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Films are a big part of the Italian cultural experience and are deeply woven in the country’s history. Since the development of the Italian film industry in the early 1900s, Italian filmmakers and performers have enjoyed great international acclaim and have influenced film movements throughout the world. Launched in 2009, our annual Italian Film Festival of Minneapolis / St. Paul presents a series of outstanding contemporary films along with timeless classics.  Through the lens of drama, comedies and documentaries, our movies offer a new perspective on the country and its people. Take a journey to Italy without leaving Minnesota.

Pictures by Lisa Venticinque - More here















Upcoming events

    • 12 Nov 2026
    • 6:00 PM
    • 12 Nov 2027
    • 10:00 PM
    • The Main Cinema, 115 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55414
    Register


    Contribute to the Vibrant Arts and Cultural Scene of the Twin Cities

    Step into the spotlight and help us bring the Italian Film Festival of Minneapolis/St. Paul to life! From February 24 to February 28, 2027, at The Main Cinema, we’ll celebrate the artistry and passion of Italian storytelling through contemporary masterpieces alongside timeless classics.

    Event Details

    When: February 24 - February 28, 2026

    Where: The Main Cinema, Minneapolis (with easy parking access!)

    All films are in Italian with English subtitles, offering an authentic and accessible experience.

    Why Sponsor?

    Whether you're an organization or an individual, your contribution enriches the Twin Cities cultural landscape while allowing you to be part of a prestigious and meaningful cultural event.

    Benefits of Sponsorship Include:

    • Complimentary access and preferred seating.
    • Fast lane entry and exclusive moments with guest filmmakers.
    • High-visibility recognition in festival materials & digital platforms.


    How to Become a Sponsor:
    Explore the Sponsorship Package (View  package HERE).

    To Complete your Sponsorship:
    Click on the Register button and select the sponsorship level at which you’d like to support the festival.

    For sponsorships of $1,000 or more, we prefer payment by check or Zelle to help us avoid transaction fees. If this works for you, please select ‘Manual Payment & Invoice Me’ when prompted so we know to expect your check or Zelle.

    Please make your check payable to:
    Italian Cultural Center (
    553 First Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413) and include “IFF” in the memo line.

    To send money directly into our Wells Fargo account, you can use any of the following three Zelle recipient options:

    • astrid@theitalianculturalcenter.org
    • ronlattin@gmail.com
    • 612-272-5312
    • Please include “IFF” in the memo line


    • 04 Dec 2026
    • 6:00 PM
    • FilmNorth, 2441 University Ave W, Suite 100 Saint Paul, MN 55114
    • 22
    Register


    IL SORPASSO

    Year: 1962
    Directed by: Dino Risi
    Cast: Vittorio Gassman, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Luciana Angiolillo, Catherine Spaak, Claudio Gora

    The ultimate Italian road comedy, set against the backdrop of Ferragosto, Italy’s national summer holiday, and featuring a luxurious, roaring Lancia Aurelia. Il sorpasso brings together the unlikely duo of Vittorio Gassman and Jean-Louis Trintignant, who play a carefree, mischievous bachelor and the reserved law student he unexpectedly takes along on an impromptu journey from Rome to Tuscany. Their unpredictable adventure unfolds through roadside stops, chance encounters with strangers, and visits to family members, seamlessly combining sharp humor, social satire, and a deeply moving human story. The result is an exhilarating yet bittersweet snapshot of Italy during its economic boom.

    Widely regarded as director Dino Risi’s masterpiece, Il sorpasso stands as one of the most influential films of the Commedia all’italiana genre. Vittorio Gassman delivers one of the finest performances of his career, earning both the David di Donatello and the Nastro d’Argento for Best Actor.

    The movie is in Italian with English subtitles

    Event Details
    6:00 p.m. – Aperitivo
    6:30 p.m. – Movie Screening

    FilmNorth, 2441 University Ave W, Suite 100, Saint Paul, MN 55114

    For parking information, Location, Hours, Parking, Access - FilmNorth

    If you need any assistance or accessibility accommodation, email Ileana at ileana@theitalianculturalcenter.org

    Space is limited to just 50 seats; once they’re gone, they’re gone.

    Reserve yours today!

    Curated and presented by Ileana Tamberlani, Programming and Administrative Manager of the Italian Film Festival of Minneapolis/St. Paul.


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553 First Ave. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
(612) 295-4111

The Italian Cultural Center of Minneapolis/St. Paul is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization © Italian Cultural Center All Rights Reserved
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