Bits and Bites on Italian Cinema... and other Stuff

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Your go-to video podcast for all things film—with an Italian twist! Hosted by Tonia Serrao Soppelsa, Director of Cultural Events at ICFF (Italian Contemporary Film Festival of Toronto), each episode dives into contemporary and classic Italian cinema, ICFF events, film festivals, special guests, and beyond. Whether you're a die-hard cinephile or just curious about the film world, there's something here for you.

Episodes

  1. 10/16/2025

    Behind the Seams: Couture and the Screen

    In this episode of Bits and Bites on Italian Cinema and Other Stuff, fashion and film intertwine through memories, history, and craft. From the golden ateliers of Rome to Ferzan Ozpetek’s Diamanti, the discussion explores how tailoring, collaboration, and artistry shape cinematic identity. Through reflections on Italian haute couture—Sorelle Fontana, Valentino, Ferragamo—and the evolution of costume design in film, the episode becomes a journey into the hidden world of those who stitch beauty into motion pictures. A conversation on memory, creativity, and the threads that tie cinema to life.

    10 min

  2. 10/09/2025

    The Making of a Nation: Italy’s Struggle

    In this episode of Bits and Bites on Italian Cinema… and Other Stuff, Tonia explores how cinema has portrayed Italy’s long journey toward unification—its heroes, myths, and contradictions. From Visconti’s Senso to Martone’s Noi ci credevamo and Andò’s L’Abbaglio, the episode traces how filmmakers have romanticized the Risorgimento while reflecting the nation’s evolving identity. Alongside this cinematic journey comes a reflection on Pino Aprile’s Terroni, a provocative look at how unification affected southern Italy. History, film, and national pride intertwine in a conversation that questions whether unity came at too great a cost.

    11 min

  3. 08/07/2025

    Echoes of Fellini, The New York of Salvatores

    This episode of Bits and Bites on Italian Cinema... and Other Stuff explores Napoli, New York, Gabriele Salvatores’ latest film, born from a forgotten treatment by Federico Fellini and Tullio Pinelli. Salvatores shapes this long-lost idea into a three-part cinematic voyage, from postwar Naples to an imagined New York. Blending Neorealism with fable, the film is a meditation on migration, childhood, hope, and the enduring search for freedom. Evoking both Fellini’s spirit and Salvatores’ own poetic vision, Napoli, New York becomes a reflection on the past and a gesture of solidarity in the present. A tribute, a dream, a rediscovery.

    11 min

  4. 07/31/2025

    Italian Neorealism

    This episode of Bits and Bites on Italian Cinema... and Other Stuff marks the 80th anniversary of Roma Città Aperta, Roberto Rossellini’s groundbreaking 1945 film that helped launch Italian Neorealism. Through the lens of history, cinema, and personal memory, the episode explores the film’s impact and the movement it sparked—one rooted in realism, social truth, and postwar struggle. With on-location shooting, nonprofessional actors, and raw emotion, Neorealism redefined storytelling and forever changed the cinematic landscape. This episode reflects on how Roma Città Aperta became a cultural milestone and why its relevance endures eight decades later.

    11 min

  5. 06/12/2025

    I Love a Good Musical

    This episode of Bits and Bites on Italian Cinema... and Other Stuff celebrates the timeless appeal of the musical, tracing its power to move, entertain, and inspire across generations and cultures. From beloved classics to bold new interpretations, the genre’s unique blend of music and storytelling takes center stage. The conversation highlights how musicals evoke emotion, explore universal themes, and leave lasting impressions—both on screen and on stage. With a nod to Italian cinema’s creative take on the form, the episode also recognizes how filmmakers continue to innovate within this genre, bringing fresh energy to a beloved art form.

    10 min

  6. 06/05/2025

    The Power of Cinema in Young People

    This episode of Bits and Bites on Italian Cinema... and Other Stuff explores the transformative power of film in the lives of young audiences. From animated features to powerful dramas, cinema becomes a tool for education, empathy, and cultural exchange. Highlighting selections from the ICFF Youth Festival, the episode touches on how stories like Leonardo L’Inventore and Amleto È Mio Fratello open minds and spark curiosity. Through classic and contemporary films, the discussion emphasizes how cinema helps young viewers navigate complex issues, connect with history, and reflect on their own place in the world.

