Italian film symposium draws scholars, film lovers to Bloomington campus
Dozens of scholars from across the U.S. and Europe will be in Bloomington this week to take part in the Department of French and Italian’s fourth annual film symposium.
This year’s gathering focuses on new trends in modern and contemporary Italian cinema, and includes the screening of four films by Italian director Roberta Torre at IU Cinema.
“It can be difficult to keep up with trends, changes and the new generation of Italian cinema, so this offers a wonderful opportunity to gather together and discuss film as well as issues such as distribution and how globalization is affecting national cinema, culture and identities,” said co-organizer Antonio Vitti, professor of Italian cinema in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of French and Italian. “It’s also a good way to find out what our colleagues are working on, and gives our students a chance to network and meet others in our field.”
The Bloomington campus is becoming known for hosting the annual event, Vitti said, which this year welcomes participants from England, Australia and Italy. Keynote speakers include a professor of Italian culture from Yale University, an author and professor of Italian film history from Universita di Bologna and a well-known Italian film critic who also heads up the organization that gives the Nastri d’Argento prizes for Italian and European cinema.
Vitti said he’s particularly looking forward to watching Torre’s films light up IU Cinema’s big screen.
“She’s a unique filmmaker in contemporary Italian cinema, using a mix of high and low popular culture and pop art, almost creating a new genre,” he said. “It’s very distinctive, and it’s wonderful to have her here on campus.”
The symposium begins tonight at IU Cinema. A full itinerary, including details on keynote speakers, is available online. All symposium events are free and open to the public.
Torre’s films will be screened in Italian with English subtitles. Screenings are free, but tickets are required and can be obtained at the IU Auditorium box office or at the cinema prior to any screening. The full film schedule, which includes “Angela,” “To Die for Tano,” “The Dark Sea” and “Lost Kisses,” is available online as well.
Tags: Antonio Vitti, Department of French and Italian, Italian cinema, Roberta Torre
