribute to his roots, his achievements, and his future. The “Giro Nibali” is a personal, cultural, and emotional ride through Sicily.

MARCO SPAGNOLI is an award-winning journalist, critic, director, and screenwriter. Deputy Director and Head of Doc & Factual at the MIA Market in Rome, Spagnoli has created acclaimed podcasts for Audible and Rai, including Interno Giorno and Volare!. A three-time David di Donatello nominee and two-time Silver Ribbon winner, Spagnoli has written and directed documentaries for Rai and major studios like Disney, NBCUniversal, and Paramount. His film “Franco Battiato – La Voce del Padrone” (2022) was Italy’s most-watched music documentary in 2022. Spagnoli’s recent documentary, “Vincenzo Nibali - Il 7° Campione” (2024) on Vincenzo Nibali explores the legendary cyclist’s journey through Sicily.

A taste worth pulling up a chair for.

Secrets always find their way to the spotlight.

DANGEROUS GAME

ORIGINAL TITLE: Gioco pericoloso LANGUAGE: Italian SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Thriller LENGTH: 94’ COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 2025

CAST: Adriano Giannini, Elodie, Eduardo Scarpetta

PRODUCTION: Groenlandia, Vision Distribution

DISTRIBUTION: Vision Distribution

Giada, a passionate dancer struggling to bring her first production to life, and Carlo, a writer in the throes of creative crisis, share a deep complicity and unwavering intimacy, even as they relentlessly pursue their individual careers. Their world shifts when Carlo crosses paths with Peter Drago, a bold young artist determined to carve out his place in the contemporary art scene. Intrigued, Carlo welcomes Peter into their lives—but Giada’s reaction is immediate and visceral. She fights to keep him away, sensing that his presence threatens to unearth a long-buried secret from her past. But no matter how hard one tries to silence the past, the truth always has a way of surfacing.

LUCIO PELLEGRINI is an acclaimed Italian director and screenwriter known for his work in both film and television. He began his career in the late 1990s and quickly gained recognition for his unique blend of drama and comedy in his 1999 film Let’s Mambo! Pellegrini is particularly noted for his ability to craft emotionally rich stories about relationships and personal growth. His notable works include the series Marconi (2024) and Il Nostro Generale (2023), along with the films La Vita Facile (2011). Most recently, Pellegrini directed the Italian thriller Gioco Pericoloso (2025). With a distinctive directorial style, Pellegrini has built a reputation for creating engaging, character-driven narratives.

In one year, things are born, broken, and made anew.

VERMIGLIO

ORIGINAL TITLE: Vermiglio LANGUAGE: Italian, Latin SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Drama, History LENGTH: 119’ COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 2024

CAST: Tommaso Ragno, Giuseppe De Domenico, Roberta Robelli, Martina Strinsi, Orietta Notari, Carlotta Gamba, Santiago Fondevila Sancet, Sara Serraiocco

PRODUCTION: Cinedora, Charades, Versus, Rai Cinema

DISTRIBUTION: Films We Like

Vermiglio is set in 1944, in a remote, snow-covered mountain village where the war feels both distant and ever-present. The arrival of Pietro, a quiet and brooding Sicilian soldier who has deserted the front, unsettles the delicate rhythms of the local schoolmaster’s large family. Though the world beyond the mountains edges toward peace, their household is swept into emotional upheaval. Amid the uncertainty, a tender romance develops between Pietro and Lucia, the eldest daughter - a connection that defies the chaos around them. Their bond deepens, culminating in a marriage that unexpectedly alters the family’s destiny. Through themes of love, displacement, and renewal, Vermiglio offers a poetic reflection on how, in just one year, everything can be lost and remade.

MAURA DELPERO is an Italian director and screenwriter known for her sensitive, socially engaged storytelling. Born in Bolzano, she studied literature before training in film. Her work often explores themes of identity, womanhood, and social structures with a poetic, observant style. Delpero gained international acclaim with her debut narrative feature Maternal (2019), which premiered at the Locarno Film Festival and won multiple awards. Most recently, her film Vermiglio (2024) won Best Film at the David di Donatello Awards. Blending documentary realism with narrative fiction, her films are marked by emotional restraint and deep humanism. Delpero brings a unique perspective to her subjects, often focusing on the quiet tensions that shape everyday lives.

His invention changed lives. Not just his.

MIRACLE MIRRORS

ORIGINAL TITLE: Mucize Aynalar

GENRE: Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi

LANGUAGE: Turkish SUBTITLES: English

LENGTH: 103’ COUNTRY: Türkiye YEAR: 2024

CAST: Cengiz Bozkurt, Boran Kuzum, Sebnem Bozoklu, Eren Demirbas, Zerrin Sümer, Istar Gökseven, Idil Fırat, Ilgaz Kaya, Tolga Çıklaçiftçi, Tolga Bayraklı, Umut Öztok, Onur Apaydın, Jens Grund, Galip Erdal

PRODUCTION: Orchestra Content DISTRIBUTION: Orchestra Content

In the near future, an invention called “Miracle Mirrors” reads the brain waves of users and uses special algorithms to reflect back to them their most beautiful, happiest days and their biggest dreams that have yet to be realized. Some people make millions of dollars from this invention, but none of the profits go to Sahap Cenabettin, the humble inventor of Miracle Mirrors, who is deeply in debt. Not only is his invention stolen from him, but bad luck continues to follow him everywhere. But thanks to a design flaw that no one but Sahap knows about, these mirrors cause the lives of people who have never met each other to intersect. The events caused by a meteorite passing close to Earth change the fates of Sahap and Kerim Ongun, an amateur screenwriter and professional ambulance driver who, like Sahap, is chasing his dreams.

TOLGA ORNEK is a distinguished Turkish filmmaker whose career began with internationally acclaimed documentaries, including Ataturk (1998), Mount Nemrud: The Throne of the Gods (2000), The Hittites (2003), and Gallipoli (2005)—the latter of which earned him an honorary Order of Australia medal. Transitioning to feature films, he wrote, directed, and produced Cars of the Revolution (2008), The Losers Club (2011), and Labyrinth (2012), each garnering critical praise and festival success. Tolga has worked across genres and continents, living in the U.S., U.K., and Italy, and now resides in Los Angeles, where he develops international projects, including the TV series The Syndicate.

Circumstance tore them apart, music brought them together.

THE MARCHING BAND

ORIGINAL TITLE: En Fanfare LANGUAGE: French

GENRE: Comedy, Drama, Music LENGTH: 103’

CAST: Benjamin Lavernhe, Pierre Lottin, Sarah Suco

PRODUCTION: Agat Films & Cie, France 2 Cinéma

SUBTITLES: English

COUNTRY: France YEAR: 2024

DISTRIBUTION: Axia Films

In a small industrial town, renowned conductor Thibaut is diagnosed with leukemia and urgently needs a bone marrow transplant. His search for a donor leads to a shocking revelation - he was adopted, and his biological brother is a factory worker who plays in the local marching band. As the two men navigate their newfound connection, they confront the challenges of their pasts and the hardships they’ve endured. Thibaut decides to help the marching band prepare for and win an upcoming regional contest. Through it all, their shared love of music becomes a powerful force, guiding them toward healing, understanding, and brotherly love.

