A reference event in terms of transalpine cinema, the Italian film festival of Villerupt has become an unmissable meeting place for film lovers. For its 45th edition, women directors are in the spotlight.
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Located on the border with Luxembourg, Villerupt is a former mining and steel town which, in the past, welcomed many Italian immigrants. Hence the birth in 1976 of a festival dedicated to Italian cinema. Today a major event, it attracts nearly 40,000 spectators against 5,000 at its beginnings. The 2022 edition offers more than 70 films to discover, including a selection of feature films directed by women.
Highlight the young transalpine cinematographic creation. This is one of the objectives of the festival. This year, the organizers have chosen to give a spotlight to young Italian female directors. A dozen contemporary films are to be discovered. The festival also pays tribute to Lina Wertmüller who died in 2021 at the age of 93. Screenwriter for theater and television, Fellini’s assistant on 8 ½, Lina Wertmüller made her first film in 1963, The basilisks, awarded at Locarno. It was by staging the couple Giancarlo Giannini/Mariangela Melato that she conquered the general public with satirical films that marked the 1970s: Mimi steelworker injured in his honor (1972), Film of love and anarchy (1973), Towards an unusual destiny on the blue waves of summer (1974). In 2009, she made her last film. In 2019, an honorary Oscar was awarded to him to reward his career. The festival devotes a retrospective to him by broadcasting his main successes.
Launched in 1976 by a handful of film enthusiasts, the festival which began in Villerupt now offers decentralized programming in four towns in the region and seven cinemas. 300 sessions are offered to the public. A public, often with Italian origins, which remains loyal. “It’s very difficult to access. There’s no highway and big towns around. In the end, it persists because there’s an emotion that’s been born over the years. These are people who have known all the editions and they keep coming back. They have also managed to pass on this passion for Italian cinema to children and grandchildren” testifies Arnaud Scalia, volunteer. Exhibitions, concerts and encounters complete this major event for Italian cinema.
Villerupt Italian Film Festival (Meurthe-et-Moselle), until November 13, 2022