The Italian Screens showcase made its Shanghai debut at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, presenting seven contemporary Italian films to Chinese audiences. The program aims to strengthen cultural and business ties between Italy and China in the film industry.
Previously held in Beijing for two years, the initiative launched in Shanghai at the Crowne Plaza with key industry figures in attendance. Roberto Stabile, head of international affairs at Italy’s Cinecittà division, joined Shanghai International Film and TV Festival Center director Chen Guo, Chinese distributor Li Na, and acclaimed Italian director Paolo Genovese, whose romantic comedy Madly (Follemente) opened the seven-film lineup.
Italian Screens is a joint effort by Italy’s Ministry of Culture Cinema and Audiovisual Authority and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The initiative promotes Italian cinema and fosters international partnerships.
Chen Guo welcomed the Italian showcase, emphasizing Shanghai’s role as a bridge between Eastern and Western film cultures. She expressed enthusiasm for introducing Italian films to local audiences.
Roberto Stabile highlighted the program’s achievements and Italy’s film industry support policies. He recalled last year’s There’s Still Tomorrow (C’è ancora domani), which opened the 2024 Italian Screens program in Beijing to positive reception and strong theatrical results supported by Italy’s film distribution fund.
Stabile described Madly as one of Italy’s highest-grossing films this year, with over 2.3 million domestic viewers. He expressed hope that Chinese audiences would embrace it as well.
The Italian Screens program offers a Film Distribution Fund providing €2 million annually to support overseas theatrical releases of Italian films. Distributors can apply for up to €50,000 per title. Additional incentives encourage international co-productions and invite Chinese filmmakers to shoot in Italy, particularly at the historic Cinecittà studios.
Paolo Genovese and Li Na promoted Madly at the festival. Following his global hit Perfect Strangers, Genovese explores human relationships through a fresh lens in this romantic comedy. The film follows philosophy professor Piero, recovering from a breakup, who meets furniture restorer Lara. The story uniquely focuses on eight distinct emotions influencing their choices.
Genovese described the film as an exploration of emotional contradictions behind life’s major decisions. Unlike Perfect Strangers, which left audiences skeptical about love, Madly aims to inspire viewers to embrace romance.
As ambassador of the Italian Screens initiative, Genovese expressed optimism about Sino-Italian film exchanges. Visiting Shanghai for the fourth time, he feels “at home” and noted multiple international remake requests for Madly, given its universal themes.
Distributor Li Na praised Italian cinema’s connection to Chinese audiences, highlighting There’s Still Tomorrow’s box office success and high rating on Douban, China’s leading film review platform. She emphasized the shared emotional experiences between Italian and Chinese viewers.
Coinciding with the 55th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic relations, this year’s Italian Screens program features seven contemporary films: Madly, Diamonds, The Story of Frank and Nina, Naples to New York, Vermiglio, The Negotiator, and Feeling Better—showcasing Italy’s rich and diverse cinematic offerings to Chinese audiences.
Related topics:
