‘Apriti Cinema’: Free Films at the Pitti Palace

 

Summer is in full swing in Florence, and one of the best ways to enjoy the season is to enjoy free movies screening every evening in the Pitti Palace courtyard.

Florence’s series of free films, Apriti Cinema (Open Cinema), is hosted by an outdoor cinema arena that plays movies under the stars throughout warm weather. The event began in June, and fortunately, will continue through July 27. The showings begin at 9:45 p.m. nightly and are completely free, as long as seating is available. 

The event showcases a diverse selection of films from festivals across Florence. If you’re looking to test your Italian skills, a majority of the films are in Italian. However, multiple films offer English subtitles. Furthermore, there several movies, from the U.S. and Irish Film Festival, will be shown in the English.  Several,  from the Middle East Now and Chinese film festivals will feature English subtitles.

On July 8, Apriti Cinema will show “Boomerang.” The film was directed by Shahab Fatouhi, an Iranian filmmaker. “Boomerang” tells the story of a family all going through romantic escapades. It strives to show a snapshot of modern-day Tehran. The film is originally in Persian, but has Italian and English subtitles that will accompany the film at this screening.

“A Man Fell” is another Middle East Now movie that will be featured at Apriti Cinema on July 15. The film was directed by Giovanni C. Lorusso, an Italian filmmaker. “A Man Fell” is originally in Arabic, but will feature Italian and English subtitles. Similar to “Passing Dreams,” this film also centers around a young Palestinian boy, Arafat, and the Palestinian building ruins that the boy explores. It is a film about the tragedy that is required to make progress.

The Chinese Film Festival also contributed films to the English-accessible films with “Snow Leopard,” which is playing on July 16. “Snow Leopard” was directed by the late Tibetan-Chinese director, Pema Tseden. This film is described as Tseden’s last masterpiece before his passing. The film tells the story of a father and son who deliberate on killing a snow leopard that invaded their land. The film pairs stunning landscapes and Tibetan treasures to create a magnificent final work from Tseden.

The N.I.C.E Irish Film Festival has contributed four films in English, to the Apriti Cinema this year. “Retirement Plan” and “King Frankie” will both be shown on July 18. “Retirement Plan,” directed by John Kelly, is the story of a man who fantasises about retirement. Directed by Dermot Malone, “King Frankie” centers around a taxi driver who’s haunted by ghosts of the past and confronted by an unexpected visitor. On July 19, there will be screenings of two more Irish films, “The Memories of Others” and “Dead Man’s Money.” Directed by Marc Lesser, “The Memories of Others” is a documentary about the Japanese photographer Akihiko Okamura’s time and research in Ireland. From the mind of Irish filmmaker Paul Kennedy, “Dead Man’s Money” centers around a man concerned with getting his uncle’s inheritance and going to all possible lengths to ensure that the money is his. All of these movies are originally in English, and they will be shown with Italian subtitles. 

On July 20, Apriti Cinema will feature a critically acclaimed film by Italian director Luca Guadagnino. The film “Challengers” was extremely popular upon release in 2024. The film was featured in Premio Fiesole ai Maestri del Cinema (Fiesole Award to the Masters of Cinema) in early June. The film centers on two childhood friends, Art and Patrick, who share a love of tennis and a dream of playing professionally. Throughout the film, their friendship is tested as they compete for the attention of the star player in their league, Tashi Duncan. The film is in English and will be shown with Italian subtitles.

The final movie from the Middle East Now festival, “The Settlement,” will be shown on July 22. Directed by Mohamed Rashad, “The Settlement” tells the story of two brothers who are hired in a factory as compensation for their father’s mysterious and untimely death. The film highlights the brothers’ bond and perseverance.

Finally, on July 26, there will be a tribute to the late American actor Jack Lemmon. Lemmon was an Academy Award winner and a prominent actor throughout the late 1900s. The Apriti Cinema will show his film, “The Apartment,” a film about a New York City accountant (played by Jack Lemmon) who rents out his apartment to those engaging in affairs. The plot centers on the chaos which is engendered when he accountant falls deeply in love with one of the people using his apartment.

The Apriti Cinema is a summer staple in Florence. They offer an opportunity for those visiting to experience critically acclaimed films in a magnificent outdoor setting. (Mia Schaeperkoetter)