The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii, Honolulu Museum of Art, and the Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco are excited to present the 2025 Italian Film Festival at HoMA Doris Duke Theatre in Honolulu on November 21-23.
Join us for a weekend of Italian cinema, community, and cultural celebration! The three-day festival offers a curated selection of contemporary award-winning films from Italy—in Italian language with English subtitles. Enjoy post-screening discussions, savor authentic Italian aperitivi, and connect with fellow Italy enthusiasts in a culturally vibrant and fun community event.
All films are open to the public. Join the FOI membership to receive exclusive invitations to the opening reception and discounts for all films. Follow our emails, social media, and website for film announcements and ticket sale updates.
SCHEDULE at HoMA
Friday, 11/21: Napoli-New York (Naples to New York), Gabriele Salvatores, 2024, Trailer
5:00 PM: Reception for Friends of Italy members
7:00 PM: Film, followed by discussion
A long-lost story by Federico Fellini and Tullio Pinelli—rediscovered decades later and brought to the screen by Oscar-winner Gabriele Salvatores. In post-WWII Naples, orphaned children Carmine and Celestina survive the rubble-strewn streets by leaning on each other. One night, they stow away on a ship bound for New York, chasing the hope of a better life in a strange new land. A sweet and heartwarming way to kick off our festival weekend.
Click here to purchase your ticket for Napoli-New York!
Saturday, 11/22: Diamanti (Diamonds), Ferzan Özpetek, 2024, Trailer
6:00 PM: Aperitivo for all ticket holders
7:00 PM: Film, followed by discussion
Özpetek brings together his favorite actresses in a tribute to friendship, artistry, and iconic Italian cinema. Amid loneliness, passion, and unbreakable bonds, reality and fiction intertwine, as do the lives of the actresses and their characters, the visible and the invisible. Inspired by Rome’s tailor shops—most notably Sartoria Tirelli, associated with 17 Oscar-winning productions—the film celebrates cinematography from the lens of costumes and talents working behind the scenes.
Click here to purchase your ticket for Diamanti!
Sunday, 11/23: Follemente (Madly), Paolo Genovese, 2025, Trailer
5:30 PM: Film
A delightful comedy that peeks behind the curtain of first-date nerves, following Piero and Lara as their minds buzz with hidden thoughts. These internal commentators collide in a hilarious cacophony of rational, romantic, passionate, and pessimistic voices. Witty and playful, the film is an exploration of the inner battles we all face—and have hopefully learned to laugh at. A joyful way to wrap up the weekend with a smile.
Click here to purchase your ticket for Follemente!
TICKETS (live on Friday October 3)
Opening Reception (Nov. 21): 50 tickets available -- purchase on FOI website starting on October 15.
Films: 280 seats available -- each film ticket (starting on October 3):
- $15 general admission – purchase on HoMA website
- $12 HoMA or FOI members; $5 students with college ID; Free for ages 18 and under – secure tickets in-person at HoMA or by phone at 808-532-8700 (ID and proof of college/membership will be required)
NOTES
- Parking: HoMA parking information
- No refunds: The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii, Honolulu Museum of Art, and the Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco are not responsible for any liability, cost, and damages which could arise from the programs; and do not provide any refunds, except if they cannot deliver the program.
- Questions: Please contact info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org