EMMANUEL COURCOL is a French actor, screenwriter, and director celebrated for his thoughtful storytelling and nuanced approach to character-driven narratives. Before stepping behind the camera, Courcol built a solid career as an actor, appearing in films such as Je vais bien, ne t’en fais pas (2006), Toutes Nos Envies (2011), and Au Nom de la Terre (2019). He gained recognition for writing and directing Ceasefire (2016), a post-WWI drama that marked his directorial debut, followed by the critically acclaimed The Big Hit (2020), a heartwarming comedy inspired by true events. Most recently, Courcol wrote and directed The Marching Band (2024), further solidifying his talent for blending emotion, humour, and social themes.

Amid the chaos of war, a fairy-tale childhood clings to its innocence.

THE LITTLE GIRL WITH THE SUITCASE

ORIGINAL TITLE: La Bambina con la Valigia LANGUAGE: Italian SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Drama LENGTH: 102’ COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 2025

CAST:  Claudia Vismara, Sara Lazzaro, Sandra Ceccarelli, Anita Kravos, Sinead Thornhill, Andrea Bosca, Petra Bevilacqua

PRODUCTION: Clement, Rai Fiction DISTRIBUTION: Rai Com

Winter 1944: The city of Pola, a crucial military stronghold in northeastern Italy’s Venezia Giulia and Istria region, is ravaged by relentless bombings. As war rages on, the people of Pola live in constant fear, yet for little Egea Haffner, life still holds a touch of magic. She finds comfort in the grand villa of her paternal grandparents, the Haffners, where she spends carefree days, and in the family’s jewelry shop in the bustling city center, where her father, Kurt, diligently tends to his craft. Despite the war, these familiar places offer her a sense of warmth and security, shielding her from the growing unrest around her. By the spring of 1945, the war comes to an end, but turmoil grips Istria as Marshal Tito’s forces, the ‘Titini,’ seize control. Two soldiers arrive at the Haffner home one night, searching for Kurt. From that moment, he vanishes.

GIANLUCA MAZZELLA, is an Italian filmmaker and assistant director born in Rome. Mazzella has worked extensively in the Italian film industry, with some credits including ‘Loose Cannons’ (2010), ‘A Magnificent Haunting’ (2012), ‘The Ruthless’ (2019), and the television series ‘The Ignorant Angels’ (2022), in which Mazzella directed eight episodes of and garnered attention for its storytelling and production quality. Most recently, Mazzella directed the film ‘La Bambina con la Valigia’ (2025), a story about a little girl amid the bombing in Pola in 1944. Mazzella’s career reflects a dedication to Italian cinema, focusing on supporting directors in bringing their visions to life.

Until patience do us part.

MARIA, I’M DYING!

ORIGINAL TITLE: María, ¡Me Muero! LANGUAGE: Spanish SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Comedy, Romance LENGTH: 93’ COUNTRY: Mexico YEAR: 2024

CAST: Natalia Téllez, Ricardo Fastlicht, José Sefami, Paz Bascuñan

PRODUCTION: Bh5, Tiki Pictures

DISTRIBUTION: Tiki Pictures

A hypochondriac man is convinced that every cough, sneeze, or sniffle means he’s dying, turning minor ailments into full-blown existential crises. His endlessly patient wife has tolerated his dramatic declarations for years, but when his fear of death reaches new extremes, she decides it’s time to intervene. What follows is a humorous and heartfelt journey through paranoia, partnership, and the absurdity of mortality. As the couple unpacks the roots of his irrational fears, they confront deeper truths about love, vulnerability, and control. In the end, they discover that sometimes laughter really is the best medicine, especially when you’re convinced you’re on your deathbed.

GABRIELA SOBARZO is a Chilean film director. Sobarzo is known for her work on international productions like the American-Chilean thriller Knock Knock (2015) and the adventure horror The Green Inferno (2013). As a director, she has led popular Chilean comedies including S.O.S. Mamis: La película (2022) and the films’ sequel S.O.S. Mamis 2: Mosquita Muerta (2023). Sobarzo’s sixth film, María, ¡Me muero! (2025) marked a significant milestone in the international projection of Chilean cinema. Her sharp sense of character, comedic timing, and emotional depth have earned praise across audiences. Sobarzo’s films combine humour, heart, and social insight, showcasing her distinctive voice in Latin American filmmaking.

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One call could change everything.

SHOWTIME 7

ORIGINAL TITLE: ショウタイムセブン  LANGUAGE: Japanese SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Mystery & Thriller LENGTH: 98’ COUNTRY: Japan YEAR: 2025

CAST: Hiroshi Abe, Ryo Ryusei, Meru Nukumi, Haruka Igawa, Kotaro Yoshida

PRODUCTION: Shochiku Co., Asmik Ace

DISTRIBUTION: Asmik Ace

A disgraced news anchor gets a second chance when a chilling call during his late-night radio show warns of a bomb. After a real explosion hits the city, he’s thrust into a deadly live negotiation—where every word could mean life or death. Is this his shot at redemption, or a trap set by a twisted mastermind?

KAZUTAKA WATANABE is a Japanese filmmaker, producer, and director known for his innovative approach to filmmaking. In 2014, he founded the film production company E.x.N K.K. Watanabe began his career by producing feature films and, since 2017, has contributed to the Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival as a coordinator for the Rough Cut program, mentoring emerging filmmakers. He has gained recognition for his directing work, including Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan (2020) and Rohan at the Louvre (2023). Most recently, Watanabe directed Showtime 7 (2025), a remake of the 2013 film Terror Live.

Carving history, one victory at a time.

THE BLUE AVALANCHE

ORIGINAL TITLE: La Valanga Azzurra LANGUAGE: Italian SUBTITLES: English

CAST: Gustavo Thoeni, Piero Gros, Paolo De Chiesa, Ingemar Stenmark

GENRE: Biography, Documentary, Sport LENGTH: 90’

PRODUCTION: Fandango, Luce Cinecittà, Rai Documentari

COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 2024

DISTRIBUTION: Rai Com

La Valanga Azzurra explores the incredible history of the Italian National Alpine ski team of the 1970s, famously known as La Valanga Azzura or the Blue Avalanche. The team became an unstoppable force in the sport, led by legendary champions like Gustav Thöni and Piero Gros. The film delves into the intense rivalries, triumphs, and sacrifices that forged their invincibility. Through never-before-heard testimonies from the athletes themselves, it offers a profoundly personal and thrilling account of their journey. A celebration of resilience and camaraderie, the documentary captures the essence of an era that defined Italian skiing on the world stage, showcasing the passion, discipline, and determination that propelled them to greatness. By highlighting these athletes’ personal struggles and victories, La Valanga Azzurra goes beyond sports, offering a compelling portrait of teamwork, National pride, and the pursuit of excellence that continues to inspire generations.

GIOVANNI VERONESI, is a renowned Italian film director, screenwriter, and actor. Born in Prato, Italy, he began his career as a screenwriter in the 1980s, collaborating with acclaimed filmmakers such as Leonardo Pieraccioni and Francesco Nuti Veronesi rose to prominence as a director with the Manuale d’Amore film series, a captivating exploration of love and relationships that resonated with audiences and critics alike. His diverse filmography includes Italians (2009), Moschettieri del Re: La penultima missione (2018), and Romeo è Giulietta (2024), showcasing his versatility across genres. Most recently, Veronesi directed La Valanga Azzurra (2024), a documentary retracing the extraordinary history of the Italian national Alpine ski team of the 1970s. His storytelling continues to engage audiences, offering a mix of wit, romance, and adventure.

