ST. ALi Italian Film Festival Opening Night Premiere: Holy Cannoli

Kick off the 2026 ST. ALi Italian Film Festival Opening Night in delicious style and indulge in a glass of prosecco & more before the premiere of Holy Cannoli!

Witty, romantic and smart, this film from beloved Italian satirist Pierfrancesco ‘Pif’ Diliberto (The Mafia Kills Only In Summer) - adapted from his own bestselling novel - is a hugely entertaining and gently irreverent comedy about love, faith and finding the perfect pastry. 

Arturo (Pif) is a successful real estate agent, but less so in love. Arturo lives alone, is the weak link in his office's football team, and nurtures an unwavering passion for desserts, with a soft spot for sciù from Palermo's most celebrated pasticceria. His life lights up when he meets the devoutly Catholic Flora (Giusy Buscemi), who is looking to open her own patisserie, and he falls instantly, hopelessly in love. To win Flora over, Arturo embarks on an increasingly absurd attempt to live by the gospel, a quest that earns him an unexpected spiritual advisor: the Pope. 

Italian box office hit Holy Cannoli is playful, pointed and cheeky, using comedy to expose the contradictions of contemporary Italian life seen through the eyes of a soul-searching, sweet-toothed sceptic. 

Check your preferred location for specific times & dates.
Film Only sessions are also available in some locations.

OPENING NIGHT GALA | Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane
Indulge in antipasti, a glass of Prosecco, Connoisseur Gourmet Ice Cream, and a cinema treat courtesy of Lexus before the premiere of Holy Cannoli. After the film, get ready to celebrate Italian style with music, Peroni beer, Italian wine, an official festival gift bag and more!

OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION | Canberra
Enjoy a taste of Italy with a glass of Prosecco or Italian wine, Peroni beer, Connoisseur Gourmet Ice Cream, and a cinema treat courtesy of Lexus prior to the premiere screening of Holy Cannoli. Also receive an official festival gift bag!

OPENING NIGHT BRINDISI | Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth
Celebrate the opening night of the festival with a glass of Prosecco on arrival before the Premiere of Holy Cannoli!

🏆OFFICIAL SELECTION | Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2026