Villerupt Italian Film Festival: travel to Italy
Villerupt Festival: immersion in the heart of Italian cinema
Since 1976, the Villerupt Italian Film Festival has established itself as a major cultural event dedicated to discovering Italian cinema. Located close to Luxembourg, this annual film festival is a must for all cinema lovers, but also an invitation to explore Italy and its stories without leaving the Greater Region.
A history rooted in the Italian-Lorraine tradition
Created in 1976 by a group of young enthusiasts, the Villerupt Italian Film Festival first took root in the Maison des Jeunes et de la Culture (MJC) in Villerupt. The very first festival presented a program of 20 Italian films in their original version with subtitles. It must be said that at the time, Italian immigration still had a strong impact on the economic and social life of the region. Indeed, many Italian workers were employed in the iron mines of Lorraine and Luxembourg.
Despite an interruption between 1983 and 1998 due to the crisis in Italian cinema and organizational constraints, the Villerupt Festival has bounced back and reaffirmed its status as a leading cultural event.
Today, Villerupt attracts nearly 40,000 spectators every year from across the Greater Region (France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany) and beyond. Supported by the commitment of more than 100 volunteers, it has become one of the biggest events promoting Italian cinema in Europe.
A rich and varied program of films on the theme of Italy
The Villerupt Italian Film Festival is above all a journey through Italy, highlighting the diversity and creativity of Italian cinema. The festival offers a total immersion in the world of Italian cinema.
With more than 70 films screened in six theaters across four cities, nearly 300 screenings punctuate the 18 days of the festival. Each year, the richness of the Italian Film Festival's program lies in the variety of genres and perspectives. From intense dramas to popular comedies, from socially conscious documentaries to auteur films, there is something for every viewer. Many previously unseen works, unavailable in Luxembourg cinemas, are presented in preview screenings.
The films in competition vie for several prestigious awards, the Amilcars, which are awarded in different categories. Among the most coveted awards are:
- The Amilcar du Jury, awarded by a panel of film professionals.
- The Audience Amilcar, where viewers vote for their favorite film.
- The Critics' Amilcar and the Youth Jury Amilcar, which allow diverse voices to express their opinions on the films in competition.
In addition to the screening of films in competition, the festival offers numerous events, such as meetings with directors and actors and discussions on contemporary themes.
The essence of Italian dolce vita and joie de vivre can be found at the Villerupt Film Festival. Sun, social realism, and emotion transport you directly to the unique landscapes and atmospheres of Italy.
An inspiring theme for 2024: Workers, Women Workers, and Algorithms
For its 47th edition in 2024, the Villerupt Italian Film Festival continued to celebrate Italian cinema with a rich program. Under the theme " Workers, Women Workers, and Algorithms," the 2024 festival explored stories that question the modern world.
A special tribute was paid to Marcello Mastroianni on the centenary of his birth. This giant of Italian cinema, known for his collaborations with iconic directors such as Federico Fellini, was celebrated through screenings of his greatest films, offering a chance to rediscover his legendary charisma.
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A festival with a local feel, offering numerous opportunities for encounters and exchanges
One of the strengths of the Villerupt Festival is the proximity between the audience and the creators. Every year, directors and actors come to present their work and interact with viewers. These moments of sharing are opportunities to better understand the issues addressed in each film and to discover the behind-the-scenes world of filmmaking.
Every year, the festival attracts a diverse and cosmopolitan audience, including families, seasoned film buffs, and those who are simply curious. Its warm and friendly atmosphere makes it an unforgettable event.
Many viewers join the more than 40,000 festival-goers to discover rare films and exchange ideas with enthusiasts from all walks of life.
Looking ahead to the 2025 edition of the Villerupt Italian Film Festival
Although the exact dates for October 2025 are not yet known, the next festival already promises new surprises and a program that is as rich as ever. To continue this cinematic journey to the heart ofItaly, we arecalling on volunteers and film lovers. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and get ready for a new journey into the world of cinema.
For more information, visit the official website of the Villerupt Italian Film Festival.
The Villerupt Italian Film Festival is now one of the must-see events for film lovers in the Greater Region.
So book your pass now to immerse yourself in the world of Italian cinema, or sign up as a volunteer to be part of this unique cultural adventure.
And to prolong your cinematic immersion, don't miss the Luxembourg Film Festival, another opportunity to celebrate the art of cinema in the Greater Region!
And if you want to venture a little further afield, save the date for the CinEast Festival, which showcases films from Central and Eastern Europe.