ST. ALi Italian Film Festival Intro Session: Holy Cannoli

Join acclaimed Italian filmmaker, actor and satirist Pierfrancesco “Pif” Diliberto for a special introduction before Holy Cannoli, the Opening Night highlight of the 2026 ST. ALi Italian Film Festival. Best known for writing, directing and starring in The Mafia Kills Only in Summer, Pif brings his trademark wit and irreverence to this box office hit romantic comedy.

Arturo (Pif) is a successful real estate agent, but less so in love. Arturo lives alone, is the weak link in his office's football team, and nurtures an unwavering passion for desserts, with a soft spot for sciù from Palermo's most celebrated pasticceria. His life lights up when he meets the devoutly Catholic Flora (Giusy Buscemi), who is looking to open her own patisserie, and he falls instantly, hopelessly in love. To win Flora over, Arturo embarks on an increasingly absurd attempt to live by the gospel, a quest that earns him an unexpected spiritual advisor: the Pope. 

Italian box office hit Holy Cannoli is playful, pointed and cheeky, using comedy to expose the contradictions of contemporary Italian life seen through the eyes of a soul-searching, sweet-toothed sceptic. 

INTRO EVENT DETAILS:

Melbourne, Palace Como
Saturday, 19 September | 6:15pm

Sydney, Palace Moore Park
Monday, 21 September | 6:30pm