The annual showcase dedicated to Commedia all’italiana returns with a selection of classic and contemporary films that trace the evolving face of Italian society and family life. These works tell the story of Italy, its people and their everyday dramas, all in an unmistakable “Italian style”.
The series opens with Gioia mia, directed by Margherita Spampinato and warmly received at the most recent Locarno Film Festival, and continues with three contemporary titles: Cinque secondi by Paolo Virzì, La città proibita by Gabriele Mainetti, and Come ti muovi sbagli by Gianni Di Gregorio.
Alongside these recent films, we present three unforgettable works by Pier Paolo Pasolini, in tribute to the 50th anniversary of his death. Pasolini’s films, shown at the Rosh Pina Cinematheque, are Il Vangelo secondo Matteo (1964), Uccellacci e uccellini (1966), and Accattone (1961).
All festival screenings are in the original language, with Hebrew and/or English subtitles. One title, La città proibita by Gabriele Mainetti, will be presented with subtitles in both Hebrew and Arabic. | Artistic director: Ronny Fellus
HAIFA CINEMATHEQUE (18–27 December 2025)
CONTEMPORARY SECTION
- GIOIA MIA (Sweetheart, 2025), directed by Margherita Spampinato. Screening: 18/12/2025, 6:30 p.m.
Subtitles in Hebrew and English
Nico, raised in a modern, hyper-connected world, is forced to spend the summer in Sicily with an elderly, religious aunt who lives without technology in a house full of superstitions. From their clash between modernity and tradition, a deep and unexpected bond slowly begins to grow. - CINQUE SECONDI (Five Seconds, 2025), directed by Paolo Virzì. Screening: 20/12/2025, 11:00 a.m.
Subtitles in Hebrew and English
Adriano, a surly and solitary man, lives in isolation on the Villa Guelfi estate until the arrival of a community of young people who illegally occupy part of the land. Amid conflict and mutual suspicion, this forced cohabitation slowly turns into care and the creation of unexpected bonds, especially with the young countess Matilde. - LA CITTÀ PROIBITA (Forbidden City, 2025), directed by Gabriele Mainetti. Screening: 26/12/2025, 4:45 p.m.
Subtitles in Hebrew and Arabic
In Rome, Mei, a mysterious Chinese girl, is searching for her missing sister, while Marcello and his mother run the family restaurant, struggling with debts and betrayals. Their destinies intertwine in a battle where love and revenge mix, against a backdrop of ancient prejudices and ruthless enemies. - COME TI MUOVI SBAGLI (Damned if you do, damned if you don’t, 2025), directed by Gianni Di Gregorio. Screening: 27/12/2025, 11:00 a.m.
Subtitles in Hebrew and English
A seventy-year-old professor lives a peaceful life until the arrival of his daughter and grandchildren turns his routine upside down. Amid new worries and newfound affection, he will discover that, despite effort and unforeseen events, love and sharing always remain a precious gift.
The films in the contemporary section are shown in the original language, with Hebrew and English subtitles. The film La città proibita has subtitles in Hebrew and Arabic, not in English.
ROSH PINA CINEMATHEQUE (15–30 December 2025)
CONTEMPORARY SECTION
- CINQUE SECONDI (Five Seconds, 2025), directed by Paolo Virzì. Screening: 16/12/2025, 7:30 p.m.
Subtitles in Hebrew and English - LA CITTÀ PROIBITA (Forbidden City, 2025), directed by Gabriele Mainetti. Screening: 18/12/2025, 9:00 p.m.
Subtitles in Hebrew and Arabic - GIOIA MIA (Sweetheart, 2025), directed by Margherita Spampinato. Screening: 20/12/2025, 6:00 p.m.
Subtitles in Hebrew and English
CLASSIC SECTION: Tribute to Pier Paolo Pasolini
- IL VANGELO SECONDO MATTEO (The Gospel According to Matthew, 1964). Screening: 23/12/2025, 4:30 p.m
Subtitles in Hebrew and English
Pasolini’s The Gospel According to Matthew presents Jesus as a man deeply committed to the fight against social injustice, recounting his encounters and teachings with extraordinary simplicity. The Italian locations and the use of non-professional actors give the film a powerful authenticity, while the musical choices enrich the story in an original and evocative way. - UCCELLACCI E UCCELLINI (The Hawks and The Sparrows, 1966). Screening: 29/12/2025, 7:00 p.m.
Subtitles in Hebrew and English
In The Hawks and the Sparrows, a father and son wander around the outskirts of Rome, accompanied by a talking crow who leads them into unusual encounters and allegorical situations. Through surreal episodes and moments of genuine tenderness, the film weaves together comedy, social critique and a poetic symbolism that represents one of the most original hallmarks of Pasolini’s filmmaking. - ACCATTONE (Accattone, 1961). Screening: 30/12/2025, 6:00 p.m.
Subtitles in Hebrew
Pasolini’s debut film, set in the slums of Rome, tells the story of Accattone, suspended between destitution and an inner sense of dignity. Shot in an intuitive, poetic and profoundly innovative style, the film ushers in the second phase of Italian neo-realism and includes, among its collaborators, a very young Bernardo Bertolucci as assistant director.
Dates and times are subject to change.
Please consult the cinematheque website for updated information.
15–30 December 2025
* Haifa Cinematheque, 142 Hanassi Avenue, Haifa
* Rosh Pina Cinematheque, Rehov David Shuv 32, Rosh Pina