The Lavazza IncluCity Festival, organized by ICFF, unveiled its full lineup of events which will take place from June 27th to July 21st at the Distillery Historic District, featuring a special celebration dedicated to Federico Fellini with the never-before-seen “Fellini Forever: A Journey into Fellini’s Studio” and the Canadian Premiere of “Finally Dawn” by Saverio Costanzo. The festival will honour past poignant legacies and present outstanding contributions with an extensive lineup which will include over 40 International, North American and Canadian Premieres. The lineup will also present a tailored retrospective on the world-renowned Canadian director, Norman Jewison, who passed away earlier this year. Amongst the guests in attendance hailing from Italy, the festival will welcome Rocco Papaleo, Claudia Gerini, Neri Marcorè, and Fabio Mollo.
What to expect
With 25 days of screenings and events on the iconic couches set on the historic cobblestones of the Distillery District, the festival will represent over 15 communities featuring astounding titles and epic tales from around the world. Among the titles presented, the festival will showcase a Special Screening of “Space Cadet” (USA) by Liz W. Garcia, starring Emma Roberts ahead of the films’ platform release on Amazon Prime, the International Premiere of “Everything’s Fifty Fifty” (Germany) by Alireza Golafshan, the North American Premiere of “Jorge of Cappadocia” (Brazil) by Alexandre Machafer, the Canadian Premiere of “The War Machine” (Italy) by Edoardo De Angelis and starring Pierfrancesco Favino, and the Canadian festival premiere of “Citizen of a Kind” (South Korea) by Park Young-Ju.
“Beyond showcasing the contemporary filmmakers who are currently making cinematic history, we are proud to celebrate the maestros who have indelibly shaped the industry’s very essence,” said Paul Golini, Chair of the ICFF Board.
“The ‘Fellini Forever’ exhibition opening on June 27th during the launch of the ICFF Festival at the Distillery District, will feature over 25 pieces from the maestro’s most famous films and sets including “Fellini’s Casanova” and “The Voice of the Moon,” as well as iconic elements from his life.”
The Grand Opening of the exhibit will culminate with the presentation of “Finally Dawn,” the latest work by Saverio Costanzo (“My Brilliant Friend”) featuring a star-studded Hollywood cast with Lily James (“Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again”), Joe Keery (“Stranger Things”), and Willem Dafoe (“Poor Things”).
A staple theme of the festival remains “inclusivity” with a lineup that not only celebrates multiculturalism but also sheds a special spotlight to diversity and disability with its “Breaking Barriers” focus. Among the films that will be presented, the IncluCity is proud to feature the premieres of “The Shadow of the Sun” (Venezuela), “Born for You” (Italy), “The Weekend Rebels” (Germany), “A Little Something Extra” (France), and “Hamlet is My Brother” (Italy) and “97 Minuten” (Türkiye).
Honouring creators
For its 13th edition, ICFF is brings to Canada the Italian star actor and director Rocco Papaleo to present some of his most beloved films, among them “Basilicata Coast to Coast” and “A Small Southern Enterprise” starring Riccardo Scamarcio. Papaleo will be awarded with the ICFF 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Italian cinema and culture on international scale. Also in attendance will be Neri Marcorè, renowned Italian director and actor, who will present his latest film “Zamora,” in partnership with the Società Dante Alighieri in Toronto.
Another director the festival will celebrate is Atom Egoyan, whose works have been greatly inspired by Fellini. The renowned Canadian director will present the special advanced screening of “Seven Veils” ahead of its theatrical release in the fall.
Special presentations
Following the electrifying success of its pilot edition, the festival is announcing its second edition of “The Dark Side” program, the section dedicated to iconic and contemporary horror and thriller films. Kicking off the genre section is a special “In Conversation” on June 28th lead by Academy Award Winning Producer for “The Shape of Water”, Miles Dale on the topic of “Distillery as a Cinematographic Set.” The evening will discuss all the great films and series featuring Distillery through times and will culminate with the presentation of “The Shape of Water” from the eerie midnight setting of the site.
Part of “the Dark Side” will also be the Canadian Premiere of “Home Education” (UK, Italy), a Special Presentation of “Breathing In” (South Africa), the Canadian Premiere of “Spirit in the Blood” (Canada, Germany), a Special Advanced Screening of “Cuckoo” (United States, Germany), the Canadian Premiere of “The Well” (Italy), the Ontario premiere of “The Vourdalak.” The program and movie will be presented by the Curator, Chris Alexander, author of Delirium Magazine, film journalist, and producer.
