Italian Cinema Today

UPDATE (JULY 17, 2025) Now in its sixth year, the Rochester Global Short Film Series is a celebration of world cinema. The first edition was held in Rochester, New York in March of 2020 just before the world paused for the global pandemic. We have come a long way since then! We pride ourselves in providing a platform for the voices and perspectives of independent filmmakers. Home of Eastman Kodak and nicknamed "The World's Image Center", Rochester has a long history of supporting the performing arts. It is the birthplace of numerous renowned artists including Oscar-winning actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Oscar-nominated actor John Lithgow, Oscar-nominated actor Robert Forster, actress Kristen Wiig and soprano Renée Fleming.  Silent film star Louise Brooks spent the last years of her life in Rochester writing her memoir, “Lulu in Hollywood.” Known for her independent spirit and displeasure with pretentiousness, she is one of the influences behind the event. The other influe...

The 2017 Cannes Film Festival kicks off today. Although no Italian films were chosen to compete in the main competition, there is a strong Italian presence across the board. From Claudia Cardinale gracing the official poster to Monica Bellucci acting as Mistress of Ceremonies to Paolo Sorrentino's jury post to a restored version of Michelangelo Antonioni's Blow Up and the selection of films in other categories, there will be no shortage of Italian films for festival-goers to enjoy. One film in particular that has caught my eye is a short film made by  Emanuela Mascherini. Offline is the story of the perils of online dating and how the new  form of social interaction is sometimes exploited or used irresponsibly. There are two versions- 16 minutes and 24 minutes. Mascherini will present the 24-minute version at the Cannes Short Film Corner.   Although she is young Mascherini has an impressive resume, which boasts he...