SIFF’s New Italian Cinema Festival runs November 17 – 21, 2009. Celebrating the rich cinematic tradition of Italy the event will bring eight of the country’s newest directors and films to audiences in Seattle for their US debut. These eight films are the finest selections from the year’s major European film festivals and will compete for the City of Florence Award.
Two of the eight films specifically address gay and lesbian themes: Sea Purple and Different From Whom?.
Sea Purple is a beautifully-shot film depicting the historical, social and religious climate for women and as well as gay rights in 19th century Sicily.
Angela (Valeria Solarino) finds herself attracted to her best friend Sara (Isabella Ragonese). As deep friendship turns to romantic passion, her strict quarry boss father demands that the relationship cease and that she marry one of his workers. Refusing, Angela is locked in a cellar until her father determines a potential way for them both to get what they want.
Director Donatella Maiorca as well as actor Valeria Solarino will be in attendance!
Playing Wednesday Nov 18 9:15pm at the SIFF Cinema, $10.
Different from Whom? has been compared to Milk in terms of addressing themes of political campaigning, gay rights, and partisan demographics.
In an unnamed Italian city, the current conservative mayor builds walls to stop crime. Piero (Luca Argentero) is more interested in building community – for gays and lesbians, in particular. When he is paired with a more family-focused woman as his deputy mayor, much conflict ensues. As opposites start attracting, however, Piero’s political ambitions – and his long-term relationship with Remo (Filippo Negro) – are threatened.
Playing Thursday Nov 19 7pm at the SIFF Cinema, $10.
More info about the New Italian Cinema Festival is at www.siff.net.
