The Italian Cultural Institute is pleased to present Italian Movie Day, a full day dedicated to contemporary Italian cinema taking place on September 13, 2026 at the Bioscope Independent Cinema in Johannesburg, one of the city’s most distinguished venues for independent cinema.
The event is part of Fare Cinema, an initiative by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation dedicated to promoting quality Italian cinema abroad, with the goal of celebrating not only directors and actors, but the full creative chain behind every film and the many professions that bring cinema to life, from screenwriters and costume designers to editors and set designers.
The programme features three screenings:
- Tre Ciotole (2025, Dir. Isabel Coixet). Starring Alba Rohrwacher and Elio Germano, the film is based on the bestselling novel by Michela Murgia. When Antonio leaves Marta, she retreats into herself, until an unexpected diagnosis forces her to see things differently. Rather than collapsing, she puts herself at the centre of her own life for the first time, rediscovering desire and connection through a series of unlikely encounters. With the delicacy of a fairy tale and an unflinching honesty, Tre Ciotole leaves you with one clear invitation: stop wasting time on things that don’t matter, and make your life exactly what you want it to be.
- 5 Secondi (2025, Dir. Paolo Virzì). The film features a strong ensemble cast led by Valerio Mastandrea, alongside Galatea Bellugi, Ilaria Spada, Anna Ferraioli Ravel and Valeria Bruni Tedeschi. The story revolves around Adriano Sereni, a gruff and solitary caretaker of the crumbling Villa Guelfi, whose rigid routine is upended by the arrival of a group of students. A film with an existentialist trail, carried by a tragicomic energy that will make you both smile and reflect.
- Il Maestro (2025, Dir. Andrea Di Stefano). Presented out of competition at the 82nd Venice Film Festival and starring Pierfrancesco Favino alongside young Tiziano Menichelli, the film follows a former tennis player, disillusioned by his mediocre career, who becomes the coach of a shy young talent crushed by his father’s expectations. A tribute to imperfect mentors, Il Maestro is a journey through the pain of growth, the power of teaching, and the beauty of human bonds.
The day begins at 11:00 with Tre Ciotole, with breakfast included, followed at 13:30 by 5 Secondi, and concludes at 16:00 with Il Maestro; both afternoon screenings include popcorn and a drink.
Details
Date: September 13, 2026
Time: From 11:00 AM
11:00 – Tre Ciotole | Breakfast included
13:30 – 5 Secondi | Popcorn and drink included
16:00 – Il Maestro | Popcorn and drink included
Venue: Bioscope Independent Cinema, Johannesburg
Admission: tickets for R80
Through this event, the Italian Cultural Institute of Pretoria and the Italian Embassy in Pretoria reaffirm their commitment to promoting contemporary Italian culture abroad and fostering meaningful cultural exchange between Italy and South Africa.
Admission is open to all. The Italian Cultural Institute warmly invites the public to attend what promises to be a rich and engaging celebration of contemporary Italian storytelling.