Westchester Italian Film Festival: Opening Night

The Picture House Regional Film Center announced the return of the Westchester Italian Film Festival, taking place June 12–16, 2026, in partnership with the Italian American Forum. The five-day festival will celebrate Italian American culture through film, food, and community at The Picture House Bronxville and Pelham theaters. Opening night at The Picture House Pelham will kick off a vibrant weekend celebration beginning at 5:30 PM with an outdoor reception featuring Italian specialties and light bites, followed by a 7:00 PM New York premiere screening of Italian Wannabe, a heartfelt documentary exploring food, family, loss, and rediscovering purpose through the traditions of Italy.

“From the premiere of Italian Wannabe to the 30th anniversary of Big Night to visually stunning documentaries and beloved Italian favorites, this year’s festival celebrates the richness of Italian American culture through film,” said Clayton Bushong, Executive Director of The Picture House Regional Film Center. “We’re proud to partner with the

Italian American Forum for a weekend that brings people together through food, film, and the traditions that connect generations and communities. Italian Wannabe beautifully captures the way meals, rituals, and shared experiences can nourish both body and spirit — themes that are at the heart of this festival.”

“The Italian American Forum is proud to partner with The Picture House Regional Film Center on the annual Westchester Italian Film Festival,” added Anna Malafronte, Executive Director, Italian American Forum. “The festival offers a culturally rich weekend of Italian cinema celebrating family traditions, culinary heritage, and the breathtaking beauty and spirit of Italy on the big screen.”

The festival lineup features a curated mix of premieres, documentaries, classic favorites, and contemporary Italian cinema. Italian beer and wine will be available for purchase throughout the festival weekend.

Opening Night Details

Friday, June 12 – The Picture House Pelham • 5:30 PM — Reception with Italian specialties and light bites • 7:00 PM — New York Premiere of Italian Wannabe

Festival Films & Screening Schedule

Italian Wannabe (2026) – New York Premiere

A heartfelt documentary following celebrated Los Angeles chef Bill Disselhorst as he returns to the hilltop Italian village of Casperia, where his love of food and community first began. After the loss of his wife and the closing of their beloved California café, Bill embraces a slower way of life through handmade pasta, olive oil pressing, shared meals, and the enduring traditions of Italian culture. Told through intimate vérité and richly textured imagery, Italian Wannabe is a moving meditation on love, loss, healing, and the power of food to bring people together.

NR, 90 Minutes

Big Night (1996) – 30th anniversary screening

Saturday, June 13 7:00PM in Pelham

A heartfelt story of two brothers struggling to save their Italian restaurant, the film was co-directed by and stars Stanley Tucci as the passionate, perfectionist chef Secondo. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Big Night remains a beloved tribute to food, family, and the pursuit of artistic integrity, culminating in one of cinema’s most memorable meals.

R, 80 minutes

Elvira Notari: Beyond Silence (2025) – Westchester Premiere

A compelling documentary exploring the life of Italy’s first female filmmaker, whose groundbreaking work is being rediscovered and celebrated today. Documentary, NR, 94 min

Est – Dittatura Last Minute (Adventure Italian Style) (2020)

A true story following three friends on a road trip through Eastern Europe who become entangled in a risky mission, leading to an unexpected journey of friendship and self-discovery. NR, 104 minutes

Pompei: Below the Clouds (Sotto le nuvole) (2025)

Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Gianfranco Rosi, this acclaimed black-and-white documentary explores modern life in Naples and Pompeii beneath the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius. Premiering at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Prize, the film juxtaposes ancient ruins with contemporary life through striking imagery and a score by Daniel Blumberg.

Documentary, NR, 114 Minutes

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

In this romantic comedy starring Diane Lane, a writer reeling from a life upheaval impulsively buys a villa in Tuscany, where she discovers renewal, romance, and a new sense of belonging. A beloved favorite since its release, the film continues to enchant audiences with its sun-drenched landscapes and uplifting spirit. PG-13, 113 minutes

View the full schedule and purchase festival passes or individual tickets at thepicturehouse.org.