BEAUTIFUL MARBLE FOR BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

PEOPLE

SINCE 1991

Where threads of fabric weave together history, identity, and the art of storytelling.

DIAMONDS

ORIGINAL TITLE: Diamanti

LANGUAGE: Italian

SUBTITLES: English

CAST: Luisa Ranieri, Jasmine Trinca, Elena Sofia Ricci, Lunetta Savino, Vanessa Scalera, Kasia Smutniak

GENRE: Comedy, Drama LENGTH: 135’ COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 2024

PRODUCTION: GreenBoo Production, Faros Film, Vision Distribution

DISTRIBUTION: AZ Films

Diamanti follows a director who brings together his favourite actresses—women he has worked with and admired—to create a film about women. He doesn’t share much about his vision, choosing instead to observe and let inspiration guide him. The actresses are transported into another era, where the rhythmic hum of sewing machines fills the air of a prestigious tailoring house, a world managed and inhabited almost entirely by women. Here, storytelling takes on a new perspective rooted in costume and tradition. As they step into their roles, the actresses’ lives start to blur with those of their characters, merging past and present, personal ambitions, and the untold histories of the women they portray. In this world of fabric and film, the director watches as art and life become inseparable, crafting a narrative that is as much about the power of storytelling as it is about the women who define the story.

FERZAN OZPETEK, is a Turkish-Italian director, screenwriter, and writer known for his evocative storytelling. He moved to Italy in 1976, first studying at Perugia Foreigners University before transferring to Rome’s La Sapienza University to pursue cinema. He further honed his craft at Accademia Navona and Accademia d’Arte Drammatica, studying art history, costume, and theatre direction under renowned critic Silvio D’Amico. For over nearly 15 years, Özpetek worked as an assistant director alongside filmmakers like Ricky Tognazzi, Lamberto Bava, and Marco Risi. He gained widespread recognition with Loose Cannons (2010), a family comedy-drama, and most recently directed Diamanti (2024), a film about the importance of costumes.

A quiet life no more.

DARKEST MIRIAM

ORIGINAL TITLE: Darkest Miriam LANGUAGE: English SUBTITLES: /

GENRE: Drama, Romance, Thriller LENGTH: 87’ COUNTRY: Canada YEAR: 2024

CAST: Britt Lower, Tom Mercier, Sook-Yin Lee, Jean Yoon

PRODUCTION: Low End, Younger Daughter Films, Tremendous Productions, Through the Lens Entertainment

DISTRIBUTION: Game Theory Films

Miriam Gordon lives in a fog of grief, quietly working at a downtown public library. Her world is small, ordered, and emotionally suspended—that is, until a burgeoning love affair coincides with the arrival of a series of oddly threatening letters. As Miriam navigates the thrills of new romance and the creeping unease of these mysterious messages, her carefully constructed and sheltered existence begins to crack open. What unfolds is a tense, emotionally layered journey that blurs the line between vulnerability and paranoia, forcing Miriam to confront the past she’s buried, the truths she’s avoided, and the uncertain future she’s only just beginning to imagine.

NAOMI JAYE is a Canadian film director and screenwriter based in Toronto, Ontario, known for her distinct storytelling and dedication to culturally rich narratives. Naomi’s debut feature, The Pin (2013), was notable as the first Yiddish-language film produced in Canada in over six decades, gaining international attention and being shortlisted for the Cannes Film Festival. She gained widespread recognition with her 2024 film Darkest Miriam, an adaptation of Martha Baillie’s novel The Incident Report. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and earned Jaye the Directors Guild of Canada award for Best Direction in a Canadian Film at the 2024 Fantasia International Film Festival.

Proudly Canadian, Proudly Canadian, Proudly Delicious. Proudly Delicious. Proudly Canadian, Proudly Delicious. Proudly Delicious.

Voices of hope, hearts of fire.

SONG OF THE FIREFLIES

ORIGINAL TITLE: Song of the Fireflies

LANGUAGE: Tagalog

SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Drama, Music LENGTH: 110’ COUNTRY: Philippines YEAR: 2025

CAST: Rachel Alejandro, Noel Comia Jr., Chai Fonacier, Morissette Amon

PRODUCTION: Culturtain Musicat Productions

DISTRIBUTION: Culturtain Musicat Productions

‘Song of the Fireflies’ tells the inspiring origin story of the Loboc Children’s Choir. Founded in the 1980s by a passionate teacher, the choir’s extraordinary singing talent quickly gained attention. Driven by their teacher’s unwavering determination, the children’s voices became a source of pride for the small town of Loboc and eventually the entire Philippines. As they rise to global fame, their enchanting performances continue to wow audiences around the world, showcasing the power of music, community, and the enduring spirit of a teacher’s love for his students. The film is a celebration of both the choir’s and the country’s enduring legacy.

KING PALISOC is a Filipino director whose work spans film, music videos, and commercials. As a 2006 B.A. Communications graduate from Ateneo de Manila University, he has received numerous awards for his visual storytelling. His debut feature TANDEM was screened at festivals across Portugal, North America, and Asia. His music videos, created for artists like Zack Tabudlo and Rico Blanco, have been recognized by the Awit and NU Rock Awards. His second feature, KAMPON (2023), a horror drama, premiered at the Metro Manila Film Festival and won Best Editing. It also earned accolades at Fantasporto, WorldFest Houston, and Queens World Film Festival. He is currently a Director and Partner at This Side Up Manila.

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Enjoy 20% off with code HUE20-ICFF at checkout

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Lies, loyalty, and love collide in a deadly game of survival.

LOVE AND BULLETS

ORIGINAL TITLE: Ammore e Malavita LANGUAGE: Italian, English SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Comedy, Crime, Musical, Romance LENGTH: 140’

CAST: Claudia Gerini, Carlo Buccirosso, Serena Rossi

PRODUCTION: Madeleine, Manetti bros. Film, Rai Cinema

COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 2017

DISTRIBUTION: Rai Com

To prevent her husband, the notorious crime boss Don Vincenzo, from being killed, Donna Maria orchestrates a plan. She sends her men to kill a man who resembles him and stages a fake funeral while the real Don Vincenzo hides away in secret. However, a nurse spots him alive in the hospital, despite reports of his death in the news. To silence this witness, Don Vincenzo orders his most skilled bodyguards, Ciro and Rosario, to track down and kill the nurse. Ciro finds her but is shocked to discover that the nurse is Fatima, the only woman he ever loved. Determined to protect her, Ciro hides Fatima with his uncle Mimmo, which leads to a violent confrontation with his entire clan, including his best friend, Rosario.

MARCO MANETTI, is an Italian director and producer. Manetti’s first film was the multi-director horror film DeGenerazione (1994), alongside his brother and eight other Italian directors. Following that, Marco and Antonio formed a duo known as The Manetti Brothers, directing films like the Diabolik trilogy, the crime-musical Love and Bullets (2017), and the Italian soccer film U.S. Palmese (2024).

ANTONIO MANETTI, is an Italian director and producer. Manetti’s first film was the multi-director horror film DeGenerazione (1994), alongside his brother and eight other Italian directors. Following that, Antonio and Marco formed a duo known as The Manetti Brothers, directing films like the Diabolik trilogy, the crime-musical Love and Bullets (2017), and the Italian soccer film U.S. Palmese (2024).

