Italian Film Festival 2026 brings films by Paolo Sorrentino, Paolo Genovese and leading Italian contemporary filmmakers

The Italian Film Festival returns to Manila from June 26 to July 1, 2026, presenting six acclaimed contemporary Italian films, including the latest works by internationally renowned directors Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty, Youth) and Paolo Genovese (Perfect Strangers).

 

Organized by the Embassy of Italy in Manila in collaboration with Elephant Pictures, Cineforum Robert Bresson, the Philippine-Italian Association (PIA), and Shangri-La Plaza's Red Carpet Cinemas, the festival continues its mission of promoting Italian culture and strengthening ties between Italy and the Philippines through the universal language of cinema.

Admission to all screenings is free of charge, with daily screenings scheduled at 6:00 PM at the Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.

This year's edition showcases a diverse selection of films representing some of the most significant voices in contemporary Italian cinema:

• La Grazia (The Pardon) by Academy Award-winning director Paolo Sorrentino (2025), a compelling political drama centered on the President of the Italian Republic as he faces two delicate requests for presidential pardon at the end of his mandate.
• FolleMente (Madly) by internationally acclaimed director Paolo Genovese (2025), a witty and insightful romantic comedy that takes audiences inside the minds of its protagonists.
• Elisa by Leonardo Di Costanzo (2025), a powerful drama exploring memory, guilt, and redemption.
• Gioia Mia (Sweetheart) by Margherita Spampinato (2025), a touching story about family, faith, and generational change.
• La Vita da Grandi (Siblings) by Greta Scarano (2025), an uplifting and emotional journey centered on family bonds and independence.
• Le Città di Pianura (The Last One for the Road) by Francesco Sossai (2025), a bittersweet road movie about friendship, self-discovery, and unexpected encounters.

For many years, the Italian Film Festival has served as an important platform for cultural exchange, introducing Filipino audiences to the richness and diversity of contemporary Italian filmmaking while creating opportunities for dialogue between artists, educators, students, and cultural institutions.

The festival is part of the broader efforts to promote Italian cultural heritage and strengthen people-to-people connections between Italy and the Philippines.

Festival Director Antonio Termenini continues to oversee the artistic direction of the festival and the selection of films presented to Philippine audiences. A film producer and cultural organizer, Termenini is the founder of Cineforum Robert Bresson, a Rome-based cultural association dedicated to promoting cinema and cultural exchange. He is also the creator of the internationally recognized Asian Film Festival in Italy and Managing Director of Elephant Pictures, a film production and distribution company. Through these initiatives, he has played an important role in promoting both Italian and Asian cinema and fostering cultural dialogue between Europe and Asia.

Additional information regarding admission procedures and festival activities will be announced through the official channels of the organizers.

Experience the best of contemporary Italian cinema.

Viva il Cinema Italiano!

For updates, screening schedules, and festival announcements, follow the official channels of the organizers:

Embassy of Italy in Manila
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalyinPH
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italyinph

Philippine-Italian Association (PIA)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philippineitalianassociation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philitalian
Website: https://philippineitalianassociation.org

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Filipino-Italian Chamber Music Concert: A Night of Culture and Harmony

The Philippine Italian Association (PIA), together with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and in partnership with Joel’s Place and 98.7 DZFE-FM The Master’s Touch, invites you to a remarkable evening of music and cultural exchange. The Filipino-Italian Chamber Music Concert will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at the Asia Pacific College Auditorium in Magallanes, Makati City, starting at 7:00 PM.

This unique concert brings together the richness of Filipino and Italian musical traditions in one unforgettable program. The evening features timeless works from European masters such as Rossini’s Sonata No. 1 in G Major, Tartini’s Sonata in G Minor (Didone Abbandonata), Debussy’s Piano Trio, and beloved themes from Ennio Morricone’s Cinema Paradiso and La Califfa. Adding a festive touch are classics like Funiculi Funicula.

Equally inspiring are the Filipino selections, including Nicanor Abelardo’s Cavatina, Mike Velarde’s Dahil Sa Iyo, Constancio de Guzman’s Bayan Ko, and well-loved folksongs such as Si Nanay Tatay Di Ko Babayaan, Ili-Ili Tulog Anay, and Salidumay.

At the helm of the performance is Maestro Alessio Benvenuti, concertmaster of the MSO and a distinguished violinist whose career spans more than 2,000 concerts across the world. He will be joined by an exceptional ensemble: Alfonso Encina (Violin II), Sara Gonzales (Viola), Arnold Josue (Cello), Lawrence Palad (Bass), and Mariel Ilusorio (Piano)—each bringing their artistry to create a stirring blend of sound and culture.

This collaboration reflects the shared mission of the Philippine Italian Association, now celebrating its 63rd year of fostering ties between Italy and the Philippines; the MSO, one of the oldest orchestras in Asia dedicated to nurturing Filipino musical talent; Joel’s Place, a modern lifestyle grocerant that champions global and local flavors; and 98.7 DZFE-FM, the country’s only classical music station, serving generations of listeners since 1954.

Tickets are priced at ₱1,500, with 20% discounts for Senior Citizens and PWDs and 10% off for PIA Members. For reservations, contact Ms. Jan Dacera at 0995 430 5118 or email philitalassociation@gmail.com.

Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of music, heritage, and cultural harmony. Follow the Philippine Italian Association on Facebook (The Philippine Italian Association) and Instagram (@philitalian) for updates.

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