The festival includes two more unique special events and conferences. In partnership with NORRed, ICFF will host a high-level conference on Carlo Mollino, featuring renowned expert Michelangelo Sabatino and other prominent architects who will discuss the legacy of the late architect and innovator.
Additionally, ICFF introduces “Archiwine,” an evening celebrating visionary winery architecture along with a unique wine-tasting experience at Distillery District. This event will highlight sustainable practices, tourism, and exceptional wine production, featuring renowned Italian wineries and Ontario’s finest producers.
Lineup
Feature films
50 km per Hour (Cinquanta km all’ora)｜Fabio De Luigi｜Italy｜International Premiere
Two estranged brothers, Luca and Guido, reunite at their father’s funeral after many years apart. The funeral catalyzes their subsequent journey aboard their motorbikes, which will take them across the scenic Italian countryside.
A Girl Returned (L’Arminuta)｜Italy｜Giuseppe Bonito｜Special Presentation
One day, a father drops off his thirteen year old daughter at another family’s house where she is to remain, for a reason unknown. There, she is forced to begin life anew, with a new family, at a new school, in a new environment.
A Little Something Extra (Un P’tit Truc en Plus)｜Artus｜France｜Toronto Premiere
A son and father are running away from the police as they find their escape: a summer camp for disabled adults which is just about to leave the bus station.
A Small Southern Enterprise (Una Piccola Impresa Meridionale)｜Rocco Papaleo｜Italy｜Special Presentation
Mamma Stella is on edge. Her daughter, Rosa Maria, has left her husband and Costantino, her son, has disrobed. Afraid to be the talk of the village, Stella her son to a distant lighthouse belonging to the family. However, it does not take long before all the local outcasts flock together there.
Through the pilot episode “ARCHIWINE”, learn about the architecture of Italy and Canada’s most prestigious wineries.
Basilicata Coast to Coast｜Rocco Papaleo｜Italy｜Special Presentation
Nicola, Salvatore, Rocco, and Franco were members of a band when they were young but now each of them live separate lives. They decide to attend a music festival held in Southern Italy for the first time in 10 years, traversing the Basilicata area on foot. Along the way, unexpected accidents and encounters unfold after a female reporter joins them.
Born For You (Nata Per Te)｜Fabio Mollo｜Italy｜Canadian Premiere
Luca, a single, Catholic, homosexual man, adopts Alba, a child with Down syndrome who was left in the hospital. Before Luca, thirty heterosexual families rejected her. Only then did the court decide to entrust Alba to Luca.
The Braid (Le Tresse)｜Laetitia Colombani｜France, Canada, Italy｜Special Presentation
Three women, Smita, Giulia, and Sarah, are from different parts of the world and have never met, but they are bound by something intimate and unique. Three different countries, three different languages, one story of love and family.
Amidst war and chaos, a wounded general seeks refuge in a stranger’s home – but not all is as it seems. Soon, he will discover that his host’s intentions are far from innocent.
Citizen of a Kind (시민덕희)｜Young-Ju Park｜South Korea｜Canadian Festival Premiere
Following a devastating fire that destroys her laundry store, single mother Deok-hee receives aloan offer from a bank only to discover she’s fallen victim to a voice phishing scam. Determined to seek justice, Deok-hee sets out to confront those responsible for her misfortune.
17-year-old Gretchen moves with her father to the German Alps only to hear strange noises and see visions of a frightening woman, particularly concerning her mute half-sister Alma. She soon discovers that her family may be implicated.
During a summer getaway, divorced couple Marion and Andi, their son Milan, and Marion’s new partner Robin, try and provide the best for their child, hoping to rebuild their fractured family dynamic.
Finally Dawn (Finalmente l’Alba)｜Saverio Costanzo｜Italy｜Canadian Premiere
Rome, 1953. Following the murder of Wilma Montesi, a diverse group connected to a sword-and-sandal film set in ancient Egypt at Cinecittà share an unforgettable night. Everyone’s paths intertwine, revealing secrets and forging unexpected.
Green Over Gray: Emilio Ambasz｜Francesca Molteni & Mattia Colombo｜Italy｜Toronto Premiere
Discover the groundbreaking green architecture movement through the visionary projects of Emilio Ambasz, a pioneer in the debate on climate impact.
