Screening the stories of Italy

EVVIVA! The Ballarat Italian Film Festival is back this winter, with movies on screen for young and old.

An initiative of the Ballarat Italian Association in partnership with Showbiz Cinemas, BIFF 2023 will present four Italian films, including one for kids, on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 August.

BIA president Frank Cotronea said the showcase is open to everyone, with all movies subtitled in English for those who don’t speak Italian, but the main aim is to give back to association members, and the wider community.

“It’s about embracing the Italian language and culture, and what we’ve got to offer,” he said.

“We’ve been running film festivals for about 15 years now, and we’ve developed a great working relationship with Showbiz in recent years.”

Nostalgia, L’Arminuta, and Belli Ciao are set to be screened, alongside children’s film, La Befana Vien Di Notte or The Legend of the Christmas Witch.

“We’re aiming to engage both parents and children,” Mr Cotronea said. “We want to encourage young kids to get involved and learn the language.

“Some children receive private Italian language tutoring at the moment, but we’re planning to start some Italian children’s language classes in term four.”

Mr Cotronea said the association always works to promote Italian culture and language, and to boost membership, but a big focus in 2023 is to attract more young families.

“The older generation who are long-time or founding members are not always going to be around, so we’re focusing on the membership of young families, because if we’re not careful, we won’t have an association,” he said.

The association has about 200 members and meets formally every couple of months for functions and celebrations.

“We have a lot of fun,” Mr Cotronea said.