    10 min

  7. 05/22/2025

    Dark and Deep Red the Art of Argento's Horror

    Today on Bits and Bites on Italian Cinema… and Other Stuff, we’re diving into the eerie world of Giallo to celebrate 50 years of Dario Argento’s cult classic Profondo Rosso (Deep Red). This visually striking, surreal murder mystery helped define the genre with its blend of horror, art, and hypnotic sound. We explore Argento’s unique vision, the film’s lasting legacy, and why it still captivates audiences today. From Goblin’s unforgettable soundtrack to Argento’s Poe-inspired roots, this episode is a deep cut into one of Italian cinema’s darkest—and most beautiful—corners. Tune in… if you dare.

    10 min

  8. 05/15/2025

    Familia: A Haunting Look at Domestic Violence

    In this episode of Bits and Bites on Italian Cinema, we explore Familia, Francesco Costabile’s searing 2024 drama. Set in Rome, the film follows a woman and her two sons trapped under the brutal control of an abusive patriarch. The title, a twist on the Italian famiglia, hints at deep-rooted power structures and generational trauma. With powerful performances and stark realism, Familia is as unsettling as it is vital. We unpack its visual language, emotional weight, and urgent relevance. Not an easy watch—but absolutely worth it.

    11 min

  9. 05/08/2025

    A Journey Through Calabria, Cinema, And Memory

    In this episode, we explore Il Mio Posto È Qui (My Place Is Here), a moving film set in 1940s Calabria. It follows Marta, a young mother shunned by her community, and Lorenzo, a gay civil registrar. Together, they form an unlikely friendship and quietly defy the social norms of their time. With themes of identity, dignity, and resilience, the film is a powerful reminder of how compassion and connection can thrive in even the harshest environments. This story hit home for me—maybe it will for you, too.

    10 min

  10. 05/01/2025

    Diabolik, The Comic Wolrd on Screen

    Adapted from the beloved Italian comic series, Diabolik, Diabolik – Ginko Attacks, and Diabolik: Who Are You? bring to life a mysterious, masked antihero and his femme fatale partner in a sleek, stylish cinematic world of crime, romance, and intrigue. Joining Tonia for this episode is her special guest—and family member—Chris Slavin. Together, they unpack the trilogy’s bold visual aesthetic, its noir roots, its throwback style, and the big question: did the Manetti Bros. pull off the ultimate comic-to-film adaptation?

    14 min

  11. 04/24/2025

    Manetti Bros. Drama Crime and Music.

    In this episode of Bits and Bites on Italian Cinema… and Other Stuff, host Tonia dives into the dynamic world of the Manetti Brothers—Italy’s bold and brilliant directing duo. From their cult hit L’Ispettore Coliandro to the genre-blending gems Song ‘e Napule and Ammore e Malavita, Tonia explores their unique voice in contemporary Italian cinema. Get ready for laughs, bullets, and a lot of Naples.

    8 min

  12. 04/17/2025

    Gus Fring Takes us to Naples

    Welcome to the debut episode of Bits and Bites on Cinema… and Other Stuff! Host Tonia Serrao Soppelsa, Director of Cultural Events at the Italian Contemporary Film Festival, dives into the cinematic world of ICFF and beyond. In this kickoff episode, Tonia reflects on the magical ICFF tribute to iconic actor Giancarlo Esposito—yes, Gus Fring has Italian roots!—and takes us on a passionate, personal journey through the chaotic beauty of Naples, the theme of the celebration. Expect culture, cinema, and a whole lot of heart.

    11 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Your go-to video podcast for all things film—with an Italian twist! Hosted by Tonia Serrao Soppelsa, Director of Cultural Events at ICFF (Italian Contemporary Film Festival of Toronto), each episode dives into contemporary and classic Italian cinema, ICFF events, film festivals, special guests, and beyond. Whether you're a die-hard cinephile or just curious about the film world, there's something here for you.

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