Newsletter - August 2026
We hope you're keeping warm this winter!
Last month, we held our final CineDante screening for the year. If you're missing your Italian films already, don't worry, the Italian Film Festival is just around the corner, starting in September!
We also had a lovely afternoon at Christchurch Art Gallery, where we teamed up for a fun Italian family event. It was great to see families enjoying art, Italian, and each other's company.
Our language classes have also started over the past few weeks. A big thank you to everyone who has signed up for a class this semester! There are still a few spots available if you haven't joined us yet.
And there's plenty more coming up! Keep reading to find out about all the exciting events we have planned for the months ahead.
Scuola di Italiano
Enrolments for our second-semester courses are still open for a few more days
If you've studied Italian for a few years and would like to take your Italian further, our Tuesday evening Intermediate 2 class with Roberto could be a great fit.
Starting on 11 August at 7pm, it's ideal if you want to keep improving your Italian but need a class that works around your working week.
If that sounds like you, we'd love to have you join us!
Italian Trivia Quiz
Sunday 23 August, 2.30-4pm - St. Albans Community Centre
Think you know your Italy? Come and put your knowledge to the test at our Italian Trivia Quiz on Sunday 23 August, from 2:30pm to 4:00pm at St Albans Community Centre.
Expect a fun mix of questions about Italy and the Italian language, presented in English and simple Italian, so you don't need to be fluent to join in. Teams of four will be formed on the day, with small prizes for the top three teams.
$5 per person (cash only please). Come along, bring your competitive spirit, and have some fun!
Italian Book Club
Wednesday 26 August, 7-8:30pm - St Albans Community Centre
Our second book club meeting is to happen this month.
Love contemporary Italian literature? Join our friendly book club to explore books, films, TV series, articles, and travel stories. Share recommendations, discover new ideas, and enjoy Italian culture together. $20 per meeting.
Caffè & Chiacchiere
Sunday 6 September, 11am - Westside Stories
Join us for our monthly coffee catch-up at Westside Stories (93C Cambridge Terrace). Whether you're just starting to learn Italian or you're a native speaker, everyone is welcome.
It's free to attend, but please support the venue by purchasing a coffee or pastry at the counter. We'll be sitting just outside, in front of the entrance to the Britten Museum.
This will also be a great opportunity to have a chat if you are undecided on which course to enrol.
Italian Film Festival
3-27 September - Lumière Cinemas
Paolo Rotondo has done it again! This year we have another wonderful selection of Italian films, with some crowd favourites including Pierfrancesco Favino, Elio Germano, Edoardo Leo and Valeria Golino.
With so many great films showing at the Arts Centre, you'll want to go every day!
There are only a few tickets left for the opening night film, Somebody To Love, so get your tickets before they're gone. Tickets for all the other films are also available now, so have a look and decide which ones you don't want to miss!
Amici della Dante
We appreciate the support from the following local businesses. For all membership benefits, please visit our webpage.