Film enthusiasts in Manila are set for a cinematic celebration as the Italian Film Festival 2026 returns to the city from June 26 to July 1, 2026, bringing six acclaimed contemporary Italian films to the big screen at Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema in Mandaluyong City.
Organized by the Embassy of Italy in Manila in partnership with Elephant Pictures, Cineforum Robert Bresson, the Philippine-Italian Association, and Shangri-La Plaza’s Red Carpet Cinemas, the festival aims to showcase the diversity of contemporary Italian cinema while strengthening cultural ties between Italy and the Philippines.
A major highlight of the Italian Film Festival Manila 2026 is its lineup of recent films from some of Italy’s notable filmmakers, including Academy Award-winning director Paolo Sorrentino, known for The Great Beauty and Youth, and acclaimed filmmaker Paolo Genovese, director of Perfect Strangers.
The festival opens with La Grazia (The Pardon) by Paolo Sorrentino, a political drama centered on the President of the Italian Republic as he faces two sensitive requests for presidential pardon near the end of his mandate. The film provides audiences with a thought-provoking look at leadership, responsibility, and difficult moral decisions.
Following it is FolleMente (Madly) by Paolo Genovese, a romantic comedy that explores the complicated thoughts and emotions surrounding a first date. The film brings the inner voices of its characters to life, offering a humorous take on love, uncertainty, and human relationships.
The lineup also includes Elisa by Leonardo Di Costanzo, a drama that explores themes of memory, guilt, and redemption; Gioia Mia (Sweetheart) by Margherita Spampinato, which looks at family, faith, and generational change; and La Vita da Grandi (Siblings) by Greta Scarano, an emotional story centered on family relationships and independence.
Rounding out the program is Le Città di Pianura (The Last One for the Road) by Francesco Sossai, a bittersweet road movie that explores friendship, self-discovery, and unexpected encounters. The six-film selection gives Filipino audiences an opportunity to experience different genres, perspectives, and storytelling styles from Italy’s current filmmaking scene.
One of the festival’s biggest attractions is that admission to all screenings is free, with films scheduled daily at 6:00 PM at Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema in Mandaluyong City. The screening schedule features one film each day from June 26 through July 1.
Beyond entertainment, the Italian Film Festival 2026 in Manila continues to serve as a platform for cultural exchange. Through cinema, the festival creates opportunities for Filipino audiences, filmmakers, educators, students, and cultural institutions to engage with Italian culture and contemporary storytelling.
Festival Director Antonio Termenini continues to oversee the artistic direction and film selection. He is the founder of Cineforum Robert Bresson and Managing Director of Elephant Pictures, while also being associated with the Asian Film Festival in Italy. His work has contributed to strengthening cinematic and cultural connections between Europe and Asia.
For moviegoers looking for free film screenings in Manila, the Italian Film Festival offers an opportunity to discover acclaimed Italian cinema beyond mainstream theatrical releases. With six contemporary films, internationally recognized directors, and free admission, the festival provides a distinctive cultural experience for Filipino film lovers.
The Italian Film Festival 2026 takes place from June 26 to July 1 at Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema, Mandaluyong City, with screenings at 6:00 PM daily. Further announcements regarding festival activities and admission procedures are expected through the organizers’ official channels.
For audiences interested in Italian culture, international cinema, and independent filmmaking, the festival offers a chance to experience contemporary Italian stories on the big screen in Manila.
Viva il Cinema Italiano!
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