One of the most anticipated events of the cinematic scene in DC, Filmfest DC has postponed its 34th edition as part of the current shutdown. The Festival, however, took its stage online and became Filmfest DC At Home, featuring popular movies from past years and streaming for free at filmfestdc.org.
As part of Filmfest DC At Home, we are very pleased to present the Italian classic movie Pranzo di Ferragosto (Mid-August Lunch) directed by Gianni Di Gregorio, streaming between May 22-28 exclusively on filmfestdc.org.
Winner of audience awards and other accolades including Best First Feature at the Venice Film Festival, David di Donatello and Nastri d’Argento, Mid-August Lunch is a mellow gem of a film. Gianni leads a lazy life in Rome. A glass of wine in hand, his only job is caring for his mother. The administrator pays Gianni a visit on a hot August day because he hasn’t paid the condo fees in years; the association members want Gianni and his mother evicted. The visitor makes an offer: he wants to leave the city for Ferragosto, a mid-August tradition, and asks to leave his mother in Gianni’s care in exchange for writing off some of his debt. Gianni and his mother agree to do it, and the administrator brings his mom – and his aunt. Then, Gianni’s doctor calls and asks the same favor. Can Gianni make the best of it, or are real surprises in store?
Directed by by Gianni Di Gregorio
Italy, 2008, 75 minutes, color
SHOWTIMES – AVAILABLE: MAY 22-28, 2020
PREVIEW (via YouTube)
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR:
Gianni Di Gregorio was born in Rome, where he still lives and works. While studying modern literature, he left to attend the Academy of Performing Arts in Rome. After three years of theatre, he started working as an assistant film director before moving to screenwriting. He is best known for ‘The Salt of Life’ (2011). His other movies include ‘Gomorrah’ (2008), ‘Mid-August Lunch’ (2008), and ‘Good for Nothing’ (2014).
FILM FEST DC:
While annual Washington, D.C. International Film Festival, celebrating the art of storytelling through film and its many perspectives has been postponed this year, the festival is pleased to present a virtual series of films, Filmfest DC at Home. Here’s an opportunity to see films you may have missed in previous Filmfest DC programs.
Viewing is free-of-charge and films include recent audience favorites as well as some surprises. Filmfest DC at Home offers the quality of innovative and entertaining films you have come to appreciate during our annual festivals. Each film will be available for one week.