When it comes to movies beyond the United States, Italy is the most awarded country in the world by the Oscars, with 14 wins and 29 nominations. The tradition and impact of contemporary Italian film has an Atlanta connection to Cinema Italy. The Italian movie festival returns on May 26 after a two-year COVID absence.

Claudio Di Persia is the president and artistic director of Cinema Italy, and he joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes via Zoom to share some highlights from this year’s upcoming festival. Di Persia has been bringing his traveling festival to cities since 2003. “We commit for five years,” he explained. “If you just do a one-off, your chances of success are minimal; you have to grow the market.