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A captivating selection of Italian films are coming to Galway's EYE Cinema from April 4th-6th as part of the New Italian Cinema Events (N.I.C.E.) film festival. It features some of Italy’s best contemporary directors, including Paolo Sorrentino, Ferzan Özpetek, and Pilar Fogliati.
This year’s selection features 10 films and 22 screenings, and is particularly dedicated to the complexities of female characters, exploring the balance between self-representation and external portrayal.
This 4th edition of the N.I.C.E Italian Film Festival takes place across four cities - Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick - and is organised by the Embassy of Italy in Ireland and the Italian Institute of Culture, in collaboration with UCC, University of Galway, Galway Film Society and the Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD).
<h4>Films</h4>
“Romantiche” (Romantic girls), Pilar Fogliati's directorial debut, delves into the lives of four women navigating personal challenges and aspirations, highlighting their unique journeys toward self-discovery and belonging.&nbsp;
“Diamanti” (Diamonds), directed by Ferzan Özpetek, transports viewers to a bustling tailoring shop in 1970s Rome and its 18 female employees, each bringing their own stories, dreams, and challenges.

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Margherita Vicario's directorial debut, “Gloria!”, is set in the late 18th-century female institution of Sant Ignazio near Venice. It follows Teresa, a visionary musical talent, as she challenges the eras conventions by creating music that is both rebellious and modern.

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The festival also brings Paolo Sorrentino’s latest film, “Parthenope”, to Ireland for the first time. The film is a tribute to the director’s love for the city of Naples, embodied in the life of the young girl, Parthenope.

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Also set in Naples, “Il treno dei bambini” (The children’s Train) by Cristina Comencini tells the story of poverty and pride in a divided Italy at the end of World War II.&nbsp;
Staying in the historical genre, “L’abbaglio” (The Illusion) is set in 19th-century Sicily and follows a group of unlikely fighters who, under Garibaldi's command, are tasked with deceiving the enemies of the Bourbon army.&nbsp;
The film skillfully blends historical elements with an intense narrative, offering a fascinating glimpse into crucial events that shaped Italy's unification.&nbsp;
A very different theme is explored in the documentary “Real”, directed by Adele Tulli, which reflects on what it means to be human in the digital age. Through a series of thought-provoking interviews and visual storytelling, the film examines how technology, social media, and virtual realities are reshaping the way we perceive ourselves and others.
“Familia”, by Francesco Costabile, is a story about domestic violence and the attempt to rise above it. Winner of several international awards, the film blends genres, ranging from thriller to social drama.
Finally, “Una storia nera” (A Dark Story), directed by Leonardo D'Agostini, is a thriller where, after a bitter divorce, a man disappears without a trace, leaving his ex-wife and children to unravel the mystery.
All films will be screened in Italian with English subtitles. The dates and venues are:
<h4>Dates 2025:</h4>
• Limerick 27-29 March | TUS Millennium Theatre
• Dublin 3-6 April | Opening Night Gala at Odeon Cinema, Regular Screening at Light House Cinema
• Cork 4-6 April | The Arc Cinema
• Galway 4-6 April | EYE Cinema

Italian Film Festival at Galway's Eye Cinema Features Debut Irish Screening

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