The beauty of cinema, with a pop twist: a festival that plays with audiences and '90s nostalgia.
Milan, 31 July 2025 – “It is our gift to the city: a festival conceived by Cineteca, with a popular approach , for the summer .” Thus Matteo Pavesi, director of Cineteca Milano , announces “ All the beauty of cinema” : 25 films in the Cortile delle Armi of the Sforza Castle, with free admission , from this Sunday to August 27 (reservations at cinetecamilano.it ). In case of rain, the screenings will move to the Arlecchino che non vai in vacanza, as well as the MIC - Interactive Museum of Cinema, which will host the animated pop art of Bruno Bozzetto until November (August included).
Very first edition: what was the spark?
This festival was born with a specific idea: Cineteca offers the city a moment of free cinema for everyone. We invite those staying in Milan in August to head to one of its iconic locations, the Sforza Castle, to see classic and unmissable films like 8 1/2 and Blue Velvet , as well as more contemporary films like Sapore di Mare or Mamma Mia !
Less “niche”?
“Because behind it all, there's this idea: that cinema is many things. It's 8 1/2 , but also Mamma Mia ! , and it's always great cinema because both are popular films that have captured popular sentiment. The starting points are very different, but the logic is to be open to what people like. Casper will be back too.”
Nostalgia for the 90s?
"There's room for that, too. After all, summer festivals have this "let's see them again" aspect to review the film year. In our case, the period is much longer: we review a lifetime. And we'll have fun playing with the audience."
As?
Each film is paired with a game. There are sections about the city, musicals, classics, ice-cold films, and hot films. There will be a "points collection": those who come to all the screenings will win tickets to the Arlecchino in September and October. It's also a way to showcase the Cineteca: few know that it houses the oldest archive in Italy. And in the heart of Milan, there are two free things this summer: one is water from the fountains, the other "All the Beauty of Cinema." And this is creating a certain euphoria.
First results?
“Many screenings are already sold out. And we've yet to start.”
Did you also have fun choosing the films?
"Of course. There's what made our hearts beat, what spoke to us at certain moments in our lives, offering us a key. Throughout the year we have more serious and in-depth moments. We like to seek out even the most unpopular works to help them be discovered, and we've carved out a unique audience for ourselves: it's right that it should be this way, it's part of our job. But whether it's the summer or the spirit of this event, we intend to embrace everyone."
Will it be the “First” of a series?
“Yes. We were able to make all admissions free thanks to our sponsors, the AEM Foundation and the BPM Foundation. And we're already thinking about next summer: we started off quietly, but 500 places aren't enough. We'll aim high. In the meantime, we're enjoying this month and hope people have fun and come visit us throughout the year.”
Will you break the ice with Milano Calibre 9 : why?
"Because one of the themes running through these 25 films is the city. There's Milan, there's New York with When Harry Met Sally , there's Tokyo with Wenders, and Paris with Amelie. And then the Milanese are crazy about noir, from literature to cinema. We wanted to start with something in tune with summer and with that slightly retro feel."
Among these 25, Matteo Pavesi's three favorite films?
“Let's start from the bottom: we'll close with the restoration of Chaplin's The Gold Rush , one of the most beautiful things that could have been done, a preview for the city after Il Cinema Ritrovato. Number two: 8 1/2 , I can't help but love this film beyond belief. And the third is a masterpiece by Risi: Il sorpasso .”
Il Giorno
