TORONTO, Canada – The Lavazza IncluCity Festival, organized by ICFF, announces its full lineup of premieres and special events for an unforgettable experience from June 27 to July 22, 2023, in the Distillery Historic District in Toronto. The initiative will dedicate a special tribute to an icon of global fashion: the stylist and entrepreneur, Anna Fendi with an exclusive “In Conversation with…” and Gala Dinner.
On this occasion, Anna Fendi will be accepting the ICFF Lifetime Achievement Award for her illustrious career, her paramount role in the success and expansion of Fendi, and her contribution to international cinema.
With over 50 captivating feature films in its official lineup, the 12th edition promises to be one for the books. Following the acclaim generated in its past editions, the Lavazza IncluCity Festival has become a beloved tradition in Toronto, dominating the city’s summer scene and transforming Trinity Street into unique outdoor theatres in partnership with The Distillery Historic District. Our one-of-a-kind mega screens and stages are brought to you thanks to the support of Rogers Communications, ICFF Official Communication Partner, and Christie® and Mac Show Systems.
“I’m proud to say that the Lavazza IncluCity Festival continues to be a platform where stories from all corners of the world converge, celebrating our shared humanity and embracing the beauty of our differences”, said Cristiano de Florentiis, ICFF Co-Founder and Artistic Director. “We are excited to invite everyone once again to join us for an unforgettable experience that will inspire, entertain, and elevate our city’s entertainment and culture profile.”
With bigger stages and larger screens, the festival will showcase the very best of international cinema from 26 countries, along with a vibrant tapestry of all-day programming including dynamic music shows, dance performances, masterclasses and panel discussions. In addition, building upon the tremendous success of its first edition, the festival will elevate its signature art exhibit, the 6ix Art Outdoors, by featuring an expanded collection of 20 multicultural sculptures across the site.
“We extend a warm invitation to all audiences to join us in this extraordinary edition of the Lavazza IncluCity Festival at the Distillery District,” said Jamie Goad, Partner at The Distillery Historic District. “With our rich heritage of support for the film industry and fostering a diverse range of artists, we have found the perfect synergy with the ICFF. Beyond indulging in the remarkable lineup of international cinema, I encourage festival attendees to immerse themselves in the captivating ambiance, multitude of activities and the unique tenants that are part of our community here at the Distillery District.”
“This year’s is our most remarkable festival yet, made possible through the incredible partnership between ICFF, The Distillery District, and all our sponsors and partners who enable us to continue innovating,” said Paul Golini, Chair of the ICFF Board. “We are overfilled with joy to return to the iconic Distillery District, one of Toronto’s most cherished and recognized landmarks, with a program that goes well beyond cinema.”
“As a company that has long been committed to fostering an inclusive culture, the Lavazza Group is proud to present an event that recognizes, supports, and celebrates inclusion and diversity of Toronto and its residents,” said Andrea Chiaramello, Head of Lavazza Canada. “I am extremely excited that ICFF has returned to the heart of Toronto and look forward to the exceptional new program this year’s festival has to offer.”
Launching the festival’s celebrations, ICFF presents an exclusive Opening Night with the Special Screening of Freaks Out by Gabriele Mainetti accompanied by a captivating showcase from the Royal Canadian International Circus. Circus tradition has been an integral part of the history and culture of Canada, and ICFF wants to celebrate this paramount legacy in great style creating a one-of-a-kind experience where cinema converges with the physical artistry of circus performers, for a night of fun and entertainment during its grand opening.
Closing the festivities at the Distillery District will be the North American Premiere of Diabolik: Ginko Attacks directed by the Manetti brothers, featuring Hollywood star Giacomo Gianniotti and Italy’s “it” actress Miriam Leone, both in attendance at the festival. The film represents the second episode of the adventure of the beloved Italian comic superhero, as he and his partner-in-crime navigate thrilling challenges and face the supervillain Inspector Ginko.
The festival is also bringing to Toronto the North American Premiere of Bank of Dave by Chris Foggin, one of the most beloved UK films of the year. The movie showcases the inspiring real-life journey of Dave Fishwick, the man who fought to set up an independent lending company during the financial crisis in 2008 to help those living in his hometown. Inspired by another true story, the festival is proud to bring to the big screen the Canadian Theatrical Premiere of Sweetwater by Martin Guigui, showcasing the captivating and empowering life of Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, as he becomes the first African American player to sign with the NBA.
In celebration of the best Canadian cinema of the season, Lavazza IncluCity proudly presents a Special Festival Screening of two highly acclaimed films, BlackBerry by Matt Johnson and Infinity Pool by Brandon Cronenberg. Garnering international recognition, the films will be showcased in unique presentations during the festival respectively on Canada Day and on July 14th.
Directly from Nollywood, the festival is happy to present the International Premiere of Hotel Labamba by Biodun Stephen, and in representation of the Dominican Republic and Peru, the IncluCity will showcase the brilliant Canadian Premiere of The Year of The Tiger by Yasser Michelén. The festival is also very proud to maintain its spotlight on Ukrainian filmmakers with the film Persian Lessons by Ukrainian-Canadian director, Vadim Perelman.
With great pride from China, the initiative is delighted to announce the North American Festival Premiere of the action-packed film Eye for an Eye directed by Bingjia Yang. Hailing directly from “The best of” the 79th Venice Film Festival, the Lavazza IncluCity Festival presents the enchanting Canadian Premiere of The Last Queen directed by Adila Bendimerad and Damien Ounouri, showcasing the rich heritage of Algerian cinema.
For the first time in its twelve editions, the ICFF is thrilled to launch its first horror program titled “The Dark Side of Lavazza IncluCity Festival”. This exciting addition marks a milestone for the festival, as it expands its repertoire to include the realm of horror in the Distillery District, for the occasion turned into a theatre of terror. The program features the curation and guidance of Chris Alexander, author of Delirium Magazine, film journalist, and horror expert.
The festival is proud to have the support of the Federal Government, the Ontario Government, OCAF, Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates, the City of Toronto, the City of Vaughan, the Italian Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Embassy of Italy in Canada, and the Consulate General of Italy in Toronto.