YOUR NEXT EVENT WITH ARIA

Planning a special celebration, business dinner or private gathering?

Aria Ristorante offers elegant spaces, exceptional Italian cuisine, and impeccable service - all right in the heart of downtown Toronto.

Looking to bring the experience off-site?

Aria’s catering brings our signature flavours and hospitality to your venue of choice - beautifully presented and flawlessly executed.

Let us set the table for your next occasion. Call us at 416.363.2742 or email events@ariaristorante.ca 25 York Street, Toronto ON M5J 2V5

THE BODY

ORIGINAL TITLE: Il Corpo LANGUAGE: Italian SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Thriller LENGTH: 116’ COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 2024

CAST: Giuseppe Battiston, Claudia Gerini, Andrea Di Luigi, Andrea Sartoretti, Amanda Campana, Rebecca Sisti

PRODUCTION: Eagle Pictures

DISTRIBUTION: Sony Pictures International Productions

When wealthy and charismatic entrepreneur Rebecca Zuin dies suddenly of an alleged heart attack, her death casts a shadow over those closest to her. But suspicion turns to shock when her body mysteriously vanishes from the morgue, and a night watchman fleeing the scene is fatally run over. Inspector Cosser is assigned to the case, which quickly becomes more complex than it first appeared. While Rebecca’s young and handsome husband, Bruno Forlan, is an obvious suspect, everyone in her inner circle seems to have a motive. As Cosser digs deeper, a chilling question arises— could Rebecca have faked her own death as part of a twisted plan for revenge?

VINCENZO ALFIERI, is an Italian actor, director, and screenwriter. Born in Salerno, he refined his craft in New York and Los Angeles, studying acting and directing before earning a degree in Political Science. His breakout role came in Luigi Cecinelli’s 2013 comedy Niente può Fermarci, but his talents extend far beyond acting. Behind the camera, Alfieri has established himself as a versatile filmmaker, directing, writing, and editing various films. His directorial work includes the thriller Ai Confini del Male (2021), the crime drama Gli Uomini d’Oro (2019), and the dark comedy I Peggiori (2017). Most recently, he directed Il Corpo (2024), a gripping thriller in which the sudden death of wealthy entrepreneur Rebecca Zuin spirals into mystery when her body vanishes from the morgue.

Dead wife, vanished body, guilty husband.

SCHEDULE

When opera meets Fellini, glamour takes the stage and cinema comes alive in song. Experience iconic film moments reimagined through powerful live performances!

OPERA NIGHT

Included with your ticket is an incredible tasting experience featuring a variety of food and beverage sponsors stationed throughout the district! Sip on your choice of Masi Prosecco, Birra Moretti, or a Campari cocktail, and treat yourself with Ferrero, Lavazza, Barilla, and Eataly—plus plenty of tasty surprises waiting around every corner!

What happens when opera meets Fellini? The fashion pops, the glamour sings and the emotion hits in a whole new way. Mingled with scenes from Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita and more, international soprano Lucia Cesaroni, mezzosoprano and CBC host Julie Nesrallah and brilliant baritone Jorell Williams will open your eyes and ears with live renditions of La bohème, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Carmen and some of Broadway’s classics, too! Let the beauty, the elegance and the drama transport you through cinematic history…Benvenuti!

…And opera is just the beginning. After the aperitivi and the music, come backstage and mingle at our VIP Backstage Bash at the vibey Spirit House (16 Trinity St, Distillery District). We’re smashing banking, energy, hospitality, tech and artists all together to make new connections in the evening’s third (and best) act. Start with opera, finish with new friends, new deals–a new perspective!

With Soprano Lucia Cesaroni

La Dolce Voce

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF BUILDING GREATER

Since 1975, we’ve been driven by the belief that building homes means more than just bricks and beams. It’s about creating spaces where people can live fuller, better lives.

For ve decades, that vision has guided everything we do — pushing boundaries, challenging convention, and rede ning what a home can be.

Monde, Toronto Yonge & Rich, Toronto

5400 N. Flagler, West Palm Beach

Illustrations are artist’s concept. E. & O. E.

Forma, Toronto

One Bloor, Toronto

architettura & DESIGN

SUSTAINABILITY WITH MARIO CUCINELLA

Mario Cucinella, one of the most internationally renowned architects and designers, shares his story while also describing his design philosophy. A common thread throughout his work is sustainability; plants, with their extraordinary adaptability, serve as a fundamental source of inspiration in his projects. Cucinella is a pioneer in this approach, perfectly embodying the spirit of our time: a focus on nature and the fight against resource consumption.

ICFF is planning a series of events featuring Mario Cucinella, celebrating his innovative vision and impact on the world of architecture and design. This initiative was made possible thanks to the support of Toronto Metropolitan University, and in particular, Dr. Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, TMU Provost and Vice-President.

MARIO CUCINELLA: AN EXCLUSIVE TALK

Talk + Meet & Greet | JULY 8th, 2025

@Canadian Stage

A VISIONARY TALK ON SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Mario Cucinella presents his most iconic projects, sharing insights into its vision.

EXHIBITION OPENING

JULY 9th, 2025

@Toronto Metropolitan University

EXHIBITION OPENING WITH MARIO CUCINELLA

Architecture for a Sustainable Future –The Vision of Mario Cucinella

NUVOLA. AN OPEN PROJECT FOR THE CITY

ORIGINAL TITLE: Nuvola. An Open Project for the City LANGUAGE: Italian SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Documentary LENGTH: 52’ COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 2025 CAST: Cino Zucchi

PRODUCTION: Muse Factory of Projects

DISTRIBUTION: Muse Factory of Projects

NUVOLA explores Lavazza’s urban renewal project in Turin, centred on its headquarters and the surrounding Aurora district. Through eight chapters, it captures life within Nuvola’s spaces - its museum, restaurant, garden square, and repurposed power plant - revealing how architecture and community shape one another over time. Blending voices from chefs, archaeologists, school children, and locals, NUVOLA presents a multi-layered narrative: observational sequences portray the space “from below” through daily life; architect Cino Zucchi’s narration offers a guiding vision “from above”; and rhythmic interludes reflect the site’s poetry through light, music, and motion. The film highlights how light, seasons, and people shape the atmosphere and character of this modern landmark. NUVOLA celebrates not just a building, but a vision for the future. The film is presented in honour of Lavazza’s 130th anniversary in 2025.

FRANCESCA MOLTENI, author, director, and founder of MUSE Factory of Projects, graduated in Philosophy from the Università degli Studi in Milan and studied Film Production at NYU. Since 2002, she has directed documentaries, TV formats, and design exhibitions. In 2009, she founded MUSE Factory, focusing on contemporary design and architecture. Her films include Loving Gio Ponti and Inside Renzo Piano Building Workshop. She has received several awards, including a Compasso d’Oro honourable mention.

LUCA CAON, an author and director, studied Communication and directing at Milan Film School. He has worked in Italy and Switzerland as a journalist, photojournalist, and in various production roles. Recently, Caon has focused on documentaries, blending visual elegance with emotional storytelling.

Four decades of green architecture uniting humanity and nature.

When was the last time you were really scared?

