Jakarta, IO – The “Italian Film Festival 2024: Venice in Jakarta” has officially ended. Taking place from 24 – 28 April 2024 in both Jakarta and Bandung, the 5 best Italian films were presented to Indonesian audiences. All films screened are curated and have been shown at the 2023 Venice International Film Festival.
“The third Festival presentation ended in Jakarta and Bandung with Indonesian audiences showing excitement in watching Italian films. This year we are proud to present for the very first time “Bellissima”, an Italian classic from the Venice International Film Festival 2023 selection. It has proven the quality and appeal of our Festival and at the same time, we are aiming to strengthen our collaboration with Italian film establishments, such as the Venice International Film Festival for Italian Film Festival 2025,” said Maria Battaglia, Festival Director and Director of Istituto Italiano di Cultura Jakarta, in a speech at the Festival’s closing in CGV Grand Indonesia.
Italian Film Festival 2024: Venice In Jakarta closed with “Bellissima”, an Italian classic directed by the legendary Luchino Visconti, as part of ITAFF 2024 tribute to Anna Magnani, who won Best Actress from Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists for her principal role. For the very first time, Indonesian audiences were able to watch Bellissima on the big screen in a 4k restoration format, supported by CSC-Cineteca Nazionale. It depicts the story of a mother who tries to make her child into a film star; this film was claimed as a breakthrough of female empowerment on the brink of modern life in Italian cinema and society in the 1950s.
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“I love film festivals like ITAFF 2024 as it gives me the opportunity to watch the best Italian films of the year on the big screen. I learned Italian 20 years ago at Istituto Italiano di Cultura Jakarta. So it is always a great opportunity to resurrect my love of the language and culture. Can’t wait for the next edition. Viva il cinema!” said Marissa Anita, Citra Awards winner for Best Supporting Actress in Indonesian Film Award 2021. (des)