Manila, Philippines – 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.
