LITERARY / TF Short Story Night May 12, 6pm Libreria Todo Modo, via dei Fossi 15/r More info
Feeling bookish? In tribute to all those who participated in the short story contest launched by The Florentine and The Sigh Press last month, we’re throwing a literary fest. Join us for a reading of the racconti at Todo Modo, an independent bookshop just around the corner from The Florentine’s office. Raise a glass to the winners with an aperitivo (12 euro) of food and wine from the finest regional producers. For more information, write to redazione@theflorentine.net.
FUTURE / Festival d’Europa Until May 10 Various venues in Florence More info
What does the future hold for Florence—and for the whole of the European Union? This is a central theme of the Festival d’Europa, a major event prompting reflection on the Europe of tomorrow. The festival touches down in dozens of locations, with a packed program of concerts, lectures, exhibitions, film screenings and more. If you can only attend one event on the program, make it the Open Day at Villa Salviati on May 9, offered by the Historical Archives of the European Union beginning at 10am. For the full festival program, visit the website.
PERFORMANCE / Fabbrica Europa May 7–10 Stazione Leopolda + various venues in Florence More info
Headquartered at Stazione Leopolda, this ultra-contemporary performing arts showcase has a packed calendar of concerts, DJ sets, dance performances, art installations and beyond. Artists hail from dozens of different countries and their performances range from one-man shows to major ensemble productions.
CINEMA / Dragon Film Festival May 7–10 Odeon Cinehall, piazza Strozzi, Florence More info
20 films from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan as well as music, art, centuries-old disciplines and guests of honour. The first part of the Dragon Film Festival takes a look at contemporary Chinese films at the Odeon (May 7–10) with a focus on two directors and the latest masterpiece by Zhang Yimou. The festival will open with a screening of The Truth about Beauty (in Chinese with English and Italian subtitles). Tickets can be purchased online from www.boxol.it.
OPEN-AIR / Art is in the Square May 9, 10.30am–8pm Piazza San Lorenzo, Florence More info
Spend your Saturday at the ultimate piazza party! Students at the Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute will show off what they’ve worked on all semester in their courses on everything from interior decoration to graphic design and printmaking. Take in a dance performance at 4pm, but expect more than ballerinas outside the basilica: students will present their best flamenco moves, too! Capping off the festivities is the fashion department’s annual ‘runway’ show along the north flank of the church. For more information, call 055/287360.
