Italian Film Series at Casa Italia
October 21, 28 and November 4,18
Casa Italia Community Center
1621 N 39th Ave, Stone Park, IL
Casa Italia, with support from the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago, presents a selection of four Italian films in their original language, between drama and laughter, with events for all ages.
Films are screened in the ballroom of the Community Center at Casa Italia in Stone Park. Free parking is available at the corner of 37th Avenue and Division Street and behind the Italian Cultural Center, 1621 N. 39th Ave. Doors open at 7 p.m., and screenings begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. Complimentary beverages and popcorn are available. Admission is free, but reservations and free will donations are encouraged. Call 708-345-5933 or visit www.casaitaliachicago.org
Ordinary Happiness
Directed by Daniele Luchetti, 2019, 93”
Friday, October 21 at 7:30pm CT
Those darn bureaucratic errors! In this tongue-in-cheek comedy, Paolo dies in a traffic accident, but an afterlife bureaucrat says that due to a mistake, he can go back to Earth for 92 more minutes. Can this ordinary, bumbling guy make up for his dumb mistakes and let his wife, daughter and son know how much he loves them?
The Goddess of Fortune
Directed by Ferzan Özpetek, 2019, 114”
Friday, October 28 at 7:30pm CT
When Annamaria brings her two children on a visit to childhood friend Arturo, their cheerfulness buoys his sinking 15-year relationship with Alessandro. They form a joyful family of friends, which insulates Annamaria from her crazy baroness mother. The men have their beloved Annamaria’s back as she confronts serious illness — and they discover resilience and strength in themselves.
The Man who Bought the Moon
Directed by Paolo Zucca, 2018, 103”
Friday, November 4 at 7:30pm CT
In one of the most original screen-plays in ages, the Italian government provides secret lessons for a special agent in how to act and speak like a Sardinian because intelligence has revealed that a man in Sardinia bought the moon as a gift for his wife. Part suspense, part pure wit, with doses of magic and unabashed romance, this is a must-see.
Once Upon a Time in Bethlehem
Directed by Salvatore Ficarra and Valentino Picone, 2019, 100”
Friday, November 18 at 7:30pm CT
The comic duo of Ficarra and Picone are auditioning for a Christmas pageant when a magical portal transports them to Bethlehem in the year 0, just before Christ is to be born. Inspired zaniness ensues as they, the only people who know what’s going to happen next, dodge Romans, confront a lion and try not to rewrite history. It’s a delightful Christmas movie like no other.