Hamlet is my Brother (Amleto è mio fratello)｜Francesco Giuffrè｜Italy｜International Premiere
Paolo, Paolone, Andrea and Carlo are four disabled actors who one night decide to get on a minibus and leave, causing considerable concern among their parents, the theater in which they work and the police. Why this escape? The famous theater in Naples is looking for a company to represent the Bard.
Hard-Nosed (A Muso Duro)｜Marco Pontecorvo｜Italy｜Special Presentation
Inspired by the story of Antonio Maglio, doctor and INAIL manager who dedicated his life to the full social recovery of disabled people, and who in 1960 organized the first Paralympic Games in history.
Home Education – The Rules of Evil (Le Regole del Male)｜Andrea Niada｜Italy, United Kingdom｜Canadian Premiere
Isolated and living in the woods, Rachel’s cult-leading father, Phillip, passes away. Her mother forces Rachel to live with her father’s corpse and perform rituals in an attempt to revive him. As word of Philip’s disappearance spreads, suspicion arises
In the Heat of the Night｜Norman Jewison｜United States｜Retrospective
Virgil Tibbs, a Black police detective from Philadelphia is mistakenly suspected of murder while passing through a racially hostile town in Mississippi. Tibbs proves his innocence and then continues on to investigate the case.
Two young boys, Seydou and Moussa, live in Dakar where their days are spent working, and their nights are filled with music. The two wish to become stars and decide to make their way to Europe. The journey proves to be unbearably difficult and violent.
Jorge of Cappadocia (Jorge da Capadócia)｜Alexandre Machafer｜Brazil｜North America Premiere
Jorge has been honored with the prestigious title of captain of the army, bringing with it access to Emperor Diocletian’s luxurious lifestyle. Jorge is a deeply devout man, and must decide whether to maintain his strong faith or give in to the lavish temptations that await him.
A young witch named Kiki begins her witch training, settling in a seaside town making deliveries using her broomstick. Kiki encounters challenges, makes friends like the kind-hearted baker Osono, and learns valuable lessons about independence and self-belief.
Kryptonite! (La Kryptonite nella Borsa)｜Ivan Cotroneo｜Italy｜Special Presentation
Nine year old Peppino regards his older cousin, Gennaro, like he is Superman. When Gennaro dies, Peppino takes it upon himself to bring his cousin back to life through writing and imagination.
LAF (Palazzina LAF)｜Michele Riondino｜Italy｜International Premiere
Caterino reluctantly becomes a spy for a factory to help sift out workers for dismissal. Caterino discovers that not everything is as it appears: what looks like paradise might actually be a sinister strategy to psychologically torment troublesome workers.
Last Night of Amore (L’Ultima Notte di Amore)｜Andrea Di Stefano｜Italy｜Toronto Premiere
After 35 years of service, policeman Franco Amore is retiring from the force. On his final night his best friend and colleague, Dino, has been found dead on a highway. As he arrives to investigate the crime scene, it quickly becomes evident that Franco may now be in over his head.
The Light in the Farm (La Luce nella Masseria)｜Riccardo Donna & Tiziana Aristarco｜Italy ｜International Premiere
Eleven-year-old Pinuccio dreams of owning a television, a luxury reserved for the elite in 1963. Uncle Vincenzo, a charismatic and modern figure, is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. As familial rifts deepen, Vincenzo proposes a daring plan to reunite the family.
Marconi (L’Uomo Che Ha Connesso il Mondo)｜Lucio Pellegrini｜Italy｜International Premiere
Inspired by true events, this spy thriller delves into the life of Marconi, the inventor of wireless communication. Set in 1937, a young journalist interviews Marconi, intending to capture his remarkable journey.
Mr. & Mrs. Mahi｜Sharan Sharma｜India｜Canadian Festival Premiere
Mahendra, a failed cricketer, and Mahima, a doctor, are brought together by the virtue of an arranged marriage. They soon discover their common love and passion for Cricket. Eventually, Mahendra spots cricketing talent in his wife and encourages her to chase her dream of becoming a cricketer.
Loretta Castorini, a bookkeeper from Brooklyn, New York, finds herself in a difficult situation when she falls for the brother of the man she has agreed to marry.
My Paper Dolls (Le Mie Ragazze di Carta)｜Luca Lucini｜Italy｜Canadian Premiere
Young Tiberio and his family are finally given the opportunity to reach financial success by moving out of the countryside and to the city. Here, young Tiberio makes a new friend and is introduced to pornography.
