Italian Film Festival Kicks Off in New Zealand, Starting With Auckland

Kiwi-Italian filmmaker Paolo Rotondo has found a heap of success – both publically and critically – with his feature directorial debut Orphans and Kingdoms, which is currently playing in cinemas nationwide (find movie times near you).

You can download the full 2016 programme and read the press release below…

As a good Kiwi Italian, I could not sit back and allow another year to pass without experiencing quality Italian Cinema. So, from the ground up, we have started a brand new Festival of Italian Cinema.

Both Italy and Aotearoa pride ourselves on our filmmaking talents, so it follows that we should treat the New Zealand public with the opportunity to enjoy a quality and diverse range of Italian films.

“We want this festival of cinema to be a premiere cultural event all over New Zealand… and we look forward to getting Italians and Kiwis to laugh, cry and be amazed together.” – Paolo Rotondo

With the Cinema Italiano Festival, Paolo and partner Renee Mark have put together a superb offering of new films and return hits from Italy’s dynamic film industry. The curated offering includes everything from documentaries and animations to powerful dramas and the popular heart warming Italian comedies.

“I would like to dedicate this first edition of the Cinema Italiano Festival to ‘La Donna Italiana’ – Italian Women. I was struck by the powerful presence of Italian women working in Cinema reflecting the changing nature of contemporary Italy. This year the feminine voice is loud, clear and undeniably strong and we celebrate this voice in all its glory on the silver screen.” – Paolo Rotondo

With the support of some of the finest Italian and New Zealand Businesses ranging from design, fashion, cuisine and wine we have curated a high-quality selection of films that is worthy of the brand ‘Made in Italy’.

In our first year we lay the foundations for how we should like to proceed; quality, diversity, inclusiveness delivered with genuine Italian warmth and hospitality.

Ci vediamo al cinema.

Paolo and Renee