The Italian Film Festival of Minneapolis/St. Paul (IFF) has now reached its 17th edition, with the same spirit of enthusiasm and vitality that has characterized it from the very beginning. Since 2009, the Italian Cultural Center has proudly organized IFF as a central expression of its mission: to raise awareness and appreciation of Italian Language and Culture. As the Italian Cultural Center celebrates its 20th year in operation, we remain committed to promoting and supporting Italian cinema in the Twin Cities. The art of cinema, with its mix of visual, verbal and musical elements, has effectively captured Italy’s history, moods and new trends over the past 100+ years. Under the leadership of Executive Director Tiziana Cervesato and Artistic Director Tommaso Cammarano, the IFF has continued to grow over the years, becoming a key annual appointment in the vibrant cultural scene of Minneapolis/St. Paul and, undoubtedly, the most important Italian Film Festival in the American Midwest. A special thank you goes to Ileana Tamberlani, Programming & Administrative Manager of IFF, whose tireless dedication and professionalism greatly contribute to the event’s success. A heartfelt thank you goes to the many sponsors, partners, institutions, staff and volunteers whose invaluable support makes the event possible and, last but not least, we are grateful to our public, whose presence and participation truly measures the success of the film festival. Buona visione!

Astrid Garino
President, Italian Cultural Center of Minneapolis/St.Paul 

Il festival del cinema italiano di Minneapolis/St. Paul è diventato negli anni un’ottima occasione per conoscere il cinema italiano contemporaneo. Dei dieci film selezionati nella vetrina contemporanea del festival, metà, infatti, è dedicata al nuovo cinema italiano, con tre opere prime e due secondi film. Il tris delle opere prime lo firmano tre registe: Gioia Mia di Margherita Spampinato, premiato al Festival di Locarno, La vita da grandi di Greta Scarano, Oscar europeo per il miglior esordio del 2025 e Breve Storia d’amore di Ludovica Rampoldi, già sceneggiatrice del maestro Marco Bellocchio. Le due opere seconde si segnalano tra i migliori titoli italiani dello scorso anno: Le città di Pianura di Francesco Sossai, presentato al Festival di Cannes, New York Film Festival e Toronto International Film Festival, e La gioia di Nicolangelo Gelormini, con una gigantesca performance di Valeria Golino. Che torna protagonista in Fuori, il film di Mario Martone su Goliarda Sapienza, scrittrice italiana finalmente famosa in patria e all’estero. Doppio romanzo di formazione per Il Maestro di Andrea Di Stefano, mentre Napoli – New York è la rocambolesca avventura di due bambini in un mondo targato 1949 per la regia del premio Oscar Gabriele Salvatores. A questi ottimi film si aggiungono le commedie di due maestri del genere, La vita va così di Riccardo Milani e Cinque secondi di Paolo Virzì. Ringraziamo il team che organizza il festival, l’Italian Cultural Center, e l’Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Chicago. Salutiamo un vecchio amico, Richard Peña, ospite speciale di questa edizione. Al pubblico di Minneapolis dedichiamo Roma città aperta, capolavoro di Roberto Rossellini, con la speranza che, anche per loro, diventi il passato.

Carla Cattani, Cinecittà

[English translation at the end of this page]

It is with great pleasure that I extend my greetings to the audience of the Italian Film Festival, an event that for 17 years has distinguished itself as a vibrant space for cultural exchange, bringing together cinema artists and professionals, scholars, and movie lovers in a shared celebration of Italian cinema. This edition is particularly significant as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Italian Cultural Center of Minneapolis-St. Paul, whose vision, dedication, and long-standing commitment have made the Festival and many meaningful cultural initiatives possible.

For nearly a decade, the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago and the Italian Film Festival have grown together, inspired by a shared belief in cinema as a unique lens to explore Italy’s society, creativity, and imagination and opening a space that sparks curiosity and connection among audiences. Together we have worked to bring contemporary and classic Italian films to Midwestern audiences, amplifying the work of emerging Italian filmmakers, while honoring established voices, and ensuring a dynamic and evolving portrait of Italian cinema.

Our partnership extends far beyond programming films, to fostering dialogue, education, and exchange between artists and audiences, Italy and the United States. The Italian Cultural Center represents an invaluable partner in promoting Italian culture across the wide and diverse territory we serve, grounded in shared values, consistency, and genuine cultural commitment.

On this special anniversary, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the team of the Italian Film Festival of Minneapolis/St.Paul for their vision, passion and unwavering dedication. We look forward to continuing this journey together —discovering new stories, nurturing emerging talent, and ensuring that Italian cinema remains a dynamic and meaningful presence in the Midwest for many years to come.

Chiara Avanzato
Director, Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago