SMCE4013 F25 Cinema & Cucina: An Italian Adventure in Film and Cuisine

• Delivery: In-person
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Day of the week: Wednesdays
• Dates: October 15 to November 19
• Time: 6:00-9:00pm
• Location: TBD (5 weeks in-person on campus at the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto, and one cooking class in-person at Cucinato Studio, 1338 Lansdowne Ave. at St. Clair West)
• Cost: $415 (includes HST)

Presented in collaboration with

Course Overview

In this 6-week course, we will explore the heart of Italian culture through the captivating world of Italian cinema, and authentic Italian cooking. Each week, we will engage with a selected film, watching the original Italian with English subtitles, followed by a group discussion. Beginning with a masterpiece of Italian Neorealism, we will journey through a selection of contemporary films, each offering a unique window into Italy’s regional diversity, historical heritage, rich traditions, family life, and everyday culture.

Our final session will take place at Cucinato Studio, where we will prepare and share a meal inspired by the films we have watched together, under the instruction of a professional chef.

About Cucinato Studio

To further immerse ourselves in Italian culture, we will also enjoy a hands-on cooking class led by a professional chef, preparing an authentic Italian meal inspired by the films we explore. Cucinato Studio is a unique space in Toronto focused on sharing the flavours and traditions of Italy through events and classes that bring authentic, traditional and regional techniques and ingredients to life.

Learning Outcomes

• Recognize and discuss key aspects of Italian culture.
• Interpret films through the lens of Italian customs, history, and everyday life.
• Gain insight into Italy’s regional differences — from north to south.
• Experience the connection between food and culture by preparing an authentic
dish.

What you’ll Watch

Films:

• Bicycle Thieves [Ladri di Biciclette]. Dir. Vittorio De Sica, 1948. (90 min)
• Cinema Paradiso. Dir. Giuseppe Tornatore, 1988. (210 min.)
• Life is Beautiful [La vita e’ bella]. Dir. Roberto Benigni, 1997. (116 min.)
• Bread and Tulips [Pane e Tulipani]. Dir. Silvio Soldini, 2000. (114 min.) or
  Human Capital [Il Capitale Umano]. Dir. Paolo Virzí, 2013 (111 min.)
• Welcome to the South [Benvenuti al sud]. Dir. Luca Miniero, 2010 (102 min.)

About the Instructor

Laura Pontieri (Ph.D. Yale University, 2006) has taught cinema and animation at the University of Toronto for many years. Although her life path led her to explore Soviet film and European animation, subjects to which she has devoted numerous articles and two books, she has never forgotten her roots, her language, and her enduring passion for her native cinema.

Questions?  

Register Now