2026 Italian Film Festival
| Ticket Information Single Ticket: $26 ($23 Ticket + $3 Fee) Six Film Series Ticket: $138 ($132 Ticket + $6 Fee) Ticket prices include all fees. All films are in Italian or original language, with English subtitles. All films are recommended for mature audiences. All seating is assigned. ADA-compliant seats are available for reservation in the two back rows – right and left of the orchestra level on the first floor. Seating on the second-floor balcony is not ADA-accessible. Assisted listening devices are available. Angelico Concert Hall is located at 20 Olive Avenue, at the corner of Olive and Acacia Avenues, just off Grand Avenue in San Rafael, California. Event parking is located at 1475 Grand Avenue. For a map and directions to Angelico Concert Hall, visit the the Italian Film Festival website. |
The 2026 Italian Film Festival celebrates is forty-ninth year with six top feature films from Italy!
Saturday, September 26, 2026 • Opening Night
"Life is Life" ("La vita va così")
Comedy / Drama • 2025 • Color • 118 Minutes
An entertaining tale set over two decades in southern Sardinia. It explores the experience of a community grappling with the preservation of its land and cultural identity. A true story inspired by the life of Sardinian shepherd Efisio Mulas, who died in 2024 at age 93. He garnered international attention for opposing tourist development that endangered Italy's untouched coastlines. He had the courage to say "No!" Cast includes one of Italy's most popular comedians, Aldo Baglio, the acclaimed actor Diego Abantantuono, and an ensemble of local non-professional actors.
Directed by Riccardo Milani, with Diego Abatantuono, Aldo Baglio, and Virginia Raffaele
DISTRIBUTED BY:
Playtime SAS
5 rue Nicolas Flamel
Paris, France 75004
14 413 827932
+33 (0)1 53 10 33 99
Saturday, October 3, 2025
"Sweetheart" ("Gioia Mia")
Drama / Family • 2025 • Color • 90 Minutes
This family drama follows Nico, a spirited, surly child brought up in a secular, tech-driven household, who is reluctantly sent to spend the summer in Sicily with his aunt Gela, an old-fashioned, devout woman. Their worlds collide. He is filled with modern energy; she lives in an ancient world where religion shapes everything. However, a surprising bond forms, full of humor and discovery. The film sparks a bond across generations that goes straight to the heart.
Directed by Margherita Spampinato, with Aurora Quattrocchi and Marco Fiore
DISTRIBUTED BY:
Fandango S.P.A.
Viale Gorizia, 19
00198 Roma, Italy
Tel. 39 06 85218145
Saturday, October 10, 2026
"Naples to New York" ("Napoli: New York”)
Coming of Age / Drama / Period Drama • 2024 • Color • 124 Minutes
The story of a young Neapolitan girl and boy without family struggling to survive amid the ruins of post-war Naples. They secretly stowaway on a ship for New York. Their adventure is filled with challenges, small victories, and a mix of fear, excitement, and hope in their new home. Inspired by an unproduced screenplay written by Federico Fellini and Tullio Pinelli in the 1940s.
Directed by Gabriele Salvatores, with Pierfrancesco Favino and Dea Lanzaro
DISTRIBUTED BY:
International Sales
RAI Cinema S.p.A.
Via Umberto Novaro 18
00195 Rome, Italy
Tel. 39 06 331178340
Rai-com.com
Saturday, October 17, 2026
"Vermiglio" ("Vermiglio")
Period Drama / Drama / History • 2024 • Color • 119 Minutes
The breathtaking beauty of the Alps and a remote village shortly before the end of World War II provide the setting for this special film. A Sicilian soldier hides out in town after deserting the army. While there, the soldier develops a romance with the family's eldest daughter. Winner of the 2025 David di Donatello Award (Italy's Oscar) for best film, director, original screenplay, producer, and cinematography. The film recalls the neorealist films in Italian cinema.
Directed by Maura Delpero, with Tommaso Ragno, Giuseppe De Domenico, and Carlotta Gamba
DISTRIBUTED BY:
Janus Films/The Criterion Collection
215 Park Avenue South
5th Floor
New York, NY 10003
belovarac@janusfilms.com
Saturday, October 24, 2026
"For You" ("Per te")
Drama • 2025 • Color • 115 Minutes
In 2021, a pre-teen named Mattia was honored by the Italian government for "the love and care with which he daily follows his father's illness." The film tells his story and that of his father, Paolo, who, in his early forties, begins to lose pieces of his memory. Together with his son and wife, he embarks on a journey of shared daily life, lots of laughter, and silences that speak. The film celebrates the power of love beyond time and memory.
Directed by and starring Alessandro Donadio, with Edoardo Leo, Teresa Saponangelo, and Javier Francesco Leoni
DISTRIBUTED BY:
Playtime SAS
5 rue Nicolas Flamel
Paris, France 75004
14 413 827932
+33 (0)1 53 10 33 99
Saturday, October 31, 2026 • Closing Night
"Forever With You" ("Io non ti lascio solo")
Family Comedy • 2023 • Color • 110 Minutes
Filo and Rullo, two inseparable friends, secretly set off in search of Birillo, the dog lost by Filo's father. Their friendship is strong and deep, and nothing can stop them, not even a fear of the dark or the gruff mountain man, Guelfo Tabacci, who appears to be involved in the dog's disappearance. Yet, hidden beneath this apparent reality lie unexpected events that will force the two boys to face challenges far greater than themselves.
Directed by Fabrizio Cattani, with Michael D'Arma, Andrea Matrone, Giorgio Pasotti, and Mimmo Borelli
DISTRIBUTED BY:
Minerva Pictures Group
Via Marcella 4/6
Rome, Italy 00153
+39 06 84242430