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The Italian Film Festival 2025 which returned last week at Cinema 2, SM Aura, with a curated selection of acclaimed films that celebrate the charm, wit, and emotional depth of contemporary Italian cinema will extend its other activities on Italian movies.
Presented by the Embassy of Italy in Manila, in partnership with the Philippine-Italian Association, the festival showcased three standout films that have made waves in Italy and beyond: “Enrico Piaggo Vespa” (2019) by Umberto Marino—a biographical drama that explores the visionary legacy behind one of Italy’s most iconic creations: the Vespa scooter.
“Quasi Orfano” (2022) by Umberto Carteni—a sharp and hilarious comedy about family ties, ambition, and the chaos of identity, offering a fresh take on modern Italian relationships.
“Momenti di Trascurabile Felicità” (2019) by Daniele Luchetti—a heartwarming, philosophical reflection on life’s overlooked joys, blending humor and existential musings in a uniquely Italian way.
The festival aimed to strengthen cultural ties between Italy and the Philippines through the universal language of cinema.
“Cinema has the power to provoke thought, to make us laugh, and to inspire reflection in equal measure. With this festival, we want to open a window into Italian culture and invite people in—not only to watch, but to connect.
“This year’s edition places a special emphasis on comedies in contemporary Italian cinema, celebrating the genre as one of the most honest and revealing forms of storytelling–tackling serious subjects with wit, empathy, and sharp social insight,” said Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Davide Giglio.
As part of the celebration, visitors can still enjoy an Italian cinema-inspired exhibit at SM Aura’s main atrium (upper ground level) until June 15, 2025. (Eunice Helera)