You’ll always have bragging rights on Sofia Loren, Marcello Mastroianni, and Federico Fellini, but check out what your Italian paesani have done to make you proud lately! Italy Has It All.

1) DARING DIRECTORS
A lot of people assume that great Italian directors are a thing of the past, but think again! Paolo Sorrentino, Luca Guadagnino, and Matteo Garrone are making modern classics, and young directors like Alice Rohrwacher and Jonas Carpignano have quickly made their mark with their innovation and creativity. For those just now exploring contemporary Italian cinema, check out Sorrentino’s La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty), and Garrone’s Dogman.