Cristina Comencini's romantic comedy deals with a host of explosive issues: inter-racial relationships, adultery, violence against women, and more.

Marco Bellocchio's award-winning Buongiorno, notte -- based on the 1978 kidnapping and killing of Aldo Moro, president of the Christian Democratic party in Italy, by the Red Brigades -- offers an insightful perspective of the social, political and economic crises that engulfed Italy during this troubled period in its history.

This film released in 2003, directed by Paolo Virzì and starring Sergio Castellitto, portrays a family's relocation from a small town to Rome. The focus is on daughter Caterina who finds herself in a new private school which reflects a microcosm of Italian society and its cultural and political divisions.

This classic film released in 1979 and directed by Francesco Rosi is based on the book by Carlo Levi which tells the story of a year spent in exile to a small, remote and primitive village in Lucania (Basilicata).

Comedy about an upper class teacher from conservative Northern Italy who, due to a computer error, is sent to a small town near Naples to teach a group of third grade truants.

Poignant story about a young boy's love affair with the cinema.

Silvio Soldini's Giorni e nuvole couldn't be more timely in today's crumbling economic environment as it vividly portrays how the absence of financial security can change everything. At the heart of this film is the question of how much lifestyle determines relationships, sense of self and ultimately peace of mind.

Il divo is the biographical portrait of seven-time Italian prime minister Giulio Andreotti. It is compelling and thought-provoking and reflects the impenetrability that kept this adept politician in power for decades. Even his wife, Livia, realizes that she like others really doesn't know her husband at all.

This 1994 award-winning film portrays the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda during a stay on an island off the coast of Italy and the local postman (Mario) who delivers his mail. Mario yearns to win the attention of Neruda because he secretly harbors a desire to become a poet as well. As Mario's efforts succeed and Neruda spends time and conversation with him, he begins to idolize the poet even more.

This latest Carlo Verdone comedy is the story of a priest posted to Africa who is now on leave to visit his family in Italy so he can spend some time reflecting as to whether he wishes to remain in the priesthood. The exploits that develop between him and his father, his father's girlfriend, his brother, sister and others poses quite a reflection for the holy father.

Michele, a young boy from a little Southern village in Italy, discovers another young boy who is held captive in a small hole. When Michele develops a friendship with the boy he also discovers the cruel and violent world of adults.

A family epic spanning four decades from the 1960s to the 1990s. Focusing on two brothers, Nicola and Matteo, the film incorporates defining events in Italy's history, including the hippy movement, the flood of Florence, the Red Brigades, Mafia scandals, kidnapping and political assassinations.

Carlo's life is thrown into a tailspin when his longtime girlfriend Giulia announces she's pregnant.

This film transports you to a world that even in its darkest moments, shines a light of hope and joy. A magical tale, it tells the captivating story of one man's love for his family and his ability to use the power of imagination to save them. A deeply moving, intensely funny and unforgettable masterpiece that will stay with you always.

When a harried housewife is accidentally left behind while on vacation with her family, she decides to take a holiday of her own in Venice. She becomes charmed by the city and her newfound freedom. She decides to extend her stay, finding a job in a flower shop, renting a room from a wistful waiter, and rediscovers her love for playing the accordion. But her solo journey does not sit well with her tyrannical husband, who hires an amateur detective to bring her back home.

This 2002 film stars Roberto Benigni who also directed and co-wrote the Italian version. The film is based on the "Adventures of Pinocchio" by Carlo Collodi.

Writer-director Gianni Di Gregorio plays himself in the charming tale of Pranzo di Ferragosto (Mid-August Lunch) which tells the story of delectable food, feisty elderly ladies and special friendships developed during the Roman August holiday. The film is set in Rome's Trastevere district and for the most part in the apartment where Gianni resides with his 93-year-old mother.

Gabrielle Muccino’s 2003 release is a sophisticated film that examines complex personal and professional interests among a seemingly stable, middle class Roman family. It’s a movie about life: passions, dreams, responsibilities and grievances.

Michele Placido's Romanzo criminale is a gripping crime drama. It's based on Massimo De Cataldo's novel and portrays the rise of the Magliana gang that terrorized the country in the '70s.

As Italy struggles to get its economy on solid footing, its youth continue to struggle to find employment. Paolo Virzi's examination of youth employment challenges in Tutta la vita davanti is as topical today as when the film debuted in 2008. The story focuses on a talented university grad who accepts temporary employment in a multinational call center given no long-term job prospects, and it examines the lives of her other "call center colleagues" who live a life of insecurity and fear.