Each year, during the 50 Days of International Cinema Festival, a world of film comes to Florence, with hundreds of movies, shorts and documentaries from around the globe presented in a series of festivals. This year’s overarching theme is ‘Future,’ and many of the offerings are by young directors focusing on such topics as safeguarding the environment and the world’s resources, promotion of culture and respect for diversity. The Odeon Cinema hosts most events and screenings; see more at www.50giornidicinema.com.
FESTIVAL INTERNAZIONALE DI CINEMA E DONNE
November 6–11
www.laboratorioimmaginedonna.it
With the theme ‘Origins of the World,’ the programme includes British films Together and K (November 10 and 11), with the director, Florentine Lorenza Mazzetti, present to introduce and discuss them.
LO SCHERMO DELL’ARTE FILM FESTIVAL
November 12–16
Italy’s only film festival focused on the links between modern art and cinema features premieres, international guests, workshops and more, among them Oscar nominee Zachary Heinzerling’s Cutie and the Boxer (November 12), and Art4Space, in which French artist Invader sends one of his mosaics on a mission to outer space.
BALKAN FLORENCE EXPRESS
November 17–20
Documentaries and feature films organised by Oxfam Italia. On November 21, Divanhana, one of the best groups from Bosnia and Herzegovina, plays for Balkan Night at Flog in Florence.
FLORENCE QUEER FESTIVAL
November 21–27
In collaboration with the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights Europe, documentaries and other films focused on the issue of human rights. Special guest Eytan Fox, director of the acclaimed Yossi and Jagger will be on hand when his most recent film, Cupcakes, is screened.
FESTIVAL DEI POPOLI
November 28–December 5
This celebration of documentary films includes a co-production workshop, presenting projects and rough cuts from international experts and a chance to meet the directors.
RIVER TO RIVER INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL
December 6–12
Newly established directors screen their works as part of the ‘Online Stories’ events; other offerings range from student films to Bollywood.
UNA FINESTRA SUL NORD FESTIVAL
December 13–14
www.facebook.com/unafinestrasulnord
This celebration of Finnish film offers a programme for the whole family to enjoy.
