2014 Lavazza Italian Film Festival

Marina, a gloriously entertaining biopic that tells the true story of singer, songwriter and accordionist, Rocco Granata, will launch the 2014 Lavazza Italian Film Festival.

Based on Granata's early life, Marina charts his rise from humble beginnings, as the son of a Calabrian coal miner, to his emergence as a musical phenomenon with the release of his 1959 song Marina, which became one of the biggest international hits of that era.  Directed by multi-award winning filmmaker Stijn Conix (When the Light Comes, Daens), produced by the Dardenne brothers and starring the smouldering Matteo Simoni as Granata, along with famed screen-star, Luigi Lo Cascio, the nostalgic charm of Marina is certain to leave audiences with a smile on their face, and a spring in their step!

Bringing a dash of Mediterranean romance to 15 superb Palace locations from mid-September to late October, the Festival's 15th annual outing will screen 33 show-stopping new features and documentaries and one glamourous classic, showcasing the charisma of Italy's most engaging actors, from Kim Rossi Stuart, Raoul Bova, Monica Bellucci and Claudio Santamaria to Giovanna Mezzorgiorno, Valeria Golino, Margherita Buy and Sergio Rubini.

50 years after its first release, the Sophia Loren/Marcello Mastroianni classic Marriage Italian Style has been restored by Cineteca di Bologna, Technicolor Foundation for Cinema Heritage and Memory Cinéma, in collaboration with Surf Film and we are thrilled to present it as the Closing Night film in each city. This triumph will support our enticing special events presented by Peroni and Enoteca Sileno, and our fabulous international guest (to be announced…!).

And if you're seeking the ultimate Italian espresso, whilst indulging in some -cinema italiano', look no further than Lavazza, whom the Festival is once again honoured to have as the naming rights partner.  Lavazza is proudly served at all Palace Cinemas so attendees year-round can enjoy the premium taste of Barista made coffee.

The 2014 Lavazza Italian Film Festival will take place nationally at Palace Cinemas on the following dates:

VIC:         17 Sept - 12 Oct    Palace Cinema Como, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Westgarth, The Kino Cinemas

NSW:       18 Sept - 12 Oct    Palace Verona, Palace Norton Street & Chauvel Cinema

ACT:        23 Sept - 15 Oct    Palace Electric

WA:         24 Sept - 15 Oct    Cinema Paradiso & Luna on SX

QLD:           1 Oct - 22 Oct    Palace Barracks & Palace Centro

SA               2 Oct - 22 Oct    Palace Nova Eastend

BYRON       9 Oct - 15 Oct    Palace Byron Bay

TAS:          16 Oct - 22 Oct    State Cinema