17th Italian Film Festival returns to Minneapolis with 16 films, classics, and Twin Cities focus

Five-day program runs Feb. 26 through March 1 at The Main Cinema

The 17th Italian Film Festival of Minneapolis / St. Paul is scheduled for Feb. 26 through March 1, 2026, with all screenings taking place at The Main Cinema in Minneapolis. Organizers have set a lineup of 16 films—10 contemporary titles and six classics—marking the festival’s largest program to date.

Programming materials describe the festival as an annual event launched in 2009 and presented by the Italian Cultural Center of Minneapolis / St. Paul in partnership with MSP Film Society and The Main Cinema. All films are presented in Italian with English subtitles, and the festival notes that films are not rated, with certain titles labeled as suitable for children.

A “Honoring the Twin Cities” section anchors the classics

A dedicated program titled “Honoring the Twin Cities” groups four classic films, introduced as a tribute to local audiences. The four titles listed for that section are:

• Roma città aperta (Rome, Open City) (1945), directed by Roberto Rossellini
• La donna nella Resistenza (Women of the Resistance) (1965), directed by Liliana Cavani
• Lamerica (1994), directed by Gianni Amelio
• Film d’amore e d’anarchia (Love and Anarchy) (1973), directed by Lina Wertmüller

Guest programming and audience discussions

The festival is set to host guest introductions and moderated discussions by Richard Peña, identified in festival materials as an emeritus professor at Columbia University and former director of the New York Film Festival. The program also includes live Q&A conversations with filmmakers connecting from Italy for selected screenings.

Festival materials indicate Peña will introduce selected films, offer post-screening analysis, and moderate Q&As during the event.

Ticketing details, student pricing, and a free documentary screening

Ticketing information released ahead of the festival includes a range of options: an all-access pass that includes the opening-night aperitivo and film, six-packs for regular screenings, and single-ticket sales for individual showings. The festival also lists a student price category for select tickets and notes that passholders must reserve seats in advance to ensure admission.

One screening is designated as free of charge: the documentary La donna nella Resistenza (Women of the Resistance). Organizers encourage reservations for that title but state they are not required.

Additional March screening tied to the Italian Cultural Center anniversary

Festival listings also include a special screening of Stromboli on March 20, 2026, presented at The Heights Theater in connection with the Italian Cultural Center’s 20th anniversary. Festival information describes the event as separate from the core Feb. 26–March 1 schedule and not included with festival passes.