VISIONARY/Radical Utopias
October 20-January 21, 2018
CCC Strozzina, piazza Strozzi, Florence
Get schooled on the radical architectural movement in Florence of the 1960s and 1970s, a machine oiled by political upheaval, pop culture and psychedelia. The undercroft of Palazzo Strozzi shines the spotlight on the revolutionary work of groups and figures including Archizoom, Remo Buti, Gianni Pettena, Superstudio and 9999, but will look beyond architecture. “Radical Utopias” will feature video, design, installation and performance from this productive creative period, which saw young innovators working to squash the status quo in the Renaissance city, which influenced the art world at large. For additional information, see Palazzo Strozzi’s website.
PARIS/Belle Epoque French Market
October 21-November 1
Piazza Santissima Annunziata, Florence
Francophiles in Florence, rejoice: after a Reggio Emilia run, this miniature French-style village modeled after the best of the Belle Epoque arrives in town for the third consecutive year. Stock up on Marseille soaps, (most likely mass-market, but nonetheless lovely) macarons, and oodles of traditional French treats and gifts, including home and kitchen accessories, cosmetics and more. Food huts and French wines by the glass will keep village visitors warm as the fall nights grow cooler, while Liberty and cabaret-style stands and lighting will bring a Moulin Rouge mood. Follow event updates on the Facebook page.
FILM/France Odeon
October 19-22
La Compagnia, via Cavour 50r, Florence
Keep getting your French fix at the current edition of cinema festival France Odeon, which highlights the best in contemporary French film, including some premieres. The 9th edition opens with a screening of Le Redoutable (6.45pm, October 19) in the presence of Oscar winner Michel Hazanavicius and Louis Garrel, along with an award ceremony for Sveva Alviti and Garrel, recipients of the “L’essenza del talento” prize. Italian actress Matilde Gioli will also make an appearance in her role as festival ambassador. Take a time-out from the films on Friday night with a set by DJ Noise in the cinema hall (11.30pm-2.30am, October 20): entry is free with a movie ticket. For the full program, see the website.
HELLISH/Inferno Run
October 21 & 22, “village” opens 8.30am
Cascine Park, Florence
Abandon all hope, ye who enter the Cascine on race day. “Run Like Hell” is the tagline for this Dante-inspired showdown, a fundraiser for the Tommasino Bacciotti Foundation. An obstacle course complete with mud, climbing walls and cold pools, the Inferno Run is designed to resemble each ring in Dante’s vision of hell (but, you know, in a fun and family-friendly way). Start times vary depending on the course you choose—competitive rounds kick off around 11am, while the non-competitive “hellions” will head out in waves. There’s even a “Baby Inferno” for little devils on October 22, with staggered departures depending on age. For more information and to register, see the website.
