ITALIAN MOVIE NIGHT MAGIC

Italians’ love of cinema, film and movies is engrained in Italian culture, making the Rome International Film Festival (14^th – 24^th October 2021) the perfect time to get into the spirit of this popular Italian pastime.

As Italians revel in the joy of film this month, why not experience the timeless simple pleasure of hosting your own Italian film festival at home with family and friends?

HOME CINEMA SET UP

As the clocks turn back and the days get shorter, October gives us ideal moments to cosy up in front of a big screen with loved ones, a BIRRA MORETTI and a great movie. Here’s how to bring the magic of Italian cinema to your home.

For a more elevated and immersive experience, consider renting or buying a projector. There’s nothing quite like that all-familiar gentle background whir, and the timeless look and feel of a projected motion-picture film. Connect it to a streaming device or a laptop, Blu Ray Player or DVD, and you’re good to go.

Creating an authentic-looking cinema screen can as be as simple as using a large blank wall, hanging a white sheet across the room, or renting a pull-up HD projector screen. Professional speakers deliver reverberating surround sound, or set up a home Bluetooth speaker at the back of the room for a similar effect.

ITALIAN MOVIES

Finding the right movie to satisfy all tastes is challenging but you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Italian classics.

Italians are famed for expressions of love and romance, making ‘Il Postino’ (The Postman) popular. Other top choices include ‘Nuovo Cinema Paradiso’ (New Paradise Cinema) for drama and ‘La Dolce Vita’ (The Sweet Life) for dramatic comedy. ‘Ladri di Biciclette’ (The Bicycle Thief) is a must-see for a historic step back in time, ‘La Vita è Bella’ (Life is Beautiful) for a heart-wrenching Oscar-award-winning watch and ‘Quella villa Accanto al Cimitero’ (The House by the Cemetery) for classic Italian horror (perfect for Halloween).

MOVIE AMBIENCE

Italians have enjoyed watching movies under the magic of star-lit skies since the dawn of cinema, which you can recreate with twinkling lights. String them overhead, or across the ceiling for a special night-time feel.

Keep it simple, but effective, with movie-themed decorations. Italian-flag bunting, and Italian-flag olive cocktail sticks, are perfect for classic Italian movies.

TAKE A MOMENT

Italians are used to an ‘intervallo’ (intermission) when they watch movies in cinemas. While it’s unheard of outside of plays and musicals in the UK, Italians love taking ‘a moment’. It’s a chance to discuss the story that’s unfolding in the film whilst sharing a BIRRA MORETTI.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Food is central to every Italian get together, and movies are no exception. Italians choose to snack on olives, ciambelle (large Italian pretzels), gelato and amaretto biscuits.

When it’s cold outside, a warming homemade pizza, gnocchi or risotto will satisfy your movie companions. Serve in the intermission, or after the movie. Our recipes are delicious, simple to make and pair perfectly with BIRRA MORETTI.

Italian food has even takes stage in some of their most loved films. Mozzarella en carrozza (a stringy melted cheese sandwich) shot to fame in ‘Ladri di biciclette’ (The Bicycle Thief), while character Felice Sciosciammocca in ‘Miseria e Nobiltà’ enthusiastically devours spaghetti in tomato sauce using only his hands - even putting some in his pockets for later.

DISCOVER OUR RECIPES HERE

Film making is engrained in Italian culture, and watching movies is a much-loved pastime – especially in the company of family and friends. Some simple Italian film festival touches, alongside great company, delicious Italian food and authentic BIRRA MORETTI are all you need.