NEW DELHI (TIP): The Habitat International Film Festival (HIFF) 2025 enthralled cinephiles with a spectacular showcase of Italian cinema. Held at the India Habitat Centre, the festival’s Italian Focus segment, curated in collaboration with the Italian Embassy Cultural Centre, Cineteca di Bologna, and L’Immagine Ritrovata, was a resounding success. It celebrated Italy’s rich cinematic heritage while offering a glimpse into the dynamic contemporary landscape of Italian storytelling.

The fourth edition of Italian Screens returned to New Delhi, featuring a selection of contemporary films and restored classics. Roberto Stabile, Head of the International Department at Cinecittà, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “This platform not only showcases the best of contemporary Italian cinema but also strengthens Indo-Italian creative collaboration.”

Festival audiences were treated to a diverse lineup of films, from neorealist masterpieces to modern cinematic gems. Highlights included Vittorio De Sica’s ‘Shoeshine’ and Federico Fellini’s ‘La Dolce Vita,’ both of which captivated audiences with their timeless storytelling. The centenary tribute to Marcello Mastroianni was a particular highlight, paying homage to the legendary actor who remains a symbol of Italian cinema’s golden age.

HIFF 2025 was not just about screenings—it fostered dialogue and learning through an array of discussions and workshops. One of the standout sessions was Celine Pozzi’s exclusive workshop on film restoration, where she offered a behind-the-scenes look at preserving cinematic treasures. The collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture brought additional depth, hosting a discourse on the intersection of archaeology and film preservation.

In a special parallel event, the Italian Embassy Cultural Centre and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture presented Milo Adami’s documentaries at Humayun’s Tomb Museum. A public talk featuring filmmaker Milo Adami, actor Giuseppe Cederna, and cultural experts provided valuable insights into heritage, democracy, and cinema’s role in shaping public consciousness.

The festival reaffirmed the strong artistic and cultural ties between Italy and India, emphasizing the shared storytelling traditions of both nations. The newly restored ‘Apu Trilogy’ was a standout attraction, underscoring the profound influence of Italian neorealism on Satyajit Ray’s filmmaking.

Andrea Anastasio, director of the Italian Embassy Cultural Centre, reflected on the festival’s impact: “HIFF 2025 has been an incredible journey in celebrating the artistic and emotional depth of Italian cinema. We are grateful for the unwavering support from Cineteca di Bologna, the Italian Ministry of Culture, and the India Habitat Centre in making this a reality.”

As HIFF 2025 came to a close, it left an indelible mark on audiences and industry professionals alike. Beyond the grandeur of screenings and discussions, the festival successfully created a space where cultures converged, ideas flourished, and the magic of cinema was reaffirmed.

The Italian Focus at HIFF 2025 proved to be a testament to the power of film to unite, inspire, and transcend borders. There is no denying that Italian cinema continues to enchant the audiences worldwide.

(Murtaza Ali Khan is an award-winning film critic who has served on the jury of the 69th and the 70th National Awards. He has been covering cinema, arts, and culture for the last decade and a half. He can be reached at murtaza.jmi@gmail.com).