From August 6th to August 31st, the Teatro Ettore Scola, a large open-air arena located in Villa Borghese Park, will host the event “Schermi d’agosto” (Screens of August) starting at 9:00 PM.
The program will showcase a selection of twenty-five acclaimed titles from American, European, and Italian cinema, bringing dreams, adventures, fears, and illusions to the big screen against the backdrop of the summer season.
Among the selections are classic American films; a part of the program will also feature films set during the long European summer; another part will be dedicated to Italian cinema, particularly films that depict stories, dreams, illusions, and stereotypes of the Italian summer.
The program will also offer a glimpse of Rome during the summer, with Dino Risi’s portrayal of the crowded Tiber riverbank in “Poveri ma belli” and Nanni Moretti and Gianni Di Gregorio’s dual portraits of the deserted city in “Caro diario” and “Pranzo di Ferragosto.”
The summer program at Casa del Cinema will conclude on Thursday, August 31st, at 9:00 PM with a special event, the screening of the documentary “La legge.”
PARTICIPATION
* All films will be shown in their original language with subtitles in Italian. The program may be subject to changes.
Screenings at the Teatro Ettore Scola, the open-air arena of Casa del Cinema, are FREE until seating is full.
In case of bad weather, the screenings will take place in the Cinecittà Hall, which has over 100 seats for the audience, and access to the hall will be free upon receiving a coupon.
The ticket office/infopoint of Casa del Cinema will be open in August, from Monday to Sunday, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
During the screening, it is mandatory to keep mobile phones strictly turned off.
An anti-piracy check will be in operation. It is strictly prohibited to make audio-video recordings with any type of device. Violators will be removed and reported for violation of anti-piracy regulations.
AUGUST 2023 PROGRAM
August 6, 2023 “A Sunday in Summer” (UNA DOMENICA D’AGOSTO) by Luciano Emmer, Italy, 1950, 88 mins.
Rome, Sunday, August 7, 1949. A crowd pours onto the Ostian coastline during the San Gaetano festival: proletarians, bourgeoisie, nobles, rich and destitute, representatives of the law, aspiring delinquents, exuberant charlatans, and mercurial conformists. The perfect intersection between neorealism and comedy, governed by Emmer with his customary invisible style and enviable ability to tell ensemble stories against the backdrop of a changing reality, as transient as certain emotions experienced at the twilight of summer. This film was later selected among the 100 Italian films to be saved, representing “the transfer of neorealistic experience into costume comedy.”
August 7, 2023 “The Passaguai Family” (LA FAMIGLIA PASSAGUAI) by Aldo Fabrizi, Italy, 1951, 93 mins.
Fabrizi takes on three roles (actor, director, and screenwriter) to satirize the customs of a small bourgeoisie grappling with the timid symptoms of the economic boom. Between slapstick comedy and dialectal variety show (originally based on a play by Anton Germano Rossi), this is the first chapter of a trilogy that depicts a country where the summer dream of escaping from urban-office routine leads to a chain of irresistible misunderstandings. As the yearnings for prosperity clash with ancestral rigidity, even a simple kiss becomes a “moment of anti-Platonic erotic nature.”
August 8, 2023 “Poor But Beautiful” (POVERI MA BELLI) by Dino Risi, Italy, France, 1957, 98 mins.
When she crosses Piazza Navona, on her way home from her father’s tailor shop, Giovanna, wearing high heels and a tight-fitting sundress, captivates male attention, even more so when she’s at the overflowing bikini-clad beach resort, Ciriola, along the Tiber. Marisa Allasio is the one who simultaneously dates the two young friends from the neighborhood, the slightly arrogant Romolo (Maurizio Arena) and Salvatore (Renato Salvatori), a shop assistant and a lifeguard, handsome and boastful, always on the lookout for girls. However, they fail to notice their respective teenage sisters, Marisa and Annamaria, portrayed by Lorella De Luca and Alessandra Panaro. A carefree portrait that enjoyed enormous success.
August 9, 2023 “Roman Holiday” by William Wyler, United States, 1953, 119 mins.
Buying a pair of sandals, eating ice cream, getting a haircut from a hairstylist who then invites you to dance on the Tiber: that’s what to do in Rome if you’re a twenty-year-old tourist and alone. But Anna is not an ordinary tourist; she is a princess who is tired of the rigid etiquette of diplomatic travel and one evening, she escapes from the palace where she is staying to wander around the city. There, she meets a journalist who initially plans to get a scoop. Audrey Hepburn becomes a star in this romantic comedy directed by William Wyler and written by Dalton Trumbo, sweet and far from being a typical tourist. Even the Piaggio Vespa of co-star Gregory Peck becomes a star. Audrey Hepburn’s captivating performance earned her an Academy Award, making “Roman Holiday” a timeless classic loved by audiences worldwide.
