The Eight Mountains – St Ali Italian Film Festival

VIVA IL CINEMA!

Spring has arrived and so has the St Ali Italian Film Festival presented by Palace Cinemas. Get ready for a lineup brimming with the best films from contemporary Italian auteurs and female filmmakers. The festival continues to present the best new contemporary Italian cinema and most cherished classics on the big screen, and for more than two decades has celebrated Italian culture and la dolce vita with an ever-growing audience.

One of this year’s feature films is Le Otto Montagne – The Eight Mountains. A profound exploration of friendship and self-discovery, nestled in the stunning Italian Alps, The Eight Mountains won the Jury Prize at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, and masterfully delves into the complexity of human relationships.

Pietro is a boy from the city. Bruno is the last child of a forgotten mountain village. The two meet one summer in northwestern Italy, and their friendship transcends time, with Alessandro Borghi and Luca Marinelli delivering captivating performances as adult Pietro and Bruno. The film beautifully captures the essence of their enduring friendship, marked by mutual respect and unwavering support.

Husband and wife directors and writers, Felix van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch, adapt Paolo Cognetti’s award winning 2016 novel into film with the result being a testament to friendship, fatherhood, and our connection to nature. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the disappearing world of mountain life, adding depth to the story.

One of the film’s standout elements is its exploration of the father-son dynamic. It beautifully portrays the evolving relationship between sons and their fathers, revealing how we reject, understand, forgive and ultimately embrace our fathers. The theme of nature is also prominently featured, underscoring the connection between our families and the natural world.

The Eight Mountains offers a sense of simplicity and purity that is increasingly rare in this chaotic world. It reminds us of the importance of genuine connections, self-discovery, and embracing life’s twists and turns. The film’s honesty and authenticity shine through, making it a touching and thought-provoking cinematic experience. With stunning cinematography capturing the beauty of the Italian landscape and a soul-stirring score by Daniel Norgren, this film is a visual and auditory delight. The collaboration between director of photography Ruben Impens and editor Nico Leunen elevates the storytelling, resulting in a seamless and engaging narrative.

In a world marked by complexity, The Eight Mountains brings us back to basics, exploring the timeless themes of friendship, fatherhood, and our connection to the natural world. It’s a cinematic gem that resonates deeply with the human experience, and leaves a lasting impression.

The St Ali Italian Film Festival runs until October 18th at Palace Cinemas.