Here’s our round-up for October 27 to November 3.
Comics and games come to Lucca while Florence features French film and a free admission exhibition celebrating Florentine women at Palazzo Vecchio. Here’s your best events of the week line-up for October 27-November 3.
Works by Pavlo Makov are on display at via Maggio 64, with the collection bringing viewers back to simplicity and clarity with a reflection on the purpose of art. Makov uses metaphors and symbols to bring into focus the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, commenting “Every October, my wife and I go to our house outside the city to cover the roses in our garden in order to preserve them from the cold, allowing them to be rediscovered in March. We have been taking care of our roses for twenty years and now our house, which is ten kilometers from the border, is occupied. Our garden is ruined, and our roses are dead.”
The much-loved multidisciplinary festival brings together comics, games, video games, cinema, TV and illustration to make up a fascinating festival of events, projects, and educational and community-focused initiatives.
The 14th edition of the French film festival features comedies, auteur films and documentaries in a representation of the best of contemporary French cinema. Special guests and book presentations add to the cultural exploration, with a dedication to Jean-Luc Godard who recently passed away attended by actress Nathalie Baye.
Pumpkins pop up for October antics as Halloween is celebrated with costumed runs and themed festivities all over Florence. While not as widely celebrated as across the seas, you’ll still find plenty of ghoulish ongoings to satisfy those seeking spookiness. See our article outlining ways to celebrate Halloween in Florence.
US artists Nancy Lupo and Monique Mouton exhibit contemporary artworks in a display described as “a western or like a western…a boat somewhere”. Using various materials, the creations entice and enchant, on show in via delle Cascine 35.
A free admission exhibition features Florentine women from Oriana Fallaci to Margherita Hack, portrayed by Giovanni Maranghi. Caterina de’ Medici, Plautilla Nelli and Clara Calamai are among the Tuscan icons celebrated.
David O. Russell’s murder mystery turned international conspiracy set in the 1930s, Amsterdam, will be screened in English with Italian subtitles at Cinema Stensen from October 28, with the stellar cast including Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, Mike Myers, Taylor Swift, Zoe Saldaña, Rami Malek and Robert De Niro.
Celebrating the 500th anniversary of Eleonora di Toledo (1522-2022), the story of the duchess is the subject of a theatrical production, taking audiences through her life. Born in Spain, raised in Naples, she moved to Florence at a young age as the wife of the equally young Cosimo I de ‘Medici.
Marie Lambert-Le Bihan works with artists enrolled in the Mascarade Emerging Artists programme in a performance of arias by Rossini, Verdi and Strauss on October 27.
Until October 30
Firenze in Rosa Onlus are behind a range of activities for Pink October, raising awareness around breast cancer through the #BePINK campaign that invites people to decorate their windows, balconies and shop fronts pink, or to wear something pink such as the charity’s origami bow. Buildings and monuments around Florence will light up pink in honour of the event, with the 6 historical gates of the city, Teatro Puccini and the Loggia of the Istituto degli Innocenti among the venues showing their support. Free ultrasound checks will be offered for women up to 45 years old and those above 75 years of age, who are not part of the regional screening programme. They will also be offered for men who wish to check the possibility of an inherited disease.
The 24th edition of the market exhibition explores white truffle and typical products of Alta Valdicecina with culture and entertainment added into the mix. Wine tastings, crafts and more bring you to discover local flavours. Don’t miss the unique historical challenge, the Palio dei Caci Volterrani along via Franceschini, and take part in visits, a truffle hunt, and trekking.
So Cards and The Beehive host ‘Beyond the Small Talk‘. The card-based question ‘game’ helps participants dig deeper, causing you to pause, think, and open up. The rules are: no talk of work, school, the news, or the weather. The evening of conversation and connection starts from 7.30pm, with entrance costing 10 euro (includes one drink). Purchase your ticket in advance as space is limited.