To keep her family afloat in the war-torn Naples of 1942, Amalia is forced to work at a black market. To save Amalia from Jail, her husband, Gennaro, must fake his own death.
The Natural – Marco Pantani (Il Migliore. Marco Pantani)｜Paolo Santolini｜Italy｜Canadian Premiere
Embark on an unprecedented journey delving into the extraordinary life of legendary cyclist, Marco Pantani. Unveiling a captivating narrative woven through a blend of public and private archive footage, alongside intimate conversations with family, early mentors, and cherished friends, the film offers a poignant exploration into the essence of greatness.
Next Goal Wins｜Taika Waititi｜United States｜Special Presentation
The American Samoa soccer team gained worldwide attention for their infamous 31-0 loss to Australia during the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifying game. Fast forward 13 years, the team is committed to qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Our Father｜Biodun Stephen｜Nigeria｜World Premiere
Sunday Okon, a struggling musician, abandons his family in a last-ditch effort to achieve stardom to no avail. While dodging creditors one day, Sunday stumbles upon a news storyfeaturing a young woman who has just won a national talent show, discovering that the rising star is his youngest child. Sunday decides to reenter his daughter’s world.
Princes of the Desert (Zodi & Téhu, Frères du Desert)｜Eric Barbier｜France｜Special Presentation
In the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, Zodi discovers an orphaned baby camel whom he lovingly names Téhu. Their bond deepens as they journey together across the desert, with Zodi marvelling at Téhu’s extraordinary racing skills. However, their peaceful existence is threatened when a cruel merchant, Tarek, sets his sights on Téhu.
The Road (La Strada)｜Federico Fellini｜Italy｜Retrospective
Gelsomina is a waif sold by her mother to Zampano, a travelling strongman, for a pittance and some food. Enduring Zampano’s abuse, she assists him in his shows until they join a circus.
Rocky Road to Berlin (Я, Побєда і Берлін)｜Olga Ryashina｜Ukraine｜Canadian Festival Premiere
The story centers on the adventures of a Ukrainian novice musician Kuzma and his friend Bard, who set out on their trip to Berlin in a rusty “Pobeda” car. Kuzma wants to exchange his old car for a “Mercedes 600” with a German collector in order to impress Barbara, the girl he is in love with. But the hectic nightlife of the German capital involves the hero in stunning adventures that change his purpose, hardens his character and helps him find his true self.
The Rose of Istria (La Rosa dell’Istria)｜Tiziana Aristarco｜Italy｜International Premiere
War reaches the Braico family in Canfanaro, now in Croatia, forcing its members – father Antonio, a doctor; mother Bina; children Niccolò, Maddalena, Saulo; and grandmother Mimma – into a life of exile in foreign, distant lands.
The Second Chance (La Seconda Chance)｜Umberto Carteni｜Italy｜International Premiere
Max and Anna realize they are strangers to their teenage children and reminisce about the days when they were small and innocent. At the end of a catastrophic evening, Anna and Max are provided with a re-do.
As Jeanine, a talented and ambitious theatre director, begins working on a new project, past romance and childhood trauma begin to intertwine with the opera’s narrative, pushing the boundaries of her sanity and marriage.
The Shadow of the Sun (La Sombra del Sol)｜Miguel Ángel Ferrer｜Venezuela｜Canadian Premiere
Two brothers, Leo and Alex, have been living in financial debt for years. Alex, who has been deaf since birth, offers a solution: Participate in a musical contest performing a song that he has written to win a grand prize.
The Shape of Water｜Guillermo del Toro｜United States, Mexico｜Special Presentation
Set against the backdrop of Cold War-era America, Elise, a mute maintenance worker, works in a high-security government laboratory. After stumbling upon a mysterious sea creature, the two feel an unexpected connection.
Space Cadet｜Liz W. Garcia｜United States｜Special Screening
NASA is in dire need of help, fresh insight, and focus. After a fluke, it just so happens that the help they are looking for is Rex, well-known party girl from Florida.
Spirit in the Blood｜Carly May Borgstrom｜Canada, Germany｜Canadian Premiere
After a young girl is found dead in a secluded religious mountain community, suspicion grip a tight-knit group of teenage girls. Driven by a deep conviction that evil spirits lurked among them, they set out to uncover the girl’s murderer.
