EXHIBITION/ Enigma Pinocchio. Da Giacometti a LaChapelle
October 22 – March 22, 2020
Exhibition at Villa Bardini until March 22, 2020
Pinocchio’s adventures are known the world over. This exhibition explores the puppet’s influence and why he has grasped imaginations for generations. Carlo Collodi’s creation has been the subject of works by Giacometti, LaChapelle, Munari, Paladino, McCarthy, Venturino Venturi and more. At times seen as an ignorant boy on the road to illumination, and in grimmer terms by others, Pinocchio fascinates, and this exhibition is sure to also.
Villa Bardini, costa S. Giorgio 2-4, Florence
CINEMA/ UNICEF Innocenti Film Festival
October 25-27
Festival curating the best cinema art narratives of childhood
2019 is a year of three important anniversaries for children. The 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989-2019), the 600th anniversary of the founding of the Ospedale Degli Innocenti (1419-2019) and UNICEF is marking the 30th year since it established a global research centre in Florence. A range of events to celebrate include this inaugural event that tackles tough issues with which young people are grappling like mental health, the challenges around social media and their fears for the future. 1,000 entries were received from over 100 countries, with the average age of filmmakers being 29 years old. The festival is a platform to explore the potential of cinema as a tool for reflection and discussion about childhood, with young people depicting their own sense of childhood. Panel discussions will also be held. Many of the films will subsequently be put online. They are all in original language with English and Italian subtitles. All events free of charge. See www.uiff.org and www.cinemalacompagnia.it for more.
Cinema La Compagnia, via Cavour 50R, Florence
PLANTS/ Art & Fiori in Villa
October 26-27
Sales will be donated to charity
Held in the former convent and newly restored artisan space, art, plants, flowers and entertainment come together in a market exhibition of craftsmanship and events for adults and children. Plant sales will be dedicated to disadvantaged children, a sensory path will be led by olfactory experts and handmade dolls will be sold in aid of a school in India. Aperitivi, live music and children’s entertainment with Priscilla, “Dolci Animazioni and Fantasia” complete the programme. Free entry. See www.ilconventinofirenze.it for more info on the venue and click here for the event page.
Il Vecchio Conventino, via Giano della Bella 20, Florence
NATURE/ Walking among olives in Tuscany
October 27
Third national olive walking event
23 routes in Tuscan cities guide you through the landscape and olive groves. Celebrate 25 years of the Città dell’olio by discovering charming villages and hilly paths as you learn about the history and processes of extra-virgin olive oil. An enjoyable event for families, Italian cuisine enthusiasts and tourists in search of a unique Tuscan experience. The locations for the events are Buti and Vicopisano (Pisa), Castiglion Fiorentino (Arezzo), Reggello (Florence), Castagneto Carducci, Rosignano Marittimo (Livorno), Capalbio, Castel del Piano, Pitigliano, Seggiano, (Grosseto), Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Chiusi, Montepulciano, Murlo, Radicondoli, Rapolano Terme, Sinalunga and Trequanda (Siena). Choose a route at www.camminatatragliolivi.it and don’t forget to post your pictures with the hashtag #camminatatragliolivi.
Various locations
CINEMA/ French film festival
October 29-November 1
11th edition of the French Film Festival
The 11th edition presents four days of French film with international guests and engaging talks. The varied line-up features comedy, documentaries and auteur films, which delve into a multitude of issues. Organized by Institut Français Firenze, highlights include the talk held on October 30 titled “Restoration, Italian-French DNA: from art to cinema”, led by Francesco Martinotti. Full programme available at www.franceodeon.com.
FILM/ Downton Abbey
9pm, October 31 – Odeon Cinema
Premiere at the Odeon, October 31
The premiere of the highly anticipated film version of the popular British series will be an extravagant affair hosted by the Odeon, The British Institute of Florence and The Florentine. Set in the early 20th century, the Crawley family, their servants and the splendid Downton Abbey in the idyllic Yorkshire countryside are mutual protagonists, all thrown into disarray by the imminent arrival of King George V to the residence. Directed by Michael Engler and with renowned screenwriter Julian Fellowes, the vast majority of actors from the original cast of the series resume their roles in this film, with the beloved Hugh Bonneville, Dame Maggie Smith and Michelle Dockery once again delighting us on the screen. A 1920s dress code with prizes for the best-dressed adds to the sense of occasion for what is sure to be a memorable evening. See theflr.net/downtonabbey for full details.
Odeon Cinema, piazza degli Strozzi, Florence
Halloween in Florence
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