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Bologna’s Perla Cinema to Host Vibrant Autumn Film Season in 2025
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The Magnifica Illusion Cineclub is set to revitalize Bologna’s historic Perla cinema this autumn with a compelling season of film screenings, running from October to December 2025. The program promises a journey through cinematic classics, beloved cult films, insightful documentaries, adn unique special events, all designed to foster a sense of community and shared thankfulness for the art of cinema.
the season’s programming, as organizers explain, deliberately blends the joy of discovery with thoughtful reflection, aiming to create an experience that extends beyond mere entertainment. “We want to intertwine the pleasure of cinema with opportunities for in-depth analysis and a sense of community,” a representative stated.
october: Hitchcock, Allen, and Horror classics
The season kicks off on Thursday, October 2nd, with a “surprise movie” – the title of which will remain a secret until the moment of projection – accompanied by an aperitivo courtesy of Camera a sud. This opening event sets the tone for the season: cinema as a celebration of surprise, social connection, and shared experience.
On October 9th, the Cineclub will present Alfred Hitchcock’s The Shadow of Doubt (1943), a film the director himself considered among his most successful works.The screening will be introduced by Ivan Cipressi of the Primo Levi University of Bologna, offering insights into the film’s exploration of tension and hidden secrets within seemingly ordinary American life.
A week later,on October 16th,the program takes a turn with the Swedish documentary The Most Stunning Boy in the World (2021). The film explores the story of Björn andrésen, the young man chosen by Luchino Visconti as a beauty icon for Death in Venice, and the lasting impact of that label. Emanuela Markedin, in collaboration with the Goethe-Zentrum Bologna and the Ruggiero, will present the film.
october 23rd will be dedicated to a celebration of Woody Allen’s 90th birthday with a screening of Radio Days (1987), a nostalgic comedy reflecting on the author’s childhood through the lens of 1930s American radio. the evening, offered with a free-will donation entry, will be curated by the staff of Or radio.
Halloween festivities culminate on October 30th with the “Horror Marathon Night.” Starting at 8:00 PM, attendees will be immersed in a series of chilling films, accompanied by themed refreshments and a spooky atmosphere.
November: From Italian Neorealism to Austen’s World
November opens on the 6th with a tribute to Italian Neorealism, featuring Vittorio de Sica’s Bicycle Thieves (1948). This seminal work, a cornerstone of Italian cinema, will be introduced by a scholar from the DAMS department of Bologna University, providing context on the film’s historical and social significance.
On November 13th, the Cineclub will screen Past Lives (2023), a critically acclaimed romantic drama exploring themes of fate, connection, and the paths not taken. The screening will be followed by a discussion led by members of the South Chamber collective.
November 20th brings a touch of literary elegance with a screening of Pride and Prejudice (2005), directed by Autumn de Wilde. The Jane Austen Society of Italy will provide an introduction to the film.
The season culminates on Thursday, December 18th, with the conventional Christmas Mystery Movie Night. Attendees can enjoy panettone, sparkling wine, and a surprise Christmas film, closing the year with joy and anticipation for the future.
The Perla cinema, organizers emphasize, is more than just a venue; it’s a space for connection, memory, and discovery. All screenings are presented in their original language with Italian subtitles, and are often accompanied by presentations from guest speakers, scholars, and cultural organizations.
The season is made possible through the efforts of the organizational committee (Lola Hanau, Nicoletta Maldini, Ivan Cipressi, Alessandro D’Argento) and the volunteers of perla Cinema, alongside collaborations with Acec Emilia Romagna, Libreria Trame, South Chamber, Tweet Charity, and the Jane Austen Society of Italy. Neu radio serves as the media partner.
Screenings will take place at the Perla cinema, located at via San donato 38, Bologna.Full tickets cost €7.00, with reduced tickets available for university students, those over
