Florence’s Tribute to Indian Cinema: River to River 2013

River to River Florence Indian Film Festival 2013 is an international event scheduled to take place in Florence, Italy this November. Dedicated completely to movies from and about India, the festival is in its 13^th year and has gained immense popularity over the last decade. The festival brings to the beautiful city of Florence, India’s rich culture of movies and art. Even the name of the festival symbolises a cultural journey from India’s river Ganges to Italy’s river Arno.

The festival pays tribute to some of the biggest names in the Indian Film Industry

The Festival

A pioneering endeavour of the Indian Embassy in Italy, the festival is a unique platform for small budget and non-mainstream movies from India. Some of the best art movies like Chokher Bali, Matrabhoomi - A Nation Without Women, Maqbool, Monsoon Wedding, Topi, Lagaan and Bombay Dreams, among others, have been screened here. This in turn has increased the awareness of Indian films and enriched the image of Indian film industry beyond typical masala flicks. The festival has also paid tribute to some of the biggest names in the industry including Mira Nair, Guru Dutt and others. With documentaries and events dedicated to their work, the festival serves as a medium to understand different facets of India. Last year the theme of the festival was 100 Years of Indian Cinema and iconic star Amitabh Bachchan was one of the special guests.

For anyone who is a fan, scholar or even an enthusiast of Indian movies, there can be nothing better than enjoying some of the best Indian movies in wonderful Florence.

The Odeon Theatre in Florence is a jewel of the Renaissance era. Photo Credit: aeminphilly / flickr

When and Where

The festival is scheduled to take place from November 22^nd to November 28^th in Florence. However, the second chapter of the festival will continue in Rome from November 29^th to December 1^st. In Florence, the venue of the film festival continues to remain the Odeon Theatre. An important Renaissance structure, the theatre still preserves the style and beauty of the creative period and is an essential feature of the cultural heritage of Florence.

Florence: At a Glance

‘Everything in Florence seems to be coloured with mild violet, like diluted wine’ said Henry James about Florence, and rightly so. Situated on the south bank of river Arno, Florence is a shimmering city that makes you fall in love with it at first sight. The birthplace of Renaissance, this magical city will transport you to the era of Michelangelo. The ever smiling and warm Florentines have imbibed the city’s aesthetic sense. Spotted with exquisite renaissance statues like Michelangelo’s David, Fountain of Neptune, and ornate theatres and basilicas like Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace and the Dumo, Florence is like one big art gallery.

Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and the birthplace of Renaissance

Stroll down the paved roads and soak in the beauty of Florence without rushing past these iconic attractions only with MakeMyTrip’s holidays.

If you are a lover of art and history, Florence is your dream destination in Italy. With the River to River Florence Indian Film Festival, you can not only experience the city of breathtaking beauty, but also enjoy a week full of Indian culture through its movies.