This event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances

Italia Film Festival will be celebrating its thirteenth anniversary in Malta this year. The Department of Italian within the Faculty of Arts of the University of Malta, in collaboration with Cinema Nuovo Italiano of Ragusa, is proud to announce the screening of Italo (2015) by filmmaker Alessia Scarso. Italo is the debut feature film of an all-female team comprising filmmaker Alessia Scorso, writer Coralla Ciccolini, editor Isabella Aguilar and producer Roberta Trovato.

 

Italo will be screened for the first time in Malta on Saturday 10 December 2016 at 18:30 at the Auditorium, University of Malta Valletta Campus. The film is English subtitled.

Italo will be introduced by Alessia Scarso. A discussion will follow the screening.

Based on a true story, the film recounts the story of Italo, an incredible stray dog whose extraordinary actions earn him the honorary citizenship of Scicli in the province of Ragusa. The stray dog becomes the symbol of a whole community after showing up one day and winning the affection of the people of Scicli. Although a comedy, the movie touches upon important themes such as friendship, prejudice and unconditional love, set within a Sicily that is rich in colours and tradition. 

Set in Scili in 2009, the film concentrates on a stray dog Italo; following  a ban preventing strays from being allowed to roam around the town, the golden retriever challenges boundaries and starts frequenting the quaint streets while striking a friendship with a ten-year-old-boy who is none other than the mayor’s son. The local community soon warms up to their furry friend who they name Italo and the dog starts to take part in all local activities such as taking tourists round town and even helping out with Mass. The dog does not only play with the children but also acts as a matchmaker and helps adults fall in love; he helps Meno’s father, a widower, fall in love with the local teacher.

Refreshments will be served after the screening. This will give the public the opportunity to meet with Alessia Scarso over a glass of wine.

The general public is cordially invited to the screening. Entrance is free. Reservation is not mandatory but seating is limited, so if you would like to reserve a seat, please contact Ms Yanica Cassar on +356 2340 2309 or send an email.