There Is a Light (Il Padre d’Italia)｜Fabio Mollo｜Italy｜Special Presentation
Paolo is a skeptical 30-year-old who works unwillingly as a sales clerk at a department store in Turin. Mia is a backup singer in a band and lives her life haphazardly, which leads to her being practically homeless. One fateful night, the two meet by chance, and Mia’s infectious spirit turns Paolo’s life upside down.
The Thomas Crown Affair｜Norman Jewison｜United States｜Retrospective
Four men successfully carry off a bank heist of over $2 million, their unknown leader being Sir Thomas Crown, the executive at the bank that was hit. Vicki Anderson is hired to solve the case, getting tangled in Crown’s world, judicially and romantically.
Three Michelin star French chef Gabriel Carvin is plagued by emptiness, despite his success. With the help of hypnosis, Carvin is inspired to go to Japan in search of new culinary inspiration.
The Vourdalak (Le Vourdalak)｜Adrien Beau｜France｜Ontario Premiere
In the depths of a menacing forest, the Marquis d’Urfé, a noble envoy from the French King, seeks refuge with an enigmatic family. Rooted in a classic horror narrative, the film daringly navigates between tradition and innovation.
Sevda Mecburi İstikamet (97 Minuten) | Çagan Irmak | Türkiye | North American Premiere
A famous actor sets off on a journey to rebuild his relationship with his neurodivergent adult daughter after the death of his wife.
The War Machine (Comandante)｜Edoardo De Angelis｜Italy｜Canadian Premiere
Comandante is the gripping true story about the Italian Royal Navy submarine Cappellini during a dark night near the beginning of WWII. Commander, Salvatore Todaro, saves the 26 shipwrecked Belgians who would have drowned in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
10-year-old Jason is suggested to attend a special school that can better accommodate his autism. Mirco, his father, is against this. They make a pact: Mirco will help him find his favourite soccer club if he promises to do his best not to be provoked at school.
The Well｜Federico Zampaglione｜Italy｜Canadian Premiere
A budding art restorer travels to a small Italian village to bring a medieval painting back to its former glory. Little does she know she is placing her life in danger from an evil curse and a monster born of myth and brutal pain.
Zamora｜Neri Marcorè｜Italy｜International Premiere
Soccer for Walter Vismara is an unfamiliar and hostile planet. A soccer-obsessed boss forces his employees to practice soccer every week in preparation for the big game at the end of the year. Thus begins for Walter a never-ending torment and the most demeaning taunts.
Short films
Canadian Shorts
Death to the Bikini (À mort le bikini!) | Justine Gauthier | Canada
Angie | Anthony Coveney | Canada
<Bridge the Gap> | Luca Fiore | Canada
Don’t Cry Over Spilt Spritz | Cristian Angelo Nigro | Canada
Rooster’s Crow (Le Chant du Coq) | Alexandra Lefebvre | Canada
My Digital Boyfriend | Lauren Eden | Canada
My Missing Years | Kylie Hitchcock | Canada
Outside My Window (Face à ma fenêtre) | Sonia Gemmiti | Canada
Shorts Collection #1
The Aquarius (L’Acquario) | Gianluca Zonta | Italy
The Skates (Les Patins) | Halima Ouardiri | Canada
My Name is Aseman | Ali Asgari, Gianluca Mangiasciutti | Italy
We (Noi) | Luigi Capasso | Italy
Ofrandă | Vjosana Shkurti | Canada
The Town of Dead Dreams | Manisa Hope | Canada
Shorts Collection #2
Just A Little Longer | Daniela Mileykovsky | USA
My Tomato Heart (Mon Coeur de Tomate) | Benoît Le Rouzès Ménard | Canada
Old Tricks | Edoardo Pasquini, Viktor Ivanov | Bulgaria, Italy
Osas and the women from Benin City | Gabriele Gravagna | Italy
Reem al Shammary – The Bedouin Boxeur | Mattia Ramberti | Italy
Skintone (Colorcarne) | Alberto Marchiori | Italy
The Steak | Kiarash Dadgar Mohebi | Canada, Islamic Republic of Iran
Animated Shorts
The Dawn of Creation (L’éveil à la Création) | Cardo De Togni | Italy
Dòma | Chiara Seveso | Italy
Hiraeth | Rianne Stremmelaar | Netherlands
Morgane | Lilou Massouty (a.k.a. Pwatapwet) | France
Penumbra | Rianne Stremmelaar | Netherlands
SPRING WALTZ | Stefano Lorenzi, Clelia Catalano | Italy
The Strange Case Of The Human Cannonball | Ecuador | Roberto Valenci
