NM ITALIAN FILM & CULTURE FESTIVAL, MARCH 21-26 – a Benefit for National Dance Institute of NM

The NM Italian Film & Culture Festival has been delighting audiences and gathering fans since 2007 when its founder, Ronaldo Patrizio-Steiner staged a four-day celebration of Italian cinema as a benefit for the University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital. That first festival featured 12 films and a buffet. It was declared a huge success both as an artistic and a fundraising endeavor. It became Ronaldo’s passion and his annual gift to the community.

When Ronaldo moved out of state after the 2012 festival, he left it in the hands of Italian Festivals of New Mexico, the non-profit organization he had established in 2010. Members of that organization, all volunteers dedicated to the causes of children and to showcasing Italian cinema and culture in New Mexico, stepped forward to continue the tradition. Festival 2017 benefits NDI New Mexico, which brings award-winning arts and healthy lifestyle programs to underserved children in urban, rural and Native American communities throughout New Mexico. Thanks to our volunteers and to the enthusiastic and enduring support of our patrons and sponsors, the festival has become the largest, most significant Italian event in the state.

In its 10th anniversary year, the 2017 Festival brings to the Land of Enchantment another strong lineup of recent, award-winning and highly-acclaimed Italian films in their local premieres. All films are in Italian with English subtitles and include a great mix of genres, from comedy to drama to romance.

You don’t have to be Italian to enjoy this unique opportunity to explore contemporary Italy through the eyes and insights of celebrated Italian filmmakers. You don’t have to be Italian to savor the cuisine, people, sights and sounds that put our festival among the Top 5 Best of the City, 2016.

Join us for the exciting Films & Events of Festival 2017 and get in touch with your inner Italian! Experience the best of Italian cinema and culture with tickets to the 10th Anniversary Edition of the NM Italian Film & Culture Festival, a benefit for NDI-New Mexico, March 21 – 26 at the historic Hiland Theater in Albuquerque. Enjoy live Italian music (from pop to opera), mouthwatering Italian cuisine, wine, special dance performances, and 7 of the most highly-acclaimed Italian films of the last 2 years. Full program and tickets: www.italianfilmfest.org