Ciao! First Italian Film Fest at the Shang

MANILA, Philippines - Premier lifestyle destination and patron of culture and arts Shangri-La Plaza, in cooperation with the Italian Embassy and Philippine Italian Association, offers another treat for mall-goers via the Italian Film Festival from Oct. 15 to 21. Indulge in an exciting lineup of critically acclaimed Italian films that have made their way to the most prestigious film fests around the world.

The True Legend of Tony Vilar (La Vera Leggenda di Tony Vilar) is a memorable comedy about the life of Tony Vilar, a famous singer in Latin America during the ‘60s. It traces his journey to stardom, beginning from his childhood in Argentina in the ‘50s to his whereabouts today.

The internationally celebrated drama GAS presents the story of 24-year-old Luca, a man struggling to confront his homosexuality. After a failed relationship with a woman named Ludovica, he becomes involved in kidnapping a 50-year-old man; and finally comes to terms with who he really is.

Young couple Marco and Silvia Battaglia have many difficulties to overcome in Small Town Italy (Provincia Meccanica). Silvia is frustrated with her judgmental mother who eventually gains custody of their daughter, igniting the couple’s determination to find their way back to each other.

Before You Know It (Basta Un Niente) is a comedy about lifelong friends Ivo, Rosario and Peppe. Their lives take a drastic turn when they witness the excavation of a local mafia hood’s grave.

Historical drama The Heretic (Il Maestro Degli Errori) chronicles the life of Cecco d’Ascoli æ a man of science and a teacher of medicine æ from his teaching days in Bologna University to his poignant death in 1327 after being accused of heresy during the Inquisition.

A film featuring award-winning actor Ninetto Davoli (Best Italian Actor, Rome International Film Festival, 2006), One out of Two (Uno Su Due) tells the story of a man named Lorenzo who seems to live the ideal life. But all this changes when he falls ill and begins a journey towards finding himself.

The Fever (La Febbre) is an award-winning comedy about provincial accountant Mario Bettini, a man with a deep passion to seize the day. He dreams of opening a nightspot with his friends, but faces many obstacles along the way.

A captivating film by Michaelangelo Merisi, Caravaggio chronicles the brilliant artist’s journey and development, including his infamous methods of deriving inspiration for his pieces and its effect on his personal life.

What I’m Doing Here (Ma Che Ci Faccio Qui, 2006) is a comedy about graduating student Alessio who decides to go on a European adventure with his friends on the Inter Rail.

Awarded Best Foreign Film in the Houston International Film Festival, The Destination (La Destinazione) revolves around Sardinian trainees Emilio and Costantino. Costantino is deployed to traditional Colores, and Emilio to Giacomina, where he meets and falls in love with a young woman. However, a suspicious death brings these two friends together once more.

Considered a classic Italian thriller, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (L’Uccello Dalle Piume de Cristallo) presents Sam Dallas, an American writer residing in Rome who is suffering from writer’s block. After witnessing the attack of a woman, he’s determined to uncover what transpired and gets caught up in a dangerous and deadly game.

Breakthrough comedy Mater Natura sees transvestite Desiderio in a loving relationship with car wash owner Andrea. After he finds out is that his beloved is betrothed to a waitress named Maria, he tries to put the pieces of his life back together in a life-changing journey of love and acceptance.

The Viceroys (I Vicere) is a popular award-winning historical drama set in mid-1800s Sicily, during the last years of the Bourbon reign. The story is told through the eyes of little boy Consalvo, last heir to the Uzeda dynasty, who grows up in the midst of a warring family and under the rule of a domineering father.

For film schedules and other inquiries, please contact 633-7851 loc. 113 or log on to www.shangrila-plaza.com.