The Cleveland Italian Film Festival 2026 is showcasing award-winning films from Italy, with English subtitles, from Sept. 10-24, 2026 at the Cedar Lee Theater and Atlas Cinemas Great Lakes. All films are shown on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. The Cleveland Italian Film Festival is sponsored by Diana European Travel.
On Sunday, Sept. 3, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Michelin starred Chef Dante Boccuzzi kicks off the Film Festival with a five-course gourmet dinner highlighting the cuisine of Sardinia. For reservations call 216-456-8117. $135 per person (includes different wines with each course, gratuity & tax). Film tickets:www.CLEItalianFilm2026.eventbrite.com or call 216-456-7780.
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026
“Life Goes Like This!” La Vita Va Cosi 7:30 p.m. Cedar Lee Theater
Nominated Silver Ribbon Best Italian Comedy. Two worlds collide on an unspoiled coastline in southern Sardinia in this true story of a shepherd in a David & Goliath scenario with a luxury resort.
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026
“Do Not Hate” Non Odiare
7:30 p.m. Atlas Cinemas Great Lakes
Nominated for Italy’s Oscar David di Donatello. Alessandro Gassman portrays a man who carries the weight of his past actions. Brilliantly acted and directed, it poignantly embraces our feelings and hopes of how families can change over a generation with love and forgiveness.
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026
“Manual of Love” Manuale d’amore
7:30 p.m. Atlas Cinemas Great Lakes
National syndicate of Film Journalists, Nominee Silver Ribbon Best Actress. Love, Italian-style, sweeps you away to the beautiful backdrop of Rome and Tuscany with stories of love “all’italiana” starring the great Italian comedian Carlo Verdone. Passion, romance, and lots of laughs.
The Cleveland Italian Film Festival is the first independent film festival in Northern Ohio to exclusively showcase Italian award-winning films in Cleveland area theaters since its inception in 2006.
