Organized by the Embassy of Italy in Ireland and the Italian Institute of Culture, the 4th edition of the N.I.C.E. Italian Film Festival Ireland will run from March 27th to April 6th, featuring films by some of Italy’s best contemporary directors, including Paolo Sorrentino, Ferzan Özpetek, and young talented ones as Pilar Fogliati.
A captivating selection of films is coming to Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick this year thanks to the collaboration with UCC, University of Galway, Galway Film Society and the Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD) partnering to expand the Festival’s reach even further.
This year’s selection is particularly dedicated to the complexities of female characters, exploring the balance between self-representation and external portrayal.
Dublin Film Selection
Margherita Vicario’s directorial debut, “Gloria!”, is set in the late 18th-century female institution of Sant’Ignazio near Venice. It follows Teresa, a visionary musical talent, as she challenges the era’s conventions by creating music that is both rebellious and modern. “Romantiche” (Romantic girls), Pilar Fogliati’s directorial debut, delves into the lives of four women navigating personal challenges and aspirations, highlighting their unique journeys toward self-discovery and belonging. “Diamanti” (Diamonds), directed by Ferzan Özpetek, transports viewers to a bustling tailoring shop in 1970s Rome and its 18 female employees, each bringing their own stories, dreams, and challenges.
We are also excited to bring to Ireland for the first time Paolo Sorrentino’s latest film, “Parthenope”, a tribute to the director’s love for the city of Naples, embodied in the life of the young girl, Parthenope.
“L’abbaglio” (The Illusion) is set in 19th-century Sicily and follows a group of unlikely fighters who, under Garibaldi’s command, are tasked with deceiving the enemies of the Bourbon army. A very different theme is explored in the documentary “Real”, directed by Adele Tulli, which reflects on what it means to be human in the digital age. Through a series of thought-provoking interviews and visual storytelling, the film examines how technology, social media, and virtual realities are reshaping the way we perceive ourselves and others.
Finally, “Una storia nera” (A Dark Story), directed by Leonardo D’Agostini, is a thriller where, after a bitter divorce, a man disappears without a trace, leaving his ex-wife and children to unravel the mystery.
All films will be screened in Italian with English subtitles.
Visit https://www.nicefestival.org/ for the full programme.
Odeon Point Square
Thursday 3 APR
18:30 — GLORIA! by Margherita Vicario — 106′
RECEPTION AFTER THE SCREENING
Light House Cinema
Friday 4 APR
18:30 — DIAMANTI / Diamonds by Ferzan Özpetek — 135′
Saturday 5 APR
15:30 — UNA STORIA NERA / A dark story by Leonardo D’Agostini — 100′
18:30 — L’ABBAGLIO / The illusion by Roberto Andò — 131″
Sunday 6 APR
15:30 — REAL by Adele Tulli — 83′
17:30 — ROMANTICHE / Romantic Girls by Pilar Fogliati — 108′
19:45 — MEET THE ACTORS
20:10 — PARTHENOPE by Paolo Sorrentino — 136′
