he Italian Film Festival returns to Manila from June 26 to July 1, 2026, showcasing six acclaimed contemporary Italian films, including the latest works from internationally celebrated directors Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty, Youth) and Paolo Genovese (Perfect Strangers).
Organized by the Embassy of Italy in Manila in partnership with Elephant Pictures, Cineforum Robert Bresson, the Philippine-Italian Association (PIA), and Shangri-La Plaza’s Red Carpet Cinemas, the festival continues its commitment to promoting Italian culture and fostering stronger cultural ties between Italy and the Philippines through the universal language of film.
This year’s selection highlights the creativity, diversity, and vitality of contemporary Italian cinema, offering Filipino audiences an opportunity to experience compelling stories from some of Italy’s leading filmmakers.
Admission to all screenings is free. Screenings will be held daily 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 a platform for cultural exchange, introducing Filipino audiences to the richness of contemporary Italian cinema while fostering dialogue among artists, students, educators, and cultural institutions.
The festival forms part of broader efforts to promote Italian culture and strengthen people-to-people ties between Italy and the Philippines through the arts.
The festival’s artistic direction and film selection are overseen by Festival Director Antonio Termenini, a film producer and cultural organizer. He is the founder of Cineforum Robert Bresson, a Rome-based association dedicated to cinema and cultural exchange, as well as the creator of the internationally recognized Asian Film Festival in Italy. Termenini also serves as Managing Director of Elephant Pictures, a film production and distribution company. Through these initiatives, he has played a significant role in promoting Italian and Asian cinema and fostering cultural dialogue between Europe and Asia.
Further details on admission procedures and festival activities will be announced through the official channels of the organizers.
For updates on screening schedules, festival activities, and related announcements, please visit and follow the official channels of the Embassy of Italy in Manila and the Philippine-Italian Association (PIA).
