Join us at the Egyptian and Aero Theatres for our annual celebration of Italian cinema, opening with Italy's official Oscar submission for Best Foreign-Language Film, Paolo Sorrentino's dazzling THE GREAT BEAUTY, a look at the bewitching power of Rome and a writer caught up in it. That film's star, Toni Servillo, also appears in a dual role as a politician and as his flighty twin brother in the hilarious LONG LIVE FREEDOM; director Roberto Andò joins us in person. Further exploring the humorous potential of current Italian politics is Riccardo Milani's WELCOME MR. PRESIDENT, the Capra-esque tale of a simple man who shakes up a cynical capitol with his straight forward approach to governing. Actress Kasia Smutniak will introduce the screening.

Food and family provide a touch of humor - and plenty of poignancy - to a pair of films making their Los Angeles debuts. A FIVE STAR LIFE follows an inspector for the Leading Hotels of the World who spends her life on the road testing the service at 5-star hotels; director Maria Sole Tognazzi joins us in person. In Paolo Genovese's A PERFECT FAMILY, a rich man gathers the perfect family around him for the Christmas holidays - by hiring a troupe of actors. Lead actress Claudia Gerini will appear in person with the film.

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