The world’s biggest festival of Italian cinema returns for its 27th year with Italy’s biggest box-office hits, award winners and special events celebrating Italian language and culture.

We are delighted to welcome Festival Guests Pif (Pierfrancesco Diliberto) and Edoardo Leo, who will attend selected screenings of their films. Other highlights include a World Premiere, a spotlight on Italian fashion, an Anna Magnani retrospective and our Closing Night film direct from the 2026 Venice Film Festival.

Grazie di cuore to the Italian community, our valued sponsors, and everyone who shares our love of all things Italian. We hope this year’s Festival takes you on a memorable journey through Italy.

- FESTIVAL DIRECTOR, Elysia Zeccola

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 edition of the Italian Film Festival, a premier showcase of Italian language and heritage in Australia, organised as usual by Palace Cinemas. By harnessing the power of cinema, the Festival deepens the profound cultural connection between our nations, sharing the vibrant diversity and modern creativity of Italy with audiences nationwide.

This year Quasi Grazia holds particular significance as we honour the centenary of Grazia Deledda’s Nobel Prize in Literature. A powerful cinematic journey into the life, Sardinian roots, and literary genius of the world-famous Italian writer and novelist. I cordially invite you to experience this extraordinary film and celebrate the timeless impact of one of Italy’s most iconic literary masters.

- AMBASSADOR OF ITALY TO AUSTRALIA, H. E. Nicola Lener