The Lavazza IncluCity Festival 2025 returns to Toronto’s Distillery Historic District from June 27 to July 20. As part of our Italian Heritage Month coverage, we’re proud to spotlight this leading multicultural film event—one we had the privilege of attending last year.
Opening Night: A Premiere Under the Stars
This year’s ICFF kicks off on 🗓️ Friday, June 27 with the North American premiere of Napoli – New York, the latest film by Academy Award-winning Italian director Gabriele Salvatores. Set in the wake of World War II, the film follows two Neapolitan children who cross the Atlantic in search of a new life. Poignant, personal, and full of heart, it’s an unforgettable opening for a festival dedicated to global storytelling.
Before the screening, ticket holders are invited to the Opening Night Party at the Illuminarium (7:15 PM), where golden-age Italian cinema meets immersive design. The film screens later that evening outdoors at 9:15 PM.
A Blend of Film, Music, and Flavor
The Lavazza IncluCity Festival 2025 offers more than movies. Free public concerts fill the cobblestone streets nightly as part of the “TO The Beat” series. Festivalgoers can also enjoy wine and food tastings with ticketed film events—served on the signature festival couches under the stars.
One of the festival’s major themes this year is music, and several Italian films reflect that. Love and Bullets by the Manetti Bros. combines crime and song in bold Neapolitan style. The documentary Vincenzo Nibali – The 7th Champion by Marco Spagnoli adds an uplifting soundtrack to one of cycling’s greatest careers.
Spotlight on Italian Filmmaking
The Italian lineup is rich with premieres and special presentations. Highlights include:
- Diabolik: Who Are You? by the Manetti Bros., a stylish comic-inspired thriller.
- The Body (Il Corpo) by Vincenzo Alfieri, a mystery rooted in love, betrayal, and a vanished corpse.
- Parthenope by Paolo Sorrentino, exploring beauty, aging, and identity in postwar Capri.
- A World Apart (Un Mondo a Parte) by Riccardo Milani, set in Abruzzo’s national park.
- Family (Familia) by Francesco Costabile, examining trauma and extremism.
- My Place is Here (Il Mio Posto è Qui) by Cristiano Bortone and Daniela Porto, telling a Calabrian story of friendship and social change.
The festival closes its Italian programming with the Canadian premiere of Diamonds by Ferzan Özpetek, winner of the Audience Award at the 2025 David di Donatello Awards.
A Global Celebration of Cinema
While Italy remains the heart of the festival, this year’s edition also features films from over 20 countries—including France, Japan, Ireland, Germany, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Turkey. Titles like Hans Zimmer & Friends, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, and Song of the Fireflies highlight the festival’s dedication to multicultural storytelling and diverse voices.
Susan Sarandon Honored
Susan Sarandon - Gran Premi Honorífic | Wikimedia CommonsHollywood legend Susan Sarandon joins as this year’s Guest of Honour. Known for films like Thelma & Louise and Dead Man Walking, she also shares Italian ancestry on her mother’s side. Her appearance at the Hearn Centre’s star-studded Closing Gala adds global star power to this vibrant Toronto celebration.
Cinecittà, Design, and Industry Days
In partnership with Cinecittà, Antonio and Marco Manetti return to lead a panel on adapting comics to screen. Their film U.S. Palmese, set in Calabria, also premieres. The design program continues with architect Mario Cucinella, who will present a keynote and exhibition at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Festivalgoers can also catch the Canadian premiere of Nuvola, a documentary about Lavazza’s sustainable headquarters in Turin, directed by Francesca Molteni.
Tickets and Schedule
The Lavazza IncluCity Festival 2025 runs June 27–July 20 with over 30 premieres, industry talks, daily concerts, and multicultural food and wine experiences. Outdoor screenings and tastings take place nightly in the Distillery Historic District.
Tickets & Schedule: https://icff.ca
Venue: The Distillery Historic District, Toronto
Instagram: @icffcanada | @distilleryto
