The 4th Annual Italian Film Festival kicked off at Vancity Theatre on Friday night, drawing a full house for the opening gala featuring the film "Roma" by the legendary Federico Fellini. Tom Charity, programmer of the festival's films, said it features a mix of older films from the golden era of Italian cinema as well as newer films such as the superhero comedy "They Call Me Jeeg". Charity noted the goal is to show that Italian Cinema is alive and flourishing despite the significant shadow cast by groundbreaking artistic filmmakers like Fellini.

By Don Fiorvento

DESIBUZZbc Cultural Correspondent

VANCOUVER – Vancouver's Italian population may have declined over the years but the city's passion for Italian food and culture has definitely not waned.

The 4th Annual Italian Film Festival kicked off at Vancity Theatre on Friday night, drawing a full house for the opening gala featuring the film "Roma" by the legendary Federico Fellini.

Tom Charity, programmer of the festival's films, said it features a mix of older films from the golden era of Italian cinema as well as newer films such as the superhero comedy "They Call Me Jeeg". Charity noted the goal is to show that Italian Cinema is alive and flourishing despite the significant shadow cast by groundbreaking artistic filmmakers like Fellini.

Mauro Vescera, Executive Director of the Italian Cultural Centre Society, said he has been pleased with the success of the relatively new festival. He explained that the society was considering unique ways to ensure the continued relevance of the cultural centre and realized that there was a vacuum in terms of an Italian film festival in Vancouver.

The festival runs through Thursday, January 12.

For more details including a schedule and details of the films screening check out www.iffest.ca