JUNE 11 - JULY 1 

Pacific Cinémathèque and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Vancouver celebrate the leading ladies of Italian cinema with a special series of 15 films. 

From international superstars and sultry temptresses to fast-talking firebrands, Italy’s cinema has given us some of the greatest actresses ever to grace the screen. This exhibition covers a remarkable range of styles and talents, encompassing the verbal fireworks of Anna Magnani, the innocence of Giulietta Masina, the beauty of Claudia Cardinale and Sophia Loren, and much more.  

The 15 films in “Signore & Signore” ("Ladies & Ladies") span the three decades from 1941 to 1972. Included are important works by some of Italy’s most renowned directors as well as rediscovered gems, some little-seen outside of Italy, by leading filmmakers of commedia all’italiana.  (Commedia all’italiana — literally, “comedy Italian style” — was a popular genre of the 1950s and 60s that laced comedy with pointed, sometimes caustic elements of social and political satire.)   

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: For their support and assistance in making our Vancouver presentation of this touring exhibition possible, Pacific Cinémathèque gratefully acknowledges Cinecittà Holding (Rome) and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura (Vancouver). "Signore & Signore" was originally curated by the Italian film critic Piera De Tassis. 

NOTE: Valid Istituto Italiano di Cultura memberships will be accepted in lieu of Pacific Cinémathèque annual memberhips. Please show your membership card at ticket purchase.