DEEP RED

ORIGINAL TITLE: Profondo Rosso LANGUAGE: Italian SUBTITLES: English

GENRE: Horror, Mystery, Thriller LENGTH: 127’ COUNTRY: Italy YEAR: 1975

CAST: David Hemmings, Daria Nicolodi, Gabriele Lavia, Clara Calamai, Macha Méril, Glauco Mauri, Eros Pagni, Giuliana Calandra

PRODUCTION: Rizzoli Film, Seba Spettacoli

DISTRIBUTION: American Genre Film Archive

After witnessing a violent murder, jazz pianist Marcus Daly becomes determined to find the killer. Teaming up with a curious reporter, he begins investigating the crime, uncovering clues that point to a tangled web of secrets. As Marcus delves deeper, he discovers that the murder is connected to a series of mysterious events and hidden truths involving several people around him. The investigation leads him through increasingly dangerous territory as he tries to piece together the puzzle behind the brutal crime. With each discovery, Marcus gets closer to revealing the identity of the murderer, navigating twists and red herrings in a quest to bring justice to the victims.

DARIO ARGENTO, born in Rome in 1940, is a legendary Italian filmmaker known for shaping the giallo and horror genres. His 1975 film Profondo Rosso (Deep Red) is regarded as a masterpiece and a defining work in his career. The film’s intricate plot, stylish visuals, and innovative murder sequences elevated Argento’s status internationally and influenced countless filmmakers. Before Profondo Rosso, Argento made his directorial debut with The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970), but it was this film that solidified his reputation. Known for blending mystery and horror with striking cinematography and suspenseful storytelling, Argento remains a seminal figure in Italian cinema and a key innovator in thriller filmmaking.

THE WEEKEND

ORIGINAL TITLE: The Weekend LANGUAGE: English SUBTITLES: /

GENRE: Drama. Thriller LENGTH: 117’ COUNTRY: Nigeria YEAR: 2024

CAST: Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Bucci Franklin, Meg Otanwa, Keppy Ekpeyong

Bassey, Gloria Anozie-Young, Damilola Ogunsi

PRODUCTION: Trino Motion Pictures

DISTRIBUTION: The Film Sales Company

The Weekend is a taut psychological thriller set in Nigeria. The story follows a recently engaged couple, Nonso and Adaugo, who travel to a remote, picturesque resort for a weekend getaway with a few of their close friends. What begins as a celebratory retreat quickly spirals into a tense unravelling of secrets, lies, and long-suppressed emotions. Long-held grudges and hidden betrayals surface as the weekend progresses, testing the group’s loyalty, trust, and emotional resilience. With mounting paranoia and simmering volatility, the once serene setting becomes a psychological battleground, forcing each character to confront the haunting truths they’ve buried about themselves, each other, and the past they can’t escape.

DANIEL EMEKE ORIAHI is a Nigerian filmmaker, director, and actor, as well as the founder and CEO of House5 Production, based in Lagos. After earning an economics degree in 2007, Oriahi pursued a Professional Diploma in Motion Picture Production at the National Film Institute, specializing in directing and production. His debut feature, Misfit (2013), garnered critical acclaim. His second feature, Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo (2015), became the third highest-grossing Nollywood film of the year and was selected for the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival. Oriahi’s psychological thriller The Weekend (2024) premiered at the Tribeca Festival, earning him Best Director at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

Family isn’t everything.

BORDERLINE

ORIGINAL TITLE: Borderline LANGUAGE: English SUBTITLES: /

GENRE: Comedy, Horror, Thriller LENGTH: 94’ COUNTRY: USA YEAR: 2025

CAST: Samara Weaving, Ray Nicholson, Jimmie Fails, Eric Dane, Alba Baptista

PRODUCTION: LuckyChap, Productivity Media, Red A Entertainment DISTRIBUTION: Magnify

Borderline is a darkly comedic thriller set in 1990s Los Angeles, where obsession spirals into terror. Paul Duerson, a hopelessly romantic sociopath, escapes from a mental institution, fixated on pop superstar Sofia, whom he believes is his destined love. He will stop at nothing to win her affection, even if it means terrorizing her in her own home. As Paul enlists the help of his unpredictable friends to break in, the situation quickly spirals out of control. To make matters worse, Sofia is not only battling Paul’s delusions, but also under the protection of a dedicated bodyguard, who must shield her—and her athlete boyfriend—from this determined stalker. Trapped in a surreal nightmare, Sofia must navigate the blurred lines between reality and madness. With relentless tension, shocking twists, and a darkly comedic edge, Borderline will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last moment.

JIMMY WARDEN is an American writer, director, and producer known for his work in dark comedies. He first gained attention for writing the sequel to the cult comedy horror film The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020). Warden’s career took a leap in 2023 when he wrote the screenplay for Cocaine Bear (2023), a dark comedy inspired by a true story. His distinctive storytelling style continued to evolve with Borderline (2025), a comedy horror about a hopelessly romantic sociopath who escapes a mental institution and terrorizes pop superstar Sofia, believing they’re destined to be together. Warden’s ability to blend humour and suspense has made him a rising talent in the film industry.

You’re cordially invited to a violently romantic comedy.

the Park’N Fly app. parknfly.ca/app

CANADIAN SHORTS

• JULIAN IN THE WIND

• GENDER REVEAL

• UASHESHKUN

• GEMMA

• A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS IN A PARKING LOT

• AUDIO & THE ALLIGATOR

• INCONTRO

CANADIAN SHORTS #2

• WHO LOVES THE SUN

• THE TABLE BETWEEN US

• HIMALIA

• BABY

• EXTRAS

• DREAM CAR WASH

• YURI

• THE CHAMP

• CONEX

• LADDOVE MANCHI

• THE ACTOR

ANIMATION & EXPERIMENTAL SHORT COLLECTION #1

• GÉANT BEAUPRÉ

• PLAYING GOD

• THE LITTLE ANCESTOR

• K’UCHU: A CHILDHOOD PLACE

• HEPHAESTUS AND APHRODITE

• DAGON

• NONNA’S SEEDS

• THE ILLUSIONIST DILEMMA

• CANADA UFO NEWS 1969

• SAMSA

• PINOCCHIO REBORN

• DORI

• ALBERTCAMUS

• TASTE OF INDIA

• A GOOD DAY WILL COME

• ESOTICI FUORI LUOGO

• APPUNTO A MEZZOGIORNO

• ALBERT

• ALMA

• SUPERBI

• COME UCCIDERE UN USIGNOLO

• L’INNESTO

• IL PEZZO

• ESOTICI FUORI LUOGO

• LA BUONA CONDOTTA

A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS IN A PARKING LOT

CANADA | 2025 | 11 MINS | DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Andrea Ramolo

A new high-powered executive gets an unexpected visitor from her past where she learns how unbeknownst to her, she was a catalyst in a very disturbing moment during his adolescence.

YURI

ITALY | 2025 | 11 MINS | DRAMA, FANTASY

DIRECTOR: Ryan William Harris

Fleeing from war, Ukrainian child Lyuba meets Bruna, who takes her into a world of magic and illusion. But when the boundary between reality and fantasy is shattered, Lyuba must face her fears in order to regain hope.

BABY

CANADA | 2024 | 8 MINS | DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Andrea Ramolo

During the coldest week of a Toronto winter, a homeless woman named Rose does all that she can to keep her new baby alive.

ALBERT

ITALY | 2024 | 14 MINS | DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Michele Silvano

Lele, a young actor who has spent the last ten years in London, returns home. During a family lunch, he announces that he has decided to abandon his artistic career to study medicine. However, his choice clashes with the will of his father Alberto.

