Voiron Italian Film Festival
The great celebration of Transalpine cinema in Isère
About Voiron Italian Cinema
Founded in 1987 by the association Amitié Voiron-Bassano del Grappa, the Voiron Italian Film Festival is one of the oldest Italian film festivals in France. Every year at the end of winter, about fifteen films are screened in their original version with subtitles in the PASSrL Le Mail and Les Écrans cinemas. Conferences, meetings with filmmakers, and festive events complete a demanding program, under the artistic direction of Jean Gili.
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The Voiron Italian Film Festival: nearly 40 years of cinematic passion
The Voiron Italian Film Festival is a must-attend event for lovers of Transalpine cinema. Born in 1987 at the initiative of the association Amitié Voiron-Bassano del Grappa, it is one of the oldest and most loyal festivals dedicated to Italian cinema in France. Each year, for three weeks at the end of winter, it offers a complete immersion into the richness and diversity of Italian film production, from classics to contemporary works.
A history linked to the twinning with Bassano del Grappa
The association Amitié Voiron-Bassano del Grappa was created in 1983, the result of frequent school exchanges between the two cities initiated in 1975 by Italian teachers. It contributed to the choice of Bassano del Grappa as Voiron's twin city in 1984. From these deep cultural ties, a week of Italian cinema was born in 1987, which has grown over the decades to become the recognized festival it is today, supported by the Italian Cultural Institute of Lyon.
An exceptional program in its original version
Each edition presents a rigorous selection of about fifteen films in their original version with French subtitles (VOSTF), covering a wide spectrum of genres:
- Art films and award-winning works at international festivals
- Preview screenings and recent films from contemporary Italian cinema
- Restored classics and heritage films
- Documentaries and short films
Screenings take place in the PASSrL Le Mail and Les Écrans cinemas in Voiron, offering spectators optimal projection conditions, including premium Dolby stereo rooms.
The artistic direction of Jean Gili
The festival owes much to Jean Gili, a prominent specialist in Italian cinema and the event's historic artistic director. A recognized academic and critic, author of numerous reference works on Italian cinema, he has given the festival a strong identity and cultural legitimacy that resonates far beyond the Voironnais region.
Much more than screenings
Beyond the film screenings, the festival offers a rich program of cultural events:
- Inaugural conferences led by specialists in Italian cinema, including from the Institut Lumière in Lyon
- Meetings and debates with directors, actors, and film professionals
- Live performances: humor, music, and performances related to Italian culture
- Closing concerts to celebrate the end of the festival in a festive atmosphere
Each edition is built around a unifying theme that guides the selection of films and events, offering spectators an in-depth look at an aspect of Italian cinema and culture.
Voiron Italian Cinema — edition 2026
The 40th edition of the Voiron Italian Film Festival takes place from February 24 to March 17, 2026, in the PASSrL Le Mail and Les Écrans cinemas. This anniversary edition pays tribute to Jean Gili, the historic artistic director, and features 16 films on the theme of Italian comedy, accompanied by conferences, performances, and concerts.
40th edition - February-March 2026: Italian comedy in the spotlight
The Voiron Italian Film Festival celebrates its 40th edition from February 24 to March 17, 2026, in the PASSrL Le Mail and Les Écrans cinemas. For this anniversary edition, the festival highlights Italian comedy, an emblematic genre that has propelled Italian cinema to international recognition.
Tribute to Jean Gili
This historic edition is an opportunity to pay a special tribute to Jean Gili, the festival's artistic director since its inception. A renowned academic, critic, and author of numerous works on Italian cinema, Jean Gili has been the soul of the festival for nearly four decades, guiding the programming with erudition and passion.
16 films in original version
The program features 16 films in original version with subtitles, blending classics of Italian comedy with contemporary works:
- Brutti, Sporchi e Cattivi (Ugly, Dirty and Mean) by Ettore Scola, a masterpiece of dark comedy
- Diamanti by Ferzan Ozpetek, a luminous tribute to the women of cinema
- Fuori by Mario Martone
- La Grazia by Paolo Sorrentino
- I Soliti Ignoti (Big Deal on Madonna Street) by Mario Monicelli, a foundational classic of Italian comedy
A festive and cultural program
Beyond the screenings, this 40th edition offers:
- Inaugural conference on Italian comedy hosted by Fabrice Calzettoni from the Institut Lumière in Lyon
- Comedy show by Roberta Cecchin to open the event
- Tribute to Claudia Cardinale, an icon of Italian cinema
- Concert by the Trio Avicos for the closing night on March 17
- Meetings with filmmakers and cinema specialists
Programme Voiron Italian Cinema 2026
Program for the 40th edition
Opening - Thursday, February 26, at 8 PM
- Comedy show by Roberta Cecchin
Inaugural Conference - Sunday, March 2
- "Italian Comedy" by Fabrice Calzettoni (Institut Lumière de Lyon)
Film Selection
- La Grazia by Paolo Sorrentino
- Diamanti by Ferzan Ozpetek
- Fuori by Mario Martone
- Brutti, Sporchi e Cattivi by Ettore Scola
- I Soliti Ignoti by Mario Monicelli
Special Events
- Tribute to Claudia Cardinale
- Presentations and debates with filmmakers
Closing - Tuesday, March 17
- Concert by the Trio Avicos
Highlights Voiron Italian Cinema 2026
- 40th anniversary edition of the festival
- Theme: Italian comedy
- 16 films screened in French original version with subtitles
- Tribute to Jean Gili, historic artistic director
- Tribute to Claudia Cardinale
- Inaugural conference by Fabrice Calzettoni from the Institut Lumière de Lyon
- Comedy show by Roberta Cecchin to open the event
- Closing concert by the Trio Avicos
Prices Voiron Italian Cinema 2026
Practical information — Voiron Italian Cinema
Dates and location
- Every year from late February to mid-March, for about three weeks
- Screening venues: PASSrL Le Mail Cinema, 15 rue du Mail, 38500 Voiron and PASSrL Les Écrans Cinema, rue Georges Clemenceau, 38500 Voiron
Access
- By car: From Grenoble (30 min) or Lyon (1h15) via the A48, Voiron exit. Free parking near the cinemas in the city center.
- By train: Voiron SNCF station (TER Grenoble-Lyon line), then a 10-minute walk to the cinemas.
- By bus: Voironnais region transport network, stops in the city center.
Prices
- Prices vary depending on the screening (usual prices of PASSrL cinemas)
- Supplement of €2.70 for screenings in premium Dolby stereo rooms
- Detailed program and schedules at www.passrl.fr
Contact
- Association Amitié Voiron-Bassano del Grappa
- Phone: 06 72 25 43 26 / 06 50 49 36 99
- Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
- Website: amitievoironbassano.wixsite.com
Accessibility
- PASSrL cinemas are accessible to people with reduced mobility
- All films are screened in Italian original version with French subtitles
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Voiron Italian Cinema
Cinémas PASSrL Le Mail et Les Écrans
15 rue du Mail, 38500 Voiron