The iconic Newcastle Italian Film Festival, presented by Hand in Hand Art House and supported by Greater Bank, gets underway this weekend at its new home - Event Cinemas Kotara.
Celebrating 10 years of European film and culture, an eclectic mix of films will be on offer from 15 to 17 November including the documentary Balentes – The Brave Ones, the psychological thriller The Girl in the Fog, legendary classic The Godfather and the comedy Put Nonna in the Freezer.
Festival-goers will be treated to a delicious selection of complimentary Italian inspired food and wine after 6pm on Friday and Saturday nights including cheese, wine from Angove Wines, pizza from Napoli Centrale and Italian dolce from The Umbrian. Plus Napoli Centrale is offering a 15% discount to guests attending the festival.
Beyond the screenings, the festival will again support the local community while also honouring its co-founders, Dino and Anna Cesta. Dino passed away following a battle with Motor Neurone Disease, while his wife Anna passed away last year, succumbing to breast cancer.
As part of opening night, the Dino and Anna Cesta Memorial Scholarship will be announced, giving one lucky tertiary student studying visual arts, film and television, music or writing a $2500 scholarship to put towards their studies.
In addition, through the support of Greater Bank, all proceeds from the event will be donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association NSW. Last year the event raised a total of $14,000 for the charity.
Greater Bank is also proud to support the Festival’s school program, which offers local high school language students the opportunity to enjoy a special screening of the Italian smash hit comedy, God Willing. Students also have the chance to win a $200, $100 or $50 Greater Bank account voucher by explaining in 100 words or less what they liked about the movie.
Make sure you get along to experience this wonderful cultural event and support an important cause.