New Italian Film Events will run from December 16-18 at Cinema Akil.
Cinema Akil, the independent cinema in UAE, is set to host N.I.C.E. Film Festival in collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy in Dubai and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Abu Dhabi.
New Italian Cinema Event (N.I.C.E) is a three-day film festival featuring new contemporary cinema from Italy. Movie lovers across the UAE will be able to catch the latest programme at Cinema Akil’s flagship location in Al Serkal from December 16-18.
N.I.C.E brings with it a programme of award-winning films that blur the lines between fictional and essay work including Californie (Alessandro Cassigoli and Casey Kauffman) as well as Journey Into the Twilight (Augusto Contento). With family dynamics at their core, films like Santa Lucia (Marco Chiappetta), Girl Returned (Giuseppe Bonito) and The Code of Silence (Francesco Costabile), push the boundaries of storytelling and will invite the UAE audience into new realms and reflections. Those heading to Cinema Akil will also be able to engage in live Q&As with the directors of Two Left Feet (Isabella Salvetti) and Santa Lucia (Marco Chiappetta). Augusto Contento, director of Journey Into the Twilight will be attending his Q&A virtually at Cinema Akil.
Commenting on the partnership with Cinema Akil, Ida Zilio-Grandi, Director of Istituto Italiano di Cultura of Abu Dhabi said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Cinema Akil for N.I.C.E which was founded in 1991 with the mission to promote new Italian cinema abroad. The programme, with its mix of contemporary, adventure and drama themes is a true celebration of the latest that the Italian film industry has to offer – a mixed bag guaranteed to appeal to movie lovers in the UAE.”
Viviana del Bianco N.I.C.E. Founder and Artistic Director added: “N.I.C.E. (New Italian Cinema Events) Film Festival reached its 32° edition. With a long and complex journey starting from a humble origin, it has grown to trace new paths for cinema and maintained an identity oriented to the enhancement of the new, both new authors and new trends. This festival means the promotion of Contemporary Italian Cinema, but also new ideas and projects. N.I.C.E. Dubai 2022 is among them.”
Giuseppe Finocchiaro, Consulate General of Italy in Dubai, stated: “Cinema is culture and, as such, it brings an inestimable contribution to the development, the enrichment and the identity of a country and its people. The film-making industry and all its players (directors, actresses and actors, screenwriters, and all other professionals) play a crucial role in shaping and developing our society. Initiatives such as N.I.C.E. provide a unique opportunity for movies to reach audiences in many countries, bringing topical issues beyond the borders of their geographical areas.”
Cinema Akil’s founder Butheina Kazim commented: “We’re excited to bring back Italian cinema to Cinema Akil, this time in partnership with The Istituto Italiano di Cultura of Abu Dhabi. While our other programs focused on Italian cinema bring forth a mix of new and classic, I am excited for N.I.C.E to bring a program that is dedicated to more recent works. There’s a charm in rewatching our favourite classics, but showcasing something new and contemporary creates the opportunity to leave your audience with a whole new experience.”
