Mitchells Plain meets Italy: a cultural exchange through Italian film

Mitchells Plain officially stepped into the international spotlight this week as RLabs hosted a special edition of the Italian Film Focus (IFF), titled Mitchells Plain Meets Italy.

The event brought world-class Italian cinema, acclaimed filmmakers, and vibrant cultural exchange directly into the heart of one of Cape Town’s most dynamic communities.The initiative aligns with RLabs’ mission to expand opportunities for local talent and broaden access to global creative industries.

Through its partnership with IFF, emerging filmmakers and enthusiasts across the Cape Flats gained exposure to international cinema, masterclasses, workshops, and co-production opportunities designed to develop skills and unlock professional pathways. A high-profile delegation of Italian creatives attended the event, led by Antonio Falduto, film director and head of Associazione Controluce, which has promoted the IFF for 25 years. Known for bridging Italian cinema with global audiences, Associazione Controluce champions cultural exchange, collaboration, and the development of new talent.

Falduto was joined by Mimmo Rafele, acclaimed screenwriter and director with over two decades of experience in film and television; Corrado Azzollini, Italian producer and President of Confartigianato Cinema e Audiovisivo, a specialist in international film funds, co-productions, and Italy–Africa collaborations; and award-winning actor Filippo Scotti, recognised for his work with Paolo Sorrentino and Pupi Avati and winner of the Best Emerging Actor Prize at the 2021 Venice Film Festival.

The event was formally welcomed by Giulio Mignacca, Consul of Italy in Cape Town. A key highlight of the evening was the screening of U.S. PALMESE, a vibrant Italian comedy using football to explore community, identity, and human connection. More than 100 attendees sat anxiously waiting for the movie, that was crowned the winner of Best Comedy at the 2025 Globi d’Oro, to begin and was warmly received by the audience.

The festival also celebrated local talent, featuring exhibitions by Dion Cupido, Shaunez Benting, and the Cape Flats Art Festival. Food trucks, live music, and active community participation transformed RLabs into a cultural hub for the evening.

“The Italian Consulate is delighted to support this event, as it brings Italian cinema and culture beyond the traditional confines of city cinemas,” said Consul Giulio Mignacca.

“We are particularly proud that this initiative reached communities such as Mitchells Plain, helping share the richness of Italian film with audiences who might not otherwise have access.

”Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, who attended the event, said hosting the IFF in Mitchells Plain reflects a broader provincial vision for community-centred arts development.

“Hosting an international cultural event in Mitchells Plain reflects our vision of using arts and culture as drivers of community upliftment. It affirms that world-class creative experiences belong in every community and that the Cape Flats plays a vital role in the Western Cape’s cultural economy,” he said.

Mackenzie emphasised the importance of exposure and skills development for young creatives on the Cape Flats.

“Opportunities like international film exchanges, masterclasses and industry access are crucial for young people in Mitchells Plain, where talent is abundant but exposure is limited. Bringing these platforms directly to the community breaks down barriers and shows young creatives that a future in the arts is within reach.”

Reflecting on the significance of hosting the festival in Mitchells Plain, Falduto highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and accessibility.

“Cinema is a universal language. Initiatives like this one foster meaningful interaction and bring international storytelling to places where cinemas are not easily accessible.”

Falduto also emphasised Italy and South Africa’s longstanding collaboration in film, education, and production.Since 2001, engagements through festivals and co-productions such as Hotel Rwanda, Goodbye Bafana, and The Consul’s Wife have opened opportunities for emerging South African filmmakers to gain international exposure.

Rafele stressed the importance of storytelling, saying the sessions aimed to explore the emotional depth behind filmmaking rather than technical lessons. Azzollini highlighted the potential of co-productions, encouraging South African creatives to share their stories while learning from Italian cinema.

“Through these initiatives, we aim to create partnerships between Italian and South African festivals, strengthen co-production possibilities, and open avenues for sustained creative exchange,” Falduto added.

“We hope this event becomes an annual precedent and that one day, stories from this area will appear on screens around the world.”

U.S. PALMESE, directed by Marco and Antonio Manetti, follows a retired farmer reviving a struggling football team in Palmi, Calabria, discovering honesty, community, and transformation along the way.