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Italian Film Festival Near San Francisco Returns for 49th Season

The longtime Bay Area festival returns to San Rafael this fall with six weeks of contemporary Italian cinema.

9:00 AM EDT on August 7, 2026

A man and young boy shave side by side in a bathroom during a playful scene from the Italian film Life Is Life.

A father and son share a lighthearted shaving lesson in a scene from Life Is Life.

The Italian Film Festival of Marin, produced by Lido Cantarutti, returns this fall with six weeks of contemporary Italian cinema, showcasing some of Italy's most acclaimed recent films alongside family-friendly favorites and heartfelt dramas.

Running Sept. 26 through Oct. 31 at Angelico Concert Hall at Dominican University in San Rafael, the festival will present six films, each screened twice at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Among this year's highlights is Naples to New York (Napoli: New York), directed by Gabriele Salvatores and inspired by an unproduced screenplay by Federico Fellini and Tullio Pinelli. Also on the schedule is Vermiglio, Maura Delpero's acclaimed period drama, which earned top honors at the 2025 David di Donatello Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Producer, and Best Cinematography.

The complete lineup includes:

  • Sept. 26: Life is Life (La vita va così), directed by Riccardo Milani
  • Oct. 3: Sweetheart (Gioia mia), directed by Margherita Spampinato
  • Oct. 10: Naples to New York (Napoli: New York), directed by Gabriele Salvatores
  • Oct. 17: Vermiglio, directed by Maura Delpero
  • Oct. 24: For You (Per te), Alessandro Aronadio
  • Oct. 31: Forever With You (Io non ti lascio solo), directed by Fabrizio Cattani

Now in its 49th year, the Italian Film Festival of Marin has become a longtime Bay Area tradition celebrating Italian cinema and culture. Single tickets are $26, while series passes are available for $138. Order tickets online at City Box Office or at the festival website.

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