The Italian Film Festival is bringing 33 films to Melbourne this spring

Melbourne can expect a taste of Italy this spring, with the full program for the 2026 ST. ALi Italian Film Festival now revealed.

Presented by Palace, the festival returns from 18 September to 15 October, bringing 33 films to cinemas across the city, along with special guests, a celebration of legendary actor Anna Magnani and a free exhibition of vintage Italian movie posters.

“Australia’s favourite love affair with Italy is back for another exciting year with a remarkable thirty three films in the line up,” Festival Director Elysia Zeccola said.

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming two huge names in Italian cinema to our shores and can’t wait to share with them the passion our audiences have for this annual celebration of Italian culture.”

The festival opens with Holy Cannoli a Palermo-set romantic comedy from Pierfrancesco ‘Pif’ Diliberto. The film follows successful real estate agent Arturo, who falls for a devout pastry chef while navigating questions of love, faith and plenty of desserts. Pif will visit Melbourne and Sydney for the festival, introducing selected screenings.

Another special guest is acclaimed actor Edoardo Leo, who will be in Melbourne for Australian Premiere screenings of Separate Beds and For You. The former follows a strict school principal whose life is disrupted by an unconventional woman, while For You is based on a true story about a father and his young son confronting an unexpected diagnosis.

The festival’s Centrepiece is Sweetheart, an acclaimed Sicilian drama about a young boy whose summer with his elderly aunt takes an unexpected turn when he discovers secrets hidden inside her home.

There is also plenty for fans of Italian cinema to explore, from fashion documentaries including Armani and the Birth of Italian Fashion and Brunello, the Gracious Visionary.

A retrospective focus on Anna Magnani includesAnna Magnani – the Untold Story AY, alongside screenings of Bellissima and Mamma Roma.

Melbourne will also get an exclusive special event with the Italian Cinemas in Melbourne: Vintage Poster Exhibition at Palace Pentridge from 18 September to 15 October. The exhibition features posters from the collections of Santo Cilauro and Palace founder Antonio Zeccola. Its closing event will include a screening of The Castle followed by a Q&A with Cilauro and Michael Hirsh from Working Dog.

See the whole program and book tickets here.