“Language conveys culture, but the reverse is also true…”

Cinema, theater, and literature pass down idioms, traditions, and symbols that constantly reshape the way we communicate.

This Artelingua Advanced Cultural Course is designed for those who love Italy, but above all, for those who adore cinema and the performing arts. It is tailored for learners who want to master the Italian language in all its nuances, enrich their cultural background, and develop a sophisticated ability to express, understand, and interpret. It is an inspiring, deep-dive journey into the language of cinema, theater, and literature from the post-war era to the present day.

The course is fully flexible and customizable: you can experience the journey in its entirety or choose the specific thematic sessions that inspire you most.

🎭 Three Pathways, One Extraordinary Journey

1. Theater, Diction, and Acting

Step into the spotlight and live the Italian language as a true protagonist!
Working with original scripts and authentic materials from masters like Luigi Pirandello and Ascanio Celestini, you will refine your diction and intonation. You’ll learn to infuse words with genuine emotion and intent, while mastering the subtle nuances between written language and spontaneous speech.

2. Advanced Italian Cinema

A pathway crafted for cinephiles and anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of contemporary Italy through its most powerful medium. From the post-war era to the modern day, we will explore and decode the unique language of Italian cinema.
From Vittorio De Sica to Paolo Sorrentino, by way of Fellini and Antonioni, we will analyze historical contexts, master directors, diverse cinematic movements, and narrative trends.

3. Cinema and Literature

A thematic journey exploring the powerful bond between the page and the silver screen.
We will compare the novels of great contemporary authors (such as Baricco, Ammaniti, and Mazzantini) with their cinematic adaptations (including The Legend of 1900, Leopold: The Fabulous Young Man, Pasolini, and Don’t Move).
Together, we will analyze the differences between written and spoken Italian, explore the visions of directors and writers, and engage in creative reading, writing, and performance activities.

All wrapped up with plenty of wit, humor, and fun!

Exclusive Materials

You will learn using the Quaderni di Artelingua—original, custom-made educational workbooks designed exclusively to help you explore the language as it is truly lived and spoken.

Course Languages

Available in Italian, English, or as a bilingual experience.

Coordination

The course will be coordinated and led by Porzia Addabbo, an accomplished Theater and Film Director. Among her notable works is La Bohème, commissioned by Opera Ireland and highly praised by The New York Times. The production drew inspiration from her award-winning film, Bohème al Carcere di Maiano di Spoleto (Bohème at the Maiano Prison in Spoleto). Porzia works closely with communities, directing several Community Theater projects, and is frequently invited as a guest lecturer at the University of Limerick. She currently serves as the Artistic and Creative Director of the International Court of Freedom. All educational materials are custom-made for this course, ensuring an entirely exclusive learning experience.

“I spent last July/August taking private lessons with Elisa and Porzia at Artelingua, and I had a wonderful time. The school is a warm, intimate place for learning Italian (same goes for the city of Spoleto).
Elisa is a highly-trained, experienced Italian instructor with a sharp sense of humor. She’s also a local who knows Spoleto like the back of her hand and goes out of her way to build a sense of community among her diverse students. My classes with Porzia, meanwhile, were special; she took me on a month-long tour of Italian cinema that felt both like a university course and an extended conversation with a dear friend. I loved it. I can’t recommend this school and town enough if you are looking to improve your Italian while escaping the tourist hordes. Grazie mille, Elisa e Porzia. Vi mando un abbraccio da Atlanta! Alla prossima…!” Nicholas Sanchez, USA