Italian Short Films- A Few Oldies but Goodies

With independent film festivals popping up in every region of Italy, the short film or cortometraggio has taken on a whole new life of its own. The short films generally range from 2 minutes to 20 minutes covering a variety of topics. They are made by seasoned filmmakers and amateurs alike and are featured in the smallest of film festivals to established festivals like La Biennale di Venezia. Many even make their way to North America in festivals such as Open Roads: New Italian Cinema in New York City, the Tribeca Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival.

Below are a few of my favorite short films to come out of Italy in the past few years. They feature professional actors as well as local actors making their screen debuts. Some scenes were shot on studio sets while others were shot in the quaint streets and towns of the filmmakers themselves. All films below are in Italian with English subtitles. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I have..

Because there are things you never forget
Directed by Argentinian filmmaker Luca Figueroa and set in 1950 Naples, the story follows a group of young boys playing soccer in the streets of their neighborhood when they get into trouble with the town grump after losing their ball in her garden. However, it is the boys who have the last word. This one is especially fun to watch due to its ambient lighting, creative cinematography and great, rockin soundtrack of Italian classics!

Notte sento

Directed, shot and edited by Daniele Napolitano, Notte sento features gorgeous visuals of Rome and a sweet musical soundtrack. Sans dialogue, this short is just a fun, feel-good piece filled with beautiful people and beautiful scenery. If you are familiar at all with Roma Termini, the main rail station in Rome and the surrounding neighborhood, this film will bring you right back!

Stella
This is a short film made by veteran director Gabriele Salvatores. It is the story of a girl who was dealt a tough deck in life but is given a second chance. It is a poignant story about survival, honesty and strength, simple yet powerful in its message.

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