by InTrieste
Set against the lush greenery of the Public Garden “Muzio de Tommasini,” this year’s Giardino del Cinema summer series is a celebration of film that spans from Oscar-winning titles to animation, Italian cinema, and global hits.
From August 26 through September 1, film lovers can expect an eclectic lineup curated by the Casa del Cinema di Trieste, transforming the park into a cinematic oasis. The weekly series offers a unique blend of storytelling, including animated features, social dramas, historical reflections, and biographical tales, all screened beneath the summer sky.
The Program
The week opens on Monday, August 26, with the second installment of “The Art of Joy,” directed by Valeria Golino. Adapted from Goliarda Sapienza’s celebrated novel, this narrative follows the life of Modesta, a woman born into poverty in early 20th-century Sicily, who defies societal expectations in her pursuit of knowledge, love, and freedom. This screening is part of a collaboration with TriesteBookFest and the renowned Libreria Antico Caffè San Marco, lending literary weight to the cinematic offering.
On Tuesday, August 27, families and fans of animation will be treated to “Inside Out 2,” the much-anticipated sequel from Disney-Pixar. Once again exploring the inner workings of young Riley’s mind, this film introduces new emotions, including Anxiety, which injects fresh turmoil into her life. It’s a reflection of Pixar’s ongoing commitment to addressing complex emotional landscapes within a framework of family-friendly entertainment.
Wednesday, August 28 takes a darker turn with “The Zone of Interest,” Jonathan Glazer’s harrowing visual reflection on a couple attempting to construct an idyllic life next to the Auschwitz concentration camp. This film, which won the Academy Award for Best International Feature, is a meditation on complicity and denial, an evocative reminder of history’s darkest chapters. Presented in collaboration with the Museo della Risiera di San Sabba, a former concentration camp turned National Monument, the screening will feature an introduction by historian and essayist Elena Pirazzoli.
The lineup continues on Thursday, August 29 with “Palazzina LAF,” Michele Riondino’s directorial debut. Set in the industrial city of Taranto in 1997, the film delves into one of the most serious cases of workplace harassment in Italy, told through the eyes of a factory worker. Riondino, who also stars in the film alongside Elio Germano, captures the struggle for dignity in an unforgiving work environment.
Friday, August 30, brings Sofia Coppola’s biographical drama “Priscilla,” a deeply personal account of Priscilla Beaulieu’s relationship with Elvis Presley. Featuring Cailee Spaeny, who won the Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival, this film presents a new perspective on the king of rock and roll, focusing on his wife’s perspective and their complex marriage. The screening will be in its original English, with Italian subtitles.
Saturday, August 31, offers “The Holdovers,” a heartfelt story by Alexander Payne, set at a New England boarding school during the Christmas holidays. The film weaves together the lives of a stern professor, a troubled student, and the school’s cook, as they form an unexpected bond. Featuring Paul Giamatti, rising star Dominic Sessa, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who recently won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, this film is a testament to the power of human connection.
The series concludes on Sunday, September 1, with “Alien Island,” a documentary by Cristóbal Valenzuela Berríos. This Chilean film recounts the bizarre story of amateur radio operators who, during the military dictatorship of the 1980s, claim to have communicated with extraterrestrials living on a remote island. The film will be shown in its original language with Italian subtitles and will feature a special appearance by producer Sarah Pennacchi.
Practical Details
Entrance to the screenings is located at Via Giulia/Largo Tomizza, with films starting at 9:00 p.m. Ticket prices are set at €6.50 for full price and €4 for reduced tickets. Through September 19, in support of the “Cinema Revolution” campaign spearheaded by Italy’s Ministry of Culture and the David di Donatello – Italian Cinema Academy, tickets for Italian and European films will be available at the discounted price of €3.50.
For more information, including details about upcoming special screenings, exhibitions, and courses, visit www.casadelcinematrieste.it.
