This annual international event promotes Italian as the language of classical and contemporary culture.
Every year the diplomatic and cultural network of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy chooses a theme for this initiative and organises a series of events in the third week of October.
In 2017, under the High Patronage of the President of the Republic of Italy, the chosen theme is ‘L'italiano al cinema, l'italiano nel cinema’ (Italian at the cinema, Italian in the cinema), focusing on the lasting legacy of Italian films.
While events will unfold in every corner of the globe in celebration of the Italian language, three states are at the forefront of Australia’s festivities.
Over in the west, the Consulate of Italy in Perth has organised an exciting program of events and activities beginning with the ‘I Miei Nonni Speech Competition’ on October15 at Dante Alighieri Perth.
The week will end with a free guided visit in Italian at the Art Gallery of Western Australia in Perth and a seminar on ancient Rome at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle, both on October 22.
Meanwhile in the nation’s capital, the Australian National University Library will present Honorary Senior Lecturer in Film & New Media, Dr Gino Moliterno, discussing the role of language in Italian cinema on October 18.
Dr Moliterno will explore this theme throughout the history of Italian cinema, from the early days of silent films, through the censorship of the fascist era, the post-war period and into the modern day.
In addition, the Italian Cultural Centre of Canberra will hold its annual Festa Italiana at the Embassy Gardens on October 15, featuring a spread of mouth-watering Italian fair, along with exhilarating music, dancing and entertainment.
Moving south, Flinders University has collaborated with the Consulate of Italy in Adelaide, Arte Grafica and the Dante Alighieri Society of South Australia to put on ‘Hollywood on the Tiber, 80 Years of Cinecittà’.
Presented by Dr Luciana d'Arcangeli, the event will take place on October 16 at Flinders in the City and will focus on the hub of Italian cinema, Rome’s Cinecittà.
Founded in 1937 by Benito Mussolini, the film studio was home to the production of numerous international films in the 1950’s, resulting in Rome becoming dubbed “Hollywood on the Tiber”.
Whether you find yourself on the east coast or in the sunny west, be sure to join in on the festivities as the world dedicates a well-deserved week to the beautiful lingua italiana!