THE TABLE BETWEEN US

CANADA | 2024 | 14 MINS | DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Nikki Rae Hallow

Growing up in an abusive, volatile home, drove Celia to marry a man like her step- father. Now seven years after her husband’s death at the hands of her sister, the sisters meet within the confines of the prison. They’re forced to face their inner demons as they seek redemption and hope for a future together.

WHERE I MISS YOU

ITALY | 2024 | 15 MINS | DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Mauro Lamanna

To evoke the final moments of his life with his partner, Marco stages their last supper together: the most beautiful and the most painful.

A MEETING

CANADA | 2024 | 7 MINS | DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Roberto Zorfini

What is the difference between dreaming and waking when playing chess with a TRANSIT EXPERT?

A death clerk on his first contract with his first client, DANIEL.

DAGON

ITALY | 2024 | 6 MINS | CLAYMATION, FANTASY, HORROR

DIRECTOR: Paolo Gaudio

In 1919 San Francisco, a man is standing on the ledge of a building ready to jump. Desperate, he relives in his memories the absurd and shocking episode that led him to the brink of suicide: the encounter with the monstrous and mythological Great Old One, DAGON.

How does diverse artistry reveal our shared humanity?

DREAM CAR WASH

UNITED KINGDOM | 2024 | 12 MINS | DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Edoardo Brighenti

Sara, an Iranian-Italian immigrant in London, struggles daily at a desolate car wash. Amidst mundane routines and fleeting encounters, Sara yearns for her dream of becoming a professional dancer.

AUDIO & THE ALLIGATOR

CANADA | 2023 | 16 MINS | DOCU-DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Andrés I. Estrada

Audio Caña is a charming grandfather and farmer who spends his days entertaining his loved ones with stories. When he boldly claims that a 19ft alligator is living in his pond, no one believes him. Audio and his granddaughter embark on a quest to hunt down the alligator.

THE CHAMP

ALBANIA | 2024 | 6 MINS | DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Ermir Keta

In a deserted city, former swimming champion Rudi lives with his daughter Ana. Rudi teaches Ana to swim, but she misunderstands his intent, dreaming of her own swimming success. One night, the truth comes to light.

THE LITTLE ANCESTOR

CANADA | 2024 | 11 MINS | ANIMATION

DIRECTOR: Alexa Tremblay-Francoeur

On a windswept hill, in a place still young and devoid of all life, an ancestral house builds itself, and comes to life. It leads us to feel the passage of time, the transformations of its surroundings and its vulnerability to the unstoppable urban growth. The house evolves in the heart of a city that will eventually bring its end.

SAMSA

ITALY | 2025 | 15 MINS | DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Gianpiero Pumo

Nasìr has the chance to realize his big dream and be admitted to a prestigious cooking school. To do so, he will have to cook the most important dish of his life. A dish that, behind a recipe, tells a story.

A GOOD DAY WILL COME

TURKEY | 2024 | 14 MINS | DRAMA, SPORT, POLITICAL

DIRECTOR: Amir Zargara

Arash is a professional wrestler with dreams of representing his country and winning gold medals. The country is in turmoil and its people are suffering. Arash must decide between using his platform to stand up to tyranny, or put his head down and remain silent.

ALBERTCAMUS

ITALY | 2025 | 10 MINS | FANTASY, SCI-FI, DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Giovanni Nodari

Suddenly left alone in the world following a mysterious climatic event, a man and his dog must rely on each other to survive; but who are they really and what kind of relationship do they have?

APPOINTMENT AT MIDDAY

ITALY | 2025 | 14 MINS | COMEDY, DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Antonio Passaro

Maria and Carmine are a young couple, without children. She is lively and maternal, he is tenderly gruff. Maria cooks pasta with beans, and Carmine injures himself by opening a can. They don’t know it yet, but they are experiencing what will become the most special moment of their lives.

PROUD PARTNER OF THE INCLUCITY FESTIVAL

EXTRAS

CANADA | 2024 | 14 MINS | COMEDY

DIRECTOR: Marc-Antoine Lemire

A sunny Sunday morning on a café terrace: Isabelle, an actor whose career is in a rut, meets Johanne, her agent, who might have a new part for her. Tension mounts both at the table and in the surroundings. Will expectations be met?

NONNA’S SEEDS

CANADA | 2025 | 3 MINS | EXPERIMENTAL ANIMATION

DIRECTOR: Patricia Marcoccia

A granddaughter returns to her vacant childhood home, where distant memories and traditions merge into the present, gently whispering: move forward, but don’t forget where you came from.

THE ILLUSIONIST DILEMMA

ITALY | 2024 | 4 MINS | AI

DIRECTOR: Carlo De Togni

The Illusionist Dilemma follows Houdini and Méliès in a surreal encounter where fantasy and reality merge, revealing a deeper reflection on creativity, illusion, and the impact of technological progress.

GENDER REVEAL

CANADA | 2024 | 13 MINS | COMEDY

DIRECTOR: Léonie Hurtubise

Rhys, a dedicated people pleaser, winds up at their boss’ gender reveal party with their two partners. The trans throuple soon realizes that they are dealing with more than they were prepared for and their ability to survive the event comes into question.

K’UCHI: A CHILDHOOD PLACE

PERU | 2025 | 11 MINS | ANIMATIO, DRAMA,

COMING OF AGE, FANTASY, POLITICAL

DIRECTOR: Alessio Del Pozo Temoche

Óscar isolates himself in his playful childhood. Caught between leaving childhood behind or playing alone, terrorist violence erupts, forcing Óscar to grow up overnight. Forty years later, he remembers it all as he walks back to his hometown, searching for food and shelter amid the COVID-19 crisis.

HIMALIA

CANADA | 2024 | 20 MINS | DRAMA, SCI-FICTION

DIRECTOR: Clara Milo, Juliette Lossky

Set on an idyllic farmland, a child’s fascination for the light leads the way into this otherwordly tale structured around the passage of a single and ever-flowing sunbeam.

JULIAN AND THE WORLD

CANADA | 2024 | 15 MINS | DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Connor Jessup

Arthur and Julian are roommates at an all-boys boarding school. Arthur is in love with Julian. Julian doesn’t have the time of day for Arthur. When Julian starts sleepwalking –– and the weather starts stirring –– it creates a strange, intimate space in their lives.

HEPHAESTUS AND APHRODITE

UNITED STATES | 2025 | 8 MINS | ANIMATION, ROMANCE, FANTASY, MYTHOLOGY

DIRECTOR: Daniel R. Allen

This reimagining of Greek myth explores the untold love between Hephaestus and Aphrodite. Amid betrayal and divine conflict, they find unexpected solace in shared passion—his for creation, hers for connection. A story of love beyond beauty and desire.

PLAYING GOD

ITALY | 2024 | 9 MINS | CLAYMATION

DIRECTOR: Matteo Burani

A clay sculpture comes to life in the darkness of a laboratory, surrounded by mysterious creatures…

WHO LOVES THE SUN

CANADA | 2024 | 19 MINS | DOCUMENTARY

DIRECTOR: Arshia Shakiba

In war-torn northern Syria, Who Loves the Sun delves into the world of makeshift oil refineries and the stark realities of life within this postapocalyptic landscape. Mahmood is a prominent figure in these operations, navigating harsh working conditions and complex local dynamics.

