The Cleveland Italian Film Festival 2018 showcasing award-winning films from Italy opens Sept. 13 - Oct. 4, 2018 at the Cedar Lee Theater in Cleveland Heights, the Atlas Cinemas Eastgate in Mayfield Hts. and the Capitol Theatre in Gordon Square Arts District.
All films ($10) are Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Pre-film dinners Sept. 13, 20, 27, and Oct. 4 are $22 which includes tax, gratuity and coffee/soft drink.

All tickets sold in advance. To order tickets call 1.800.838.3006. Our gratitude to the film festival sponsor Italian Tours and Travel by Diana!

On Sunday, Sept. 9 at 2 p.m., acclaimed Michelin starred Chef Dante Boccuzzi kicks off the Cleveland Italian Film Festival creating a special menu of Italian cuisine: $110 p.p. (includes wines with each course, gratuity & tax). A portion of your reservation is tax deductible. For reservations call: 216-456-8117. 

The Cleveland Italian Film Festival is the first independent film festival in Northern Ohio to exclusively showcase Italian award-winning films in a professional theatre setting and has sold out every year since its inception. All film and pre-dinner tickets sold in advance: 1.800.838.3006.

Sept. 13 – “In Guerra per Amore”
(At War for Love)
Comedy, Drama, Romance.
Cedar Lee Theater- 7:30 pm
Pre-film dinner: New Heights Grill 5:30-7 pm
A beautifully acted comedy and superb direction makes this film a must-see. This touching love story is set in Sicily in July 1943. In New York, Arturo and Flora are in love, but her uncle has already promised her in marriage to Carmelo!  Arturo decides to join the Allied forces during WWII to return to Sicily to find Flora’s father and get his blessing for his marriage, overriding the Uncle’s meddling, old-fashioned arranged marriage. Finding Flora’s father is a real challenge. Back in New York, Flora’s Uncle finds out Arturo’s plans and decides to send someone to Italy to put a stop to Arturo’s plan.
Starring: Andrea Di Stefano, Pierfrancesco Diliberto aka Pif, Sergio Vespertino, Maurizio Bologna, Miriam Leone.
Won: Italy’s Oscar David di Donatello for Best Screenplay, Nominated: Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalist, Golden Ciak Awards.

Sept. 20 – “La Migliore Offerta”
(The Best Offer)
Drama
Cedar Lee Theater. 7:30 pm
Pre-film dinner: New Heights Grill - 5:30-7 pm
Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore who directed “Cinema Paradiso,” hits another homerun with this gripping, mesmerizing film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The winner of Italy’s Oscar for Best Film, Best Director with 25 wins and 26 nominations, coupled with the beautiful music of Ennio Morricone (Cinema Paradiso), makes this Hitchcockian mystery is a real thriller.
Master auctioneer and art lover, (brilliantly acted by Geoffrey Rush), develops an obsession with an heiress/collector who wishes to auction art from her family home; but she mysteriously stays hidden from everyone. When he finally does get a glimpse of her, she is not only young but quite beautiful.
Starring: Geoffrey Rush, Caterina Capodilista, Donald Sutherland, Sylvia Hoeks, Jim Sturgess.
Won: Italy’s Oscar David di Donatello for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Golden Ciak Awards, Best Film, Best Director, Golden Globes Italy. 25 wins, 26 nominations.

Sept. 27 – “L’Ora Legale”
(It’s The Law) Comedy
Atlas Cinemas Eastgate. Film: 7:30 pm
Pre-film dinner: Arrabiata’s Italian Restaurant - 5:30-7 pm
This hilarious comedy stars Italy’s well-known comedic duo, Ficarra & Picone, and will keep you laughing from beginning to end. The Sicilian town of Pietrammare suffers from countless problems due to rampant dishonesty at City Hall. The citizens finally elect Pierpaolo Natoli who is filled very high ideals and promises honesty and order. But these new changes disrupt the status quo and cause a ruckus!
Starring: Ficarra, Picone, Vincenzo Amato, Antonio Catania, Sergio Friscia, Eleonora De Luca, Leo Gullotta, Alessandro Roja, Tony Sperandeo.
Won: Golden Ciak Awards, Best Screenplay. Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists, Won Best Comedy. Nastro d’Argento, Best Comedy.

Oct. 4 -  “Taranta on the Road”
Cleveland Premiere.
Comedy/Drama
Capitol Theater. 7:30 pm
Pre-film dinner: Il Rione 5:30-7 pm
Amira and Tarek arrive on the coast of Italy and find themselves seeking help with their journey from an Italian band of musicians who agree to help them reach France. Their touching, humorous trip together results in a unique experience full of humor and love, changing their lives forever. A moving, delightful film!
Starring: Emmanuele Aita, Nabiha Akkari, Giandomenicao Cupaiuolo, Biana Nappi, Helmi Dridi, Nando Irene.

All tickets sold in advance. On sale June 1. Call: 1.800.838.3006.
Film $10. Pre-film dinners $22 – includes gratuity, tax and beverage.