About the Festival

The NM Italian Film & Culture Festival has been delighting audiences and gathering fans since 2007 when its founder, Ronaldo Patrizio-Steiner staged a four-day celebration of Italian cinema as a benefit for the University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital. That first festival featured 12 films and a buffet. It was declared a huge success both as an artistic and a fundraising endeavor. It became Ronaldo’s passion and his annual gift to the community.

When Ronaldo moved out of state he left the festival in the hands of Italian Festivals of New Mexico, the non-profit organization he had established in 2010. Members of that organization, all volunteers dedicated to children’s causes and to showcasing Italian cinema and culture in New Mexico, stepped forward to continue the tradition.

Festival 2018 benefits NDI New Mexico, which brings award-winning arts and healthy lifestyle programs to underserved children in urban, rural and Native American communities throughout New Mexico.

Thanks to our volunteers and to the enthusiastic, enduring support of our patrons and sponsors, this award-winning festival has become the largest, most significant Italian event in the state.

Now in its 11th year, Festival 2018 features another strong lineup of recent, award-winning and highly-acclaimed Italian films in their local premieres. All films are in Italian with English subtitles and include a great mix of genres, from comedy to drama to romance.

You don’t have to be Italian to enjoy this unique opportunity to explore contemporary Italy through the eyes and insights of celebrated Italian filmmakers. You don't have to be Italian to savor the cuisine, people, sights and sounds that put our festival among the Top 5 Best of the City two years in a row.

Film buffs, music lovers, Italophiles and foodies . . .

Join us for the exciting Films & Events of Festival 2018!