DOCUMENTARY/ Paperman
9pm, January 23
Recycled cardboard sculpture by James Lake
An unusual documentary comes to La Compagnia: the incredible story of James Lake, the Exeter-based artist who makes unique and incredibly constructed sculptures from cardboard in a documentary by Domenico Zazzara. The film will be premiered in Florence in the presence of the director. At 17 years of age, Lake discovered he had a bone tumour, resulting in having his leg amputated. Unable to move from his bedroom, he explored cardboard as a light, easily accessible medium for producing art. Overcoming physical, psychological and social limits, James’ story is of strength and ability. Tickets 5 euro, reduced 4 euro. More info at www.cinemalacompagnia.it.
Cinema La Compagnia
via Cavour 50/R, Florence
FASHION/ Renato Balestra – Celebluetion
Until February 2
The pianist, painter and high-fashion designer at work
The Franco Zeffirelli Onlus Foundation hosts Celeblueation, an anthological exhibition of clothes, designs and sketches by the renowned designer Renato Balestra. Paying tribute to one of the most prestigious Italian fashion brands in the world, this exhibition played part of Pitti Immagine Uomo 97 this year celebrating Balestra’s love of the colour blue in an exhibit of 300 pieces. From sketches of the theatrical costumes used for Rossini’s Cinderella to costumes for the Belgrade Opera Theatre production of Swan Lake, these high fashion creations impress both fashion aficionados and the curious alike. See www.fondazionefrancozeffirelli.com.
Franco Zeffirelli Onlus Foundation,
piazza San Firenze 5, Florence
STYLE/ Vintage Selection
January 22–26
The 35th edition of this vintage marketplace brings back the best and most unique trends of eras gone by. Held alongside the Pitti events, this is a firm favourite for all vintage culture fanatics. You can also expect live music, unusual performances and a great selection of refreshments to make an event out of nostalgic clothes shopping. Bringing together exhibitors and collectors from all over the world, the curious, cool and creative will find plenty of sources for inspiration. Open from 9am to 8pm, admission is 5 euro but reduced price coupons are available online at www.vintageselection.it.
Fortezza da Basso,
viale Filippo Strozzi 1, Florence
VINTAGE/ Vinokilo Firenze
11am-8pm, January 25-26
Buy clothes by weight in unique shopping event
Buy vintage per kilo in a shopping experience like no other. With clothing priced at 40 euro per kg, grab amazing finds from the most famous brands of the 1960s to the 1990s. The high quality vintage clothing is a sustainable eco-friendly alternative to fast fashion. Along with accessories, and a chill out area, there will be a DJ pumping out tunes to add a sense of atmosphere in the creative stronghold, Manifattura Tabacchi. The German based company organising the event have also held pop-ups all over Europe, spreading the sustainable message. An entrance ticket of 3 euro grants you access to what is sure to be a (fashion-)packed event. See more at www.vinokilo.com.
Manifattura Tabacchi,
via delle Cascine, 33/35, Florence
Film/ The Magnificent Three
January 30
Film screening of three masterpieces
To mark the finale of the U.S. Consulate’s bicentennial, a Mini film festival with 3 masterpieces. Screenings of Sergio Leone’s The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (3pm, in Italian with English subtitles), Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (6.30pm, in English with Italian subtitles) and Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight (9pm, in English with Italian subtitles) will each be introduced by U.S. Consul General Benjamin V. Wohlauer and preceded by a special short reel film produced in honor of the Consulate’s bicentennial. Organized by the U.S. Consulate General in Florence, the Region of Tuscany, Teatro della Compagnia and the Cineteca Nazionale, this free event is open to all. For more information: www.cinemalacompagnia.it.
Cinema La Compagnia,
via Camillo Cavour, 50/R, Florence
CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP/ L’arte in Tavola
4.30pm, January 25
Free workshop for children in collaboration with the cultural association C.E.T.R.A. hosts exciting workshop inspired by Daniel Spoerri’s Eat Art, teaching young ones a creative way to use leftover food. With innovative and fun ideas, children learn about sustainability while creating artistic masterpieces at the same time. Sign up at info.firenze@mercatocentrale.it.
Mercato Centrale,
piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, Florence
