The Dinner (La Cena)

Mon, 21 Nov, 7.30pm (by invitation only)
Tue, 22 Nov, 7.30pm

Director: Ettore Scola
Cast: Fanny Ardant, Antonio Catania, Francesca d'Aloja, Riccardo Garrone, Vittorio Gassman, Giancarlo Giannini
1998 \ Italy \ 126min \ Italian with English subtitles \ PG

The Dinner (La Cena) is a complex comedy set in a small Italian restaurant. Owned by the easy-going Flora, diners of different ages, backgrounds and interests enter. They dine, converse, argue, celebrate, and make confessions. As the camera pans from table to table, into the kitchen and the back room, bits of conversations are heard and these personal stories form the plot of the film – from illicit romantic affairs to venting of frustrations and jealous moments.

Winner of Nastro d'Argento for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress in 1998

***

The Feast (L'Abbuffata)

Wed, 23 Nov, 5pm
Director: Mimmo Calopresti
Cast: Diego Abatantuono, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, Gérard Depardieu, Donatella Finocchiaro, Paolo Briguglia, Nino Frassica
2007 \ Italy \ 102mins \ Italian with English subtitles \ PG

In the beautiful small town of Diamante in Calabria, southern Italy, a group of three youngsters decide to shoot a film. They found the perfect plot – a story about an old lady who recalls the love of her life, a distant cousin who immigrated to America as a youth, whose return she is still waiting for. Neri is a former film director who shot one successful movie and then retired to Diamante. A request for Neri’s help is in vain and they decide to travel to Rome. There, Francesco, a friend of Neri's, unwillingly accommodates them and they end up getting involved in the TV show business rather than cinema. However, they meet Amelie, a French, girl, who seems to be interested in their intent, and tells them she will mention it her fiancé, who turns out to be Gerard Depardieu, the renowned French actor. 

***

Long Live the Lady! (Lunga Vita Alla Signora!)

Thu, 24 Nov, 3.30pm
Director: Ermanno Olmi
Cast: Marco Esposito, Simona Brandalise, Stefania Busarello, Simone Dalla Rosa, Lorenzo Paolini, Tarcisio Tosi, Marisa Abbate
1987 \ Italy \ 115mins \ In Italian with English Subtitles \ PG

Six catering trainees are brought to a crumbling mansion, upon its conversion into a hotel. They are ordered to prepare a special meal for an old lady, the mysterious matron who lives there. She is her own guest of honour at an elaborate formal dinner. As the caterers grow in wisdom and sophistication, they learn that the lady may very well be an urbane ghost rather than a true to life entity. 

Film is the winner of FIPRESCI Prize and the Silver Lion at 44th edition of Venice Film Festival.

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