BEAUPRE THE GIANT

CANADA | 2024 | 8 MINS | ANIMATION

DIRECTOR: Alain Fournier

Beaupré the Giant marked his era with his 8’3” height. Gone too young and far from home in 1904, his journey as a phenomenon was only just beginning. In a stunning series of twists and turns, his mummified body will take more than 80 years to find its way home.

THE PIECE

ITALY | 2025 | 12 MINS | COMEDY

DIRECTOR: Kimberly Scarsella

A self-centered college student faces her family’s shortcomings and her own unfulfilled dreams on a trip to discover her mother’s roots in Calabria. When her uncle promises her a chance to play a Stradivarius violin for the first time, she cannot anticipate what she might find.

UASHESHKUN

CANADA | 2024 | 9 MINS | DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Normand Junior Thirnish-Pilot

A father tries to save the soul of his daughter, lost in darkness.

DORI

ALBANIA, SPAIN | 2024 | 18 MINS | COMEDY, DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Alexandre Lefebvre

Dori is a 30-year-old boy with development disabilities. He dreams of becoming an actor but is not taken seriously; And so, the days go by… He lays down watching the starry ceiling reflected by the lamp in his bedroom, waiting for dreams taking him on the stage.

GEMMA

CANADA | 2024 | 6 MINS | COMEDY

DIRECTOR: Christina Ienna

Gemma is a tenacious young woman trying out an exuberant number of activities and hobbies in her quest to find a special talent. Gemma represents the unspoken pressures and expectations that many of us put on ourselves when we are developing new skills.

EXOTICS OUT OF PLACE

ITALY | 2024 | 21 MINS | INVESTIGATIVE MEDIUM

DIRECTOR: Caterina Tarquini, Francesca Sapio

Tropical birds, venomous spiders, small rodents. Unusual colors and distinctive feathers drive up prices. But once the apparent legality wears off, one encounters a shadowy underworld of illegal practices. “Exotics Out of Place” explores the passion for unconventional pets and the potential risks they pose to both their well-being and our health.

HOW TO KILL A NIGHTINGALE

ITALY | 2024 | 13 MINS | DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Ciara Kerr

Anastasia is a young ballerina who constantly struggles with her parents’ vulnerabilities and the harsh realities of the dance world. Alone and in pain, Anastasia will discover her own way to cope with her troubled relationship with her body and neglect.

ALMA

ITALY | 2024 | 15 MINS | DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Camilla Cattabriga

It is the story of Alma, of her intense journey of transformation in which she saw herself grow through courageous ‘leaps’. It is the story of a little girl who becomes a girl, then a woman, taking us with her into her deepest experiences of pain and rebirth.

TASTE OF INDIA

ITALY | 2024 | 10 MINS | COMEDY

DIRECTOR: Fabio Garofalo & Jacopo Santambrogio

Night. Patrick has just lost his job. On his way home he vents to his mother on the phone, but after turning into a deserted alley... it’s immediately a robbery. Dave and his knife appear. Then, Carlos also appears with his gun. An argument begins between threats, chatter, and a mother on the phone... Who will rob who?

THE ACTOR

SLOVENIA | 2024 | 14 MINS | DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Ali Asgari and Gianluca Mangiasciutti

Everything the actor plays in films later happens to him in real life.

THE GRAFT

ITALY | 2024 | 15 MINS | DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Gabriele Campanella

Laura and Marco, a couple who experienced the tragic loss of a child during childbirth, decide to go through the grieving process together. Once they reach the point where they feel ready to share their love with a new family member, they come across, abandoned child, Giorgio.

SUPERBI

ITALY | 2024 | 15 MINS | COMEDY

DIRECTOR: Nikola Brunelli

Ascoli Piceno is home to “SUPERBI,” a store that has been producing the city’s most famous fried olives since 1864. Fulvio has been running the family business for years, yet recently he has grown tired of it. But then a new fried olive store opens in town, run by young rival Ismail…

PINOCCHIO REBORN

ITALY | 2024 | 12 MINS | COMEDY

DIRECTOR: Matteo Cirillo

In a world that exploits those who are honest, Pinocchio, now an adult, pays dearly for the values of goodness and sincerity he has followed. Constantly humiliated and mocked, he turns to a psychologist to try to understand whether, in a society that rewards the clever, it is worth staying good

CONEX

IRAN | 2025 | 14 MINS | DRAMA

DIRECTOR: Dina Rezaei

A middle-aged man seeks refuge from the harsh and soulless world of society by escaping to a world he has created for himself.

A I RTIFICIAL VISIONS

Opening Night | Lavazza IncluCity Festival – ICFF 2025

Date: June 27, 2025

Location: The Illuminarium, Distillery District, Toronto

An Immersive Celebration of AI-Generated Art

The Lavazza IncluCity Festival launches its 2025 edition with “Airtificial Visions,” an immersive opening night event that showcases the most visionary artists working with artificial intelligence.

Set in Toronto’s cutting-edge Illuminarium, the experience features large-scale AI-generated visual works by six internationally acclaimed creators from Italy, Canada, Germany, US, and beyond. From digital surrealism to Afrofuturist elegance, from mythological dreamscapes to sacred femininity, each artist offers a singular vision of what art can be when technology meets soul.

”Airtificial Visions” is more than an exhibition—it’s a portal. A look into the digital psyche of a new artistic generation. It marks a bold step for ICFF as it bridges cinema, visual culture, and future-facing storytelling.

– An original curatorial project by ICFF Curated by Cristiano de Florentiis With contributions by Kenneth Pongrapeeporn

FEATURED ARTISTS

Viktoria Blank (Italy)

A visual artist known for transforming emotion and social consciousness into bold, thought-provoking imagery. Viktoria has become a leading voice in the new wave of digital art, bridging fine art and digital culture with uncompromising vision.

A.I.C. – Ilan Lev (Israel)

Ilan Lev’s creative roots lie in DJ and rave culture scenes. In 2020, he began experimenting with video editing, and in 2022 he discovered AI-generated art, a medium that felt like a natural extension of his love for rhythm, visuals, and improvisation. Today, His work brings together rhythm, emotion, and surreal visuals.

Kelly Boesch (USA)

A leading AI visual innovator who combines two decades of design experience with AI technology to create digital art. She is recognized for developing a new visual language that merges human creativity with machine learning, representing a new form of artistic expression.

Black.AI.Butterfly – Cristina Ardelean (Canada)

A media professional and AI artist known for crafting surreal, emotionally resonant narratives through generative technology. Her work explores dreamlike worlds, impossible love stories, and cinematic experiences that challenge perception and stir emotion.

Panethera – Tatjana Högele (Germany)

A Berlin-based AI artist who explores the infinite possibilities of parallel realities through cinematic storytelling. Her project Panethera envisions worlds shaped by evolving consciousness, freedom, and values. Her work offers gentle, hopeful visions that resonate with those open to new possibilities.

Gerde Got It – James Gerde (USA)

A multifaceted creative professional based in Seattle, known for his work as a filmmaker, videographer, photographer, and graphic designer. His projects are distinguished by an innovative use of AI and emerging technology to craft visually striking, emotionally resonant video content.

OLG is a proud sponsor of Lavazza IncluCity Festival celebrating multicultural film, music, dance, art and cuisine.

It’s just one of the many ways we’re helping Ontarians Bring Home the Win!

OLG est fière de commanditer le festival Lavazza IncluCity Festival célébrant le cinéma, la musique, la danse, l’art et la cuisine multiculturels.

