The 2025 edition of the ICFF – Italian Contemporary Film Festival – and the Lavazza IncluCity Festival concluded with an unforgettable Gala evening at the spectacular Hearn Generating Station, attended by the Ambassador of Italy to Canada, Alessandro Cattaneo.
The evening was illuminated by Susan Sarandon, an international cinema icon, who was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Sitting on a historic Ford Thunderbird, the actress moved the audience with an intense conversation about her career, recalling iconic moments – including Thelma & Louise – and emphasizing her deep connection to Italy and her Italian roots.
For 24 days, the Festival transformed the renowned Distillery District in Toronto into a lively open-air film village, with screenings, special events, concerts, immersive exhibitions, and installations on artificial intelligence. An innovative format that attracted over 61,000 spectators, confirming the ICFF as one of the leading cinematic events in North America.
Italian Cinema at the Forefront
With the support of the Embassy of Italy in Ottawa, the General Consulates in Toronto and Montreal, the Italian Cultural Institute, and Cinecittà, the Festival provided an excellent showcase for contemporary Italian cinema.
The highlight of this edition was Napoli – New York by Gabriele Salvatores, which won the People’s Choice Award, and the Best Producer Award presented to Arturo Paglia and Isabella Cocuzza.
Francesco Costabile was awarded the Jury Prize, while young actor Francesco Gheghi received the Best Actor award. Actress Matilda De Angelis moved the jury with her performance in Siblings – La Vita da Grandi, earning the Best Actress award.
The brilliant Geppi Cucciari received the ICFF Award of Excellence, enlivening the evening with a special talk followed by the Canadian premiere of the comedy Diamanti.
International Guests, Italian Talent, and New Visions
The Manetti Bros. were also recognized with the Best Director award for their projects Diabolik – Chi Sei? and US Palmese, presented in both Toronto and Montreal, accompanied by actor Giacomo Gianniotti and producer Jeff King (Umbrella Academy) during the Industry Days Night.
Sustainable architecture was given significant attention, with architect Mario Cucinella showcasing his first Canadian exhibition in collaboration with Toronto Metropolitan University. To close the section, director Francesca Molteni presented the world premiere of the documentary Nuvola – A Project for the City, dedicated to the Lavazza headquarters in Turin.
Multiculturalism and Inclusion
The Lavazza IncluCity Festival, curated by ICFF, presented 35 international films. The Jury Prize was awarded to the film Los Frikis, while Eros De La Puente was named Best Actor. Julia von Heinz won the Audience Award, and Emmanuel Courcol and Milly Gordon received the Best Director and Best Actress awards, respectively.
Ottawa was also represented, with actress Rachel Alejandro (Song of the Fireflies) receiving the Excellence Award for her contribution to multicultural cinema.
With a record-breaking edition, an enthusiastic audience, and prominent international guests, ICFF 2025 solidifies its position as a leading platform for the promotion of Italian cinema worldwide and for intercultural dialogue between communities and nations.
