The Consulate General of Italy and The Italian Cultural Institute in Hong Kong present the fourth edition of Italia Mia, an annual initiative to promote Italian culture, language, art, and lifestyle, through a number of projects and activities across three months. The 2022 edition contributes to the wide spectrum of activities organised in the framework of the Italy-China Year of Culture and Tourism. More than 40 events covering cinema, art, music, Italian language, books, design, food, and fashion trends are included in the programme.
Italia Mia 2022: Key programmes
- On Pier Paolo Pasolini’s 100th anniversary, there will be a series of screenings of the documentaries and films by Pasolini, co-organised with the Hong Kong Arts Centre and the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society; The Other Side of Dolce Vita, an art exhibition at Novalis Art and Design; as well as a book collection display at Eslite Bookstore.
- To honour the late Lina Wertmüller, the subversive Italian film-maker and the first female director ever to be nominated for an Oscar, we present a comprehensive film retrospective at the Hong Kong Arts Centre;
- Music lovers will find their surprises in a selection of classical performances, led by renowned violinist Gian Paolo Peloso and internationally acclaimed pianist Rachael Cheung. For a contemporary twist, join Maggio for an online rap music performance.
- Two contemporary films examine the fibres of society like their predecessors. Clashes of Civilization over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio (2010) is a social satire and murder mystery adapted from the eponymous novel by Algerian writer Amara Lakhous; Alberto Gerosa’s Dea (2021) collaborated with foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong who have been victims of domestic violence.
- For a family day-out, do not miss the Children’s Concert: Marco Polo and the Sounds of Carnival by Musicus Society. Imagine Marco Polo returning to Italy from his travels to China and bringing Chinese musical instruments with him! The special interactive musical show involves live acting, features fun characters from Italy, and will be sure to delight all ages.
- Gallery-goers will be delighted by the exhibition of budding Italian contemporary female artists Ilenia Arosio and Grossi Maglioni at the Duddell’s Central; and KC100 Art Space’s photo exhibition of Antonio Biagiotti; and more.
- Gastronomy lovers should check out this year’s Vino Condiviso, featuring 70 Italian Alpine wines. The sit-down tasting will feature hidden gems from Valle d’Aosta, Alto Piemonte, Lombardia and Trentino-Alto Adige. In addition, the 3.5-hour event will present a 4-course lunch filled with classic Alpine dishes.
- The Italian Trade Commission will organise, in collaboration with Dante Alighieri Society, a series of Italian language courses focusing on the world of Italian wine and dine culture. There will be two courses for the general public: from raising a toast to reading Italian wine labels, this course is fully packed with interesting insights into Italian wine culture and is suitable for wine lovers. Through fun games and activities led by expert teachers, participants will learn the correct pronunciation, all the essential wine related vocabulary and expressions.
- The 86th Chapter of the Hong Kong Delegation of the Order of the Knights of the Truffle and Wines of Alba will host the Knights of Alba Hong Kong – White Truffle Gala Dinner. It will be a chance to taste iconic wines from the Piemonte region and indulge in the “diamonds of the table,” the legendary White Truffles of Alba!
- The Italian Food Market: Puglia & Piedmont, will be held at various city’super outlets from 1 to 24 November 2022, featuring artisanal food & wine stalls. The one-stop festival of Italian delicacies is based at city’super, with specially selected gourmet produce promoted across the brand’s four gastro-markets in Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, ifc mall, Central, Times Square, Causeway Bay, New Town Plaza, Sha Tin and E-Shop.