Voilà une des nombreuses façons dont OLG donne aux Ontariens le plaisir de gagner chez eux!

TOthe Beat

TO the Beat is a free concert series that celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of Toronto’s incredible music scene. Presented as part of the IncluCity Festival, the series brings together artists from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and musical styles, reflecting the rich mosaic of communities that call Toronto home. From global rhythms to homegrown talent, TO the Beat invites everyone to come together, dance, and experience the sounds of the city—live and outdoors.

Friday, June 27 – 6.30pm

AWA’S MULTICULTURALISM CELEBRATION FEATURING NGOMA ENSEMBLE

Saturday, June 28 – 4.30pm

Saturday, June 28 – 1pm

EAVEL ENSEMBLE FEATURING MASTER HOSSEIN BEHROOZINIA BY CAMS

Saturday, June 28 – 7pm

COURTYARD CONCERTS PRESENTS SEU THE GREAT CANADIAN SONGBOOK WITH JUKEBOX JORDO

Saturday, June 28 – 6.15pm

COURTYARD CONCERTS PRESENTS ANDDRE MAFRA

Saturday, June 28 – 7.45pm

COURTYARD CONCERTS PRESENTS FLO OLAVARRIA

JOIE DE VIVRE:

FRANCOPHONE

Sunday, June 29 – 1pm Sunday, June 29 – 4.30pm

Sunday, June 29 – 4.30pm

SOUNDS OF CANADA WITH JOANNE MORRA & ERIC ST-LAURENT PCMFF PRESENTS V!LLAH

PCMFF PRESENTS FEBO

PCMFF PRESENTS ALTHEA

Sunday, June 29 – 4.30pm Sunday, June 29 – 7pm

Sunday, June 29 – 6.15pm

COURTYARD CONCERTS PRESENTS CHRIS ODAY

COURTYARD CONCERTS PRESENTS JEREMY VOLTZ

Sunday, June 29 – 7.45pm

COURTYARD CONCERTS PRESENTS SEYBLU

Monday, June 30 – 7.15pm

Monday, June 30 – 2pm

Monday, June 30 – 7.15pm

OUR MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTS YARRO

Monday, June 30 – 7.15pm

OUR MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTS EARTH 2 TIFFANY THE SOUNDS OF US: ROOTS & RHYTHMS OF THE TRUE NORTH WITH EUNICE KEITAN

OUR MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTS AMANDA WALTHER

Tuesday, July 1 – 2pm

AHEAD BY A CENTURY: A CANADA DAY TRIBUTE WITH UP TO HERE

Tuesday, July 1 – 6.45pm

Wednesday, July 2 – 7.15pm

WOMEN

SONG

SARAH JORDAN AND MATT VON

Thursday, July 3 – 7.15pm

Friday, July 4 – 7.15pm

Saturday, July 5 – 7.15pm

Sunday, July 6 – 5.30pm

Sunday, July 6 – 5.45pm

Monday, July 7 – 7.15pm

BAND

Sunday, July 6 – 7.15pm

KOURABA PRESENTS AMARA KANTE & THE FOIL DRUMMING ENSEMBLE

Wednesday, July 9 – 7.15pm

OUR MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTS ANDREA RAMOLO FEATURING MICHAEL MALCOLM

Saturday, July 12 – 7.15pm

Thursday, July 10 – 7.15pm

WELLINGTON MUSIC FEATURING THE HOLLYWOOD NORTH QUARTET

Sunday, July 13 – 6.15pm

MUSICONTARIO PRESENTS AVERY RAQUEL

Sunday, July 13 – 7.15pm

MUSICONTARIO PRESENTS BROOKLYN DORAN

Sunday, July 13 – 6.45pm

MUSICONTARIO PRESENTS ANA LIA

Sunday, July 13 – 7.45pm

Monday, July 14 – 7.15pm

MATT VON

MUSICONTARIO PRESENTS ALTERED BY MOM

Tuesday, July 15 – 7.15pm

THE DYNA ENTERTAINMENT & ANTIDOTE ARTISTS PRESENT DYNESTI

Wednesday, July 16 – 6.15pm

TORONTO BLUES SOCIETY PRESENTS THE JAY BLUES TRIO

Friday, July 18 – 7.15pm

AWA KING COSMOS

Sunday, July 20 – 4.20pm

PCMFF PRESENTS MIST FESTIVAL WITH FIESTA FILIPINA DANCE TROUPE

Wednesday, July 16 – 7.15pm

TORONTO BLUES SOCIETY PRESENTS GLENN MARIS AND THE MOJO TRAIN

Sunday, July 20 – 4pm

PCMFF PRESENTS MIST FESTIVAL WITH HARMONIA VOICES

Sunday, July 20 – 4.45pm

PCMFF PRESENTS MIST FESTIVAL WITH RHETT DELA CRUZ

MIST FESTIVAL WITH SHEKAINA

PCMFF PRESENTS MIST FESTIVAL WITH JERIC

PCMFF PRESENTS MIST FESTIVAL WITH RACHEL ALEJANDRO

PCMFF PRESENTS MIST FESTIVAL WITH AMPLIFYE

PCMFF PRESENTS MIST FESTIVAL WITH JINKY VIDAL

PCMFF PRESENTS MIST FESTIVAL WITH JDL SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS

CINEMATIC TOUR SAKE AND CINEMA

SAKE AND CINEMA CINEMATIC TOUR

ADD-ON EXPERIENCE PAIRED WITH FEATURE FILM ‘NEMESIS’

Celebrate the Japanese night with us and embark on an extraordinary experience that will elevate your movie-watching to new heights. Introducing our exclusive bundle: the sake tasting tour, designed to immerse you in the captivating world of Japanese culture while indulging in the exquisite flavours of traditional sake. This remarkable 45-minute tour is organized in partnership with IZUMI, renowned experts in the art of sake brewing.

‘LIGHTS, CAMERA, DISTILLERY! A CINEMATIC TOUR’ IN THE ICONIC DISTILLERY DISTRICT.

This unforgettable 60-minutes tour will showcase the District’s role as a backdrop to hundreds of movies. Prepare to be immersed in a cinematic experience like no other, as we unveil the countless movies that have chosen this iconic location as their backdrop.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

COCKTAIL WORKSHOP

COCKTAIL

WORKSHOP

STEP BEHIND THE BAR AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE CAPTIVATING WORLD OF MIXOLOGY!

In this interactive workshop, participants will embark on a journey of discovery, learning the art of crafting 3 distinct and unforgettable cocktails. The experienced mixologists at The Spirit House will share their expertise, techniques, and insider secrets as they take attendees through the step-by-step process of creating exquisite drinks.

ILLUMINARIUM ILLUMINARIUM

AN INCREDIBLE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

Experience the magic of imagination brought to life in this captivating cinematic journey that combines the nostalgic delight of Lite-Brite with the cutting-edge immersive technology of Illuminarium.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

PRESENTED BY

EXCLUSIVE BANKING SPONSOR

MAIN PARTNER

OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION PARTNERS OFFICIAL CHOCOLATE PROVIDER

LEADING SPONSORS

EXCLUSIVE TIMEPIECE PARTNER

LEADING PARTNERS

FOUNDED BY

PREMIERE SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

FILM+ SPONSORS

FILM SPONSORS

DIRECTOR SPONSORS

DIRECTOR SPONSORS (CONT.)

SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS

PROGRAM SPONSORS