Cinema Akil to honour film director Roberto Rossellini with Italian Film Week

Witness the magic of Italian cinema from 31 May until 6 June.

Movie lovers, this one’s for you. Dubai’s very own Cinema Akil is back and it’s bringing back its Italian Film Week. Taking place from 31 May until 6 June, the fourth edition of Cinema Akil’s Italian Film Week will see a delightful array of some of Italy’s finest cinema.

Six incredible films will be screened as part of Italian Film Week, promising stories of identity, family drama, and adventures. This year’s program, presented in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute Abu Dhabi, also features a special tribute to Roberto Rossellini, the legendary Italian filmmaker who reshaped cinema. 

A Brighter Tomorrow

Nanni Moretti’s A Brighter Tomorrow, a comedy-drama delves into the personal and professional life of a movie director. It explores familial ties and the impact of the USSR invasion of Hungary in 1956. The film also premiered at last year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Casablanca

Not to be confused with the Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman classic. Casablanca follows a Moroccan exile’s efforts to return to Casablanca after his hopes of building a better future in Europe are dashed. Playing on Saturday, 1 June at 3.15pm and Monday, 3 June at 7pm.

Disco Boy

Giacomo Abbruzzese’s debut feature, Disco Boy, is a compelling drama starring Franz Rogowski as Aleksei, a member of the French Foreign Legion. The film combines his story with that of Jomo, a guerrilla fighter in the Niger Delta.  Playing on Saturday, 1 June at 7pm and Wednesday, 5 June at 7pm.

Journey to Italy

Another Rossellini masterpiece, Journey to Italy stars Ingrid Bergman and George Sanders as a married couple on the brink of separation. Set during a trip to Italy, their relationship is tested and ultimately transformed. Playing on Sunday, 2 June at 2.30pm and Tuesday, 4 June at 9.45pm.

La Chimera

Alice Rohrwacher’s La Chimera follows Arthur and his band of tombaroli — thieves of ancient archaeological wonders. This period comedy-drama, set in the 1980s, stars Josh O’Connor and was premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. Playing on Sunday, 2 June at 4.15pm and Tuesday, 4 June at 7pm.

Like Sheep Among Wolves

Directed by Lyda Patitucci, Like Sheep Among Wolves follows Stefania, an undercover police officer, who infiltrates an Italian-Serbian gang and discovers her brother’s involvement. The thrilling film explores themes of loyalty and betrayal within a family. Playing on Saturday, 1 June at 9pm and Thursday, 6 June at 7pm.

Rome, Open City

Rossellini’s Rome, Open City takes place in Nazi-occupied Rome in 1944. The film follows a diverse group of characters, including a Resistance fighter and a Catholic priest. It’s one of the first post-war Italian films to gain international acclaim, winning the Palme d’Or at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival.  Playing on Friday, 31 May at 10pm and Wednesday, 5 June at 7pm.

Stromboli

Stromboli marks the first collaboration between Roberto Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman. Set against the backdrop of a volcanic island, the film portrays a Lithuanian refugee’s existential crisis after World War 2. The film also stars Humphrey Bogart.  Playing on Saturday, 1 June at 4.45pm and Sunday, 2 June at 9.15pm.

There’s Still Tomorrow

Paola Cortellesi’s There’s Still Tomorrow explores patriarchy in post-war Italian society. Set in the 1940s, the film follows Delia, who challenges traditional family patterns after receiving a mysterious letter. It stars Cortellesi herself and has garnered several awards, including accolades from the Sydney Film Festival, Rome Film Fest and multiple David di Donatello Awards.  Playing on Friday, 31 May at 7pm and Monday, 3 June at 8.30pm.

So mark your calendars and head to Cinema Akil for a week of cinematic brilliance. Tickets to the movies are priced at AED 55 and are available to buy online or at the venue.

GO: Visit www.cinemaakil.com for more information.