The Italian Film Festival 2024: Venice In Jakarta is set to make waves in Jakarta and Bandung from April 24th to 28th, 2024, as it brings a selection of five top Italian films showcased at the renowned Venice International Film Festival 2023 to Indonesian audiences. Hosted at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura (Italian Cultural Institute) in Jakarta and the Institut Francais (IFI) in Bandung, movie enthusiasts can indulge in these cinematic gems free of charge.

"We are proud of the enthusiasm shown by Indonesian audiences towards ITAFF over the past two years. The third edition of ITAFF signifies the growing demand among Indonesian film lovers to experience the best of Italian cinema. Moreover, this year, ITAFF embarks on a partnership with the Venice International Film Festival, further enriching this year's festival," stated Benedetto Latteri, the Italian Ambassador to Indonesia, during a press conference at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura Jakarta.

Italian Film Festival 2024: Venice In Jakarta marks the first collaboration between the festival organizers and the Venice International Film Festival. Maria Battaglia, the Festival Director of the Italian Film Festival and director of the Istituto Italiano di Cultura Jakarta, expressed her excitement, stating, "It is an honor to bring the world's oldest film festival, which has been running since 1932, to the Indonesian audience. Through ITAFF 2024: Venice In Jakarta, we hope to ignite Indonesian viewers' passion for Italian cinema and inspire filmmakers to create."

The five films featured at the Italian Film Festival 2024: Venice In Jakarta, selected from the 80th edition of the Venice International Film Festival 2023, include works by renowned Italian directors such as Luca Guadagnino, Luchino Visconti, Federico Fellini, and Paolo Sorrentino. Additionally, Indonesian filmmakers Sidi Saleh, Garin Nugroho, Aditya Ahmad, and Makbul Mubarak have been recognized at the Venice International Film Festival, with Makbul Mubarak's "Autobiography" winning the Fipresci Prize for Best Film in the Orizzonti category in 2022.

Makbul Mubarak, director of "Autobiography," shared his journey, stating, "In 2017, we had the opportunity to present the production plans for 'Autobiography' at the Torino Film Lab in Italy, which opened many doors in seeking international co-production partners. The film began its production in Italy and eventually premiered at the Venice International Film Festival 2022. I am proud to say that Italy has been one of the supporting countries in the success of Indonesian cinema."

The festival lineup includes exclusive screenings at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura Jakarta, CGV Grand Indonesia, and Institut Francais Bandung. Opening the festival is "Comandante," an action-drama by Edoardo de Angelis, which won the Best Set Design at the Venice International Film Festival 2023 and was nominated for the Golden Lion for Best Film.

Unlike previous editions, ITAFF 2024: Venice In Jakarta will conclude with the screening of the Italian classic "Bellissima" (Beautiful) by legendary director Luchino Visconti, restored in 4K by CSC-Cineteca Nazionale. This timeless masterpiece, featuring acclaimed Italian actress Anna Magnani, portrays a mother's relentless efforts to make her daughter a child star.

In addition to Jakarta, the Italian Film Festival 2024: Venice In Jakarta will also take place in Bandung at the Institut Francais (IFI) Bandung, offering free screenings from April 26th to 28th, 2024.

Tickets for Italian Film Festival 2024: Venice In Jakarta can be obtained directly at the festival venues one hour before each screening. Viewers are advised to check seat availability at the screening locations beforehand and arrive on time. The festival's catalog and schedule can be found on the official website of the Istituto Italiano di Cultura Jakarta and their social media platforms.