Dive Deeper into Italy’s Stories, Culture, and Cuisine
Be sure to check out Cinema & Cucina: An Italian Adventure in Film & Cuisine (Part 1)
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Day of the week: Wednesdays
- Dates: November 4th to December 9th, 2026
- Time: 6:00-9:00 pm
- Locations:
- November 4th – December 2nd: Media Commons room RL 3-023, 3rd floor, Robarts Library, 130 St. George St.
- December 9: Cucinato Studio, 1338 Lansdowne Ave. at St. Clair West
- Cost: $425 (includes HST)
Presented in collaboration with
Course Overview
In this 6‑week continuation course, we will deepen our exploration of Italian culture through a new selection of Italian films and another hands‑on culinary session. Each week, we will watch an original Italian film with English subtitles and engage in guided discussions that expand on themes introduced in the first course—regional identities, socio-historical context, everyday practices, and Italy’s evolving cultural life.
Building on the foundations established in Italian Cinema & Culture I, this sequel introduces fresh cinematic voices, contemporary perspectives, and new cultural themes. Our final session will once again take place at Cucinato Studio, where we will prepare and share a meal inspired by the films, under the guidance of a professional chef.
Note: Completing SMCE4013 Cinema & Cucina is NOT required to participate in this course but is highly recommended, as it provides a helpful foundation.
Learning Outcomes
• Deepen your ability to analyze Italian cinema through cultural, historical, and regional lenses.
• Explore new aspects of Italian society, traditions, and identity as represented in film.
• Compare past and contemporary cinematic portrayals of Italian life.
• Further experience the connection between food, place, and culture through a new hands‑on cooking session.
What you’ll Watch
Films:
- Rome Open City [Roma città aperta]. Dir. Roberto Rossellini, 1945 (73 min.)
- A Special Day [Una giornata particolare]. Dir. Ettore Scola, 1977 (105)
- Human Capital [Il capitale umano]. Dir. Paolo Virzí, 2013 (111 min.)
- There’s Still Tomorrow [C’è ancora domani]. Dir. Paola Cortellesi, 2025 (118 m.)
- Loose Cannons [Mine vaganti]. Dir. Ferzan Özpetek, 2010 (110 min.) Or,
- Perfect Stranger [Perfetti sconosciuti]. Dir. Paolo Genovese, 2016. (96 min.)
*Film selections are subject to change
About the Instructor
Dr. Laura Pontieri 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.
About Cucinato Studio
Cucinato Studio is a unique culinary space in Toronto focused on sharing the flavours and traditions of Italy through events and classes, dinners, and tasting events that bring authentic, traditional, and regional techniques and ingredients to life.
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