Nice one!

Cork will say ciao to a world renowned Italian festival next month.

Called New Italian Cinema Events (NICE), it plans to bring a mix of new and classic cinema to Cork and Dublin.

Last year was the 1st time in its more than 30 years' existence that the festival came to Ireland and organisers said it was hugely well received from cinema lovers of all nationalities.

The 2023 edition takes place in the Gate Cinema in Cork from 20-23 April and then moves to Dublin.The programme features a mix of new Italian films by up and coming directors as well as movies from experienced and renowned directors. Actors, directors and screenwriters are expected to participate at the opening and closing sessions in both cities.

The festival seeks to promote Italian film internationally. Organisers said that discovering new talent is paramount and it helps to ensure that Italian filmmakers can be appreciated both in the homeland and abroad, by telling stories with different techniques and methods.

The programme includes 9 new films which tell the story of Italy’s past and present along with 2 biographical films based on 2 of the most illustrious and famous Italian authors in the world - Dante Alighieri and Luigi Pirandello.

Viviana Del Bianco, Artistic Director of NICE, said: “I am delighted that we are able to bring the NICE Italian Film Festival back to Ireland this year. It is a magnificent celebration and showcase of Italian filmmakers presenting first and second works of great value, ranging from comedy to drama. It proves how, despite the difficulties of recent years, Italian authors are more active and motivated than ever.”