Further dabbles in the Italian Film Festival: CATHERINE BISLEY on a broken family melodrama.

“FOOTBALL is for dickheads… Swimming is a noble sport” is one of the many great lines in Along the Ridge (Anche libero va bene). The directorial debut of prominent Italian actor Kim Rossi Stewart, this film examines the interrupted world of children; its emotional disquiet is palpable yet the film is also entertaining and charming.

MELODY NIXON soaks in the afterglow of a generous romantic comedy at the Italian Film Festival.

Il Mio Meglior Nemico, or My Best Enemy is standard, polished fare for the Italian Film Festival. Humorous, romantic blockbusters with gorgeous women and happy endings have proven a reliable opener for the festival in past years and 2007’s offering is no exception. This is Italian romantic comedy at its most tweaked and rambunctious. In continuation with cultural tradition it is also comedy as Dante Alighieri himself described it: ‘beginning with adverse circumstances, but with a happy termination’.

Lapping up the hospitality at the Gala Opening Night of the 12th Cathay Pacific Italian Film Festival, MELODY NIXON previews the coming attractions ahead.

THE GLITTERING range of free imported drinks waylaid any bother over ticket prices for the opening night of the Italian Film Festival in Wellington this week. Coincided with the launch of an inaugural Italian Film Photography exhibition – this year the illuminating works of Philippe Antonello are on display in the Paramount’s foyer – the festival opener provided a satisfying range of treats. The second winner of the annual festival scholarship was announced, and Canterbury raised Pericles Dailianis will follow in the fresh footsteps of Paolo Rotondo to internships in Italy’s Due A and the National Museum of Cinema. Sadly there was no screening of the short film that won Dailianis the scholarship – an addition to the evening which was well received last year.