The largest celebration of Italian culture and cinema outside Italy is heading back to the big screen this spring, with the 2026 ST. ALi Italian Film Festival presented by Palace returning to Melbourne from 18 September to 15 October.
The festival will once again showcase the best of contemporary Italian filmmaking, with the first selection of films now revealed ahead of the full program announcement in late August.
Leading the early lineup is the Festival Special Presentation, Three Goodbyes (Tre ciotole), a bittersweet romantic drama based on Michela Murgia’s bestselling novel. Starring Alba Rohrwacher and Elio Germano, the film follows a couple whose lives are transformed after an unexpected separation.
Other highlights include The Greater Good (Il bene comune), directed by and starring Rocco Papaleo, which follows a hiking group on a life-changing journey through Basilicata’s Pollino National Park, and The Eyes of Others (Gli occhi degli altri), a gripping thriller inspired by real events set among the picturesque Pontine Islands.
Comedy also takes centre stage with Twin Stars (Stella gemella), which follows a couple expecting an incredibly rare set of twins, each with a different father, while Classmates (Domani interrogo) explores the challenges and rewards of teaching a difficult high school class in Rome.
Families can also enjoy Incanto, a magical adventure about a young girl who discovers a travelling circus and learns the importance of imagination, courage and kindness.
In Melbourne, screenings will take place at The Astor Theatre, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Penny Lane, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema and Cinema Nova.
The full festival program will be announced in late August, when tickets will also go on sale. For more information and to register for ticket updates, visit https://www.italianfilmfestival.com.au/.