August 10, 2023 “Swept Away” (TRAVOLTI DA UN INSOLITO DESTINO NELL’AZZURRO MARE D’AGOSTO) by Lina Wertmüller, Italy, 1974, 126 mins.
The film tells the story of a wealthy woman named Raffaella and a deckhand named Gennarino, who find themselves stranded on a deserted island after a boating mishap. The roles reverse as they experience forced intimacy, leading to a complex and unexpected romance. This provocative film explores power dynamics, social class, and human relationships against the backdrop of a stunning Mediterranean setting.
August 11, 2023 “Stand by Me” by Rob Reiner, United States, 1986, 87 mins.
It is a poignant coming-of-age drama released in 1986, directed by Rob Reiner. The film follows four young friends on a transformative journey to find a missing boy’s body in the woods. As they navigate the trials of adolescence, the boys forge a deep bond, discovering the meaning of friendship, loss, and the bittersweet transition to adulthood. “Stand by Me” is a timeless tale of adventure, camaraderie, and the innocence of youth, beautifully capturing the essence of growing up.
August 12, 2023 “Mid-August Lunch” (PRANZO DI FERRAGOSTO) by Gianni Di Gregorio, Italy, 2008, 75 mins.
In this heartwarming Italian comedy, Gianni, a middle-aged man, finds himself caring for his elderly mother and her friends during the sweltering mid-August holiday in Rome. As unexpected guests arrive, Gianni’s small apartment becomes a delightful hub of friendship and camaraderie, leading to a charming tale of food, family, and the joys of simple pleasures.
August 13, 2023 “Sun in Buckets” (SOLEA A CATINELLES) by Gennaro Nunziante, Italy, 2013, 90 mins.
In this hilarious Italian comedy, the story revolves around Checco, an amiable but luckless man who suddenly becomes immensely wealthy. As he navigates his newfound fortune, humorous misadventures and unexpected challenges ensue. Filled with laughter and heart, the film explores themes of family, personal growth, and the comedic side of wealth.
August 14, 2023 “The Seven Year Itch” by Billy Wilder, United States, 1955, 105 mins.
It is a classic romantic comedy released in 1955, directed by Billy Wilder. The film stars Marilyn Monroe as “The Girl,” a seductive neighbor who captivates the imagination of Richard Sherman, a faithful husband played by Tom Ewell. While his wife and child are away for the summer, Richard finds himself tempted by the allure of his attractive neighbor. The movie humorously explores the concept of the seven-year itch and the comedic misadventures that ensue as Richard navigates his desires and fantasies. Marilyn Monroe’s iconic subway scene adds to the film’s enduring popularity and status as a beloved Hollywood classic.
August 15, 2023 “August Vacation” (FERIE D’AGOSTO) by Paolo Virzì, Italy, 1996, 108 mins.
In this Italian comedy, a group of strangers from different walks of life find themselves stuck together during the busy August holiday at a Tuscany farmhouse. As tensions and personalities clash, the film humorously explores human relationships, unexpected friendships, and the transformative power of shared experiences.
August 16, 2023 “Sea Scent” (SAPORE DI MARE) by Carlo Vanzina, Italy, 1983, 94 mins.
Set in a picturesque seaside town, this charming Italian film follows the romantic entanglements and misadventures of a group of young friends during their summer vacation. Amidst the beautiful coastal scenery, the film captures the essence of youthful dreams, love, and the bittersweet moments of growing up.
August 17, 2023 “I Hate Summer” (ODIO L’ESTATE) by Massimo Venier, Italy, 2020, 105 mins.
In this contemporary Italian comedy, a dysfunctional family embarks on a holiday trip to Croatia, hoping to mend their strained relationships. As comedic situations unfold and secrets are revealed, the film humorously portrays the challenges of family dynamics and the complexities of modern life during a summer vacation.
August 18, 2023 “Do the Right Thing” by Spike Lee, United States, 1989, 120 mins.
It is a powerful and provocative drama directed by Spike Lee, released in 1989. Set on a scorching summer day in a racially diverse neighborhood in Brooklyn, the film explores simmering racial tensions that eventually boil over into a tragic confrontation. As the temperature rises, the film delves into the complexities of prejudice, systemic injustice, and the struggle for social change, leaving viewers with a compelling and thought-provoking examination of race relations in America. Spike Lee’s masterful storytelling and bold social commentary make “Do the Right Thing” a landmark film that remains relevant to this day.
August 19, 2023 “Mamma Mia!” by Phyllida Lloyd, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, 2008, 109 mins.
This feel-good musical comedy takes audiences on a delightful journey to the picturesque Greek island of Kalokairi. As a young bride-to-be, Sophie seeks to discover the identity of her father, inviting three potential candidates from her mother’s past to her wedding. Set to the iconic songs of ABBA, “Mamma Mia!” is a joyous celebration of love, friendship, and the timeless music that will have audiences singing and dancing along.
