Coming off a record year in 2015 for both attendance and donation to the University of New Mexico Children's Hospital, Italian Festivals of New Mexico is poised to deliver another rousing edition of its annual flagship event. This year's program unfolds in Albuquerque and showcases 7 critically acclaimed contemporary films flanked by a kickoff reception on February 16 and a closing dinner on February 21.

The films, covering a variety of genres from comedy to drama to romance, will be screened at The Guild Cinema. The reception and closing dinner, both lively get-togethers in the Italian tradition, will be hosted by Scalo Northern Italian Grill and will feature Italian food favorites and Italian wines. As in past years, the festival reflects the passion and energy of its organizers in bringing Italian culture to the Land of Enchantment. "What better way to do that than through Italian cinema," says John Paolino, Board President of the Italian Festivals organization.

"The festival's contemporary films afford a great opportunity to hear the spoken language and to observe everyday life in today's Italy through stories told on the big screen." Educational, fun and enriching, the festival will, once again, benefit the University of New Mexico Children's Hospital. Go online for the full program and to purchase tickets: www.italianfilmfest.org. Space is limited and advance ticket purchase is encouraged. All films are in Italian with English subtitles.

Source: Italy in New Mexico