August 20, 2023 “The Easy Life” (L’OMBRELLONE) by Dino Risi, Italy, 1965, 90 mins.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Italian Riviera, The film follows two men, played by Vittorio Gassman and Jean-Louis Trintignant, as they embark on a hedonistic journey in search of a carefree life. In their pursuit of pleasure and success, they encounter a series of amusing and ironic situations, exploring the complexities of modern life and the pursuit of happiness in a lighthearted and satirical manner.
August 21, 2023 “To Catch a Thief” by Alfred Hitchcock, United States, 1955, 107 mins.
It is a thrilling romantic mystery released in 1955, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film stars Cary Grant as John Robie, a retired jewel thief living on the French Riviera. When a new series of daring heists mirrors his past style, Robie becomes the prime suspect. To clear his name, he joins forces with a beautiful heiress, played by Grace Kelly, to uncover the real thief. Set against the glamorous backdrop of the French Riviera, “To Catch a Thief” is a stylish and suspenseful tale of love, intrigue, and cat-and-mouse games.
August 22, 2023 “Jaws” by Steven Spielberg, United States, 1975, 124 mins.
This iconic thriller follows the coastal town of Amity, terrorized by a great white shark. As police chief Martin Brody, oceanographer Matt Hooper, and grizzled fisherman Quint team up to hunt the predator, they face a gripping battle for survival. “Jaws” remains a masterful blend of suspense, terror, and adventure that left audiences on the edge of their seats.
August 23, 2023 “Mediterraneo” by Gabriele Salvatores, Italy, 1991, 100 mins.
Oscar-winning film set during World War II, this heartwarming Italian comedy follows a group of Italian soldiers who become marooned on a remote Greek island. As they discover the island’s charm and simplicity, friendships are forged, and cultural barriers break down. “Mediterraneo” celebrates the transformative power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.
August 24, 2023 “The Beach” (LA SPIAGGIA) by Alberto Lattuada, Italy, France, 1953, 100 mins.
In this romantic drama, an American musician, played by José Suárez, finds himself entangled in a love triangle with two women on the picturesque island of Ischia, Italy. As emotions escalate and secrets are revealed, the film explores love, desire, and the complexities of relationships in a stunning Mediterranean setting.
August 25, 2023 “Little White Lies” (LES PETITS MOUCHOIRS) by Guillaume Canet, France, 2012, 154 mins.
After a tragic accident involving their friend, a group of close-knit friends embarks on a summer vacation on the French Riviera. As they confront hidden truths and personal struggles, their relationships are put to the test. “Little White Lies” is a compelling and emotionally charged drama about friendship, honesty, and forgiveness.
August 26, 2023 “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” by Woody Allen, Spain, United States, 2008, 96 mins.
Set in Barcelona, Spain, this romantic comedy-drama follows two American friends, Vicky and Cristina, who become entangled with a passionate and unpredictable artist named Juan Antonio, played by Javier Bardem. As their relationships intertwine, the film explores love, desire, and the complexities of human emotions in Woody Allen’s signature style.
August 27, 2023 “Red American” (AMERICANO ROSSO) by Alessandro D’Alatri, Italy, 1991, 98 mins.
This Italian drama centers around a man’s journey to rediscover his American roots after the death of his father. As he travels through the United States, he encounters various characters and experiences that challenge his identity and beliefs. “Red American” is a poignant exploration of self-discovery, heritage, and the pursuit of one’s true identity.
August 28, 2023 “SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN” by Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly, United States, 1952, 103 mins.
This beloved musical masterpiece takes viewers back to Hollywood’s golden age, where three stars navigate the transition from silent films to talkies. Bursting with song, dance, and unforgettable performances, “Singin’ in the Rain” is a timeless classic that captures the joy and magic of the entertainment industry.
August 29, 2023 “CARO DIARO” (Dear Diary) by Nanni Moretti, Italy, France, 1993, 100 mins.
In this intimate and autobiographical film, Nanni Moretti embarks on a personal journey, documenting his thoughts, experiences, and observations. With humor and sincerity, the film weaves together three distinct chapters, showcasing Moretti’s introspective and insightful approach to life.
August 30 “IL POSTINO” (The Postman) by Michael Radford, Italy, France, Belgium, 1994, 108 mins.
Set on a remote Italian island, this poetic drama follows the unlikely friendship between a postman, Mario, and the exiled Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Through their interactions, Mario discovers the power of poetry and the importance of communication in a beautiful and moving tale of friendship and inspiration.
August 31 “La Legge” (The Law) by Flavia Mastrella, Italy, 2022, 78 mins.
“La Legge” depicts the Italian Constitution being read by animals with the voice of their owner. One hundred and nineteen people recorded the reading of an article using their cell phones. The once-emotionally devastating cell phone has now become a creative medium from a distance. The film narrates the Italian Constitution of 1948, a time when humans let go of their power. However, the present generations have set it aside.
Please note that the program is subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the schedule before attending any screenings. Enjoy your summer of cinema at Casa del Cinema in Villa Borghese Park!
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