Naples – After a period of silence, the heart of cinema Metropolitan of Naples is back to pulsating. From March 20, the historic multiplex on Via Chiaia will reopen its doors under the management of Circuito Cinema, promising to return to being a point of reference for the cultural and social life of the city. With a modernization project started in record time and which will be completed by the summer, the Metropolitan is preparing to welcome the public back with a rich and varied program, ready to amaze film enthusiasts.
An exceptional debut
The celebrations will kick off on March 20 with a special invitation-only event: the screening of the film “Il Treno dei bambini” by Cristina Comencini, in the presence of the writer Viola Ardone and the leading actress Barbara Ronchi. Among the guests of honor, the Mayor of Naples Gaetano Manfredi and representatives of the Film Commission Regione Campania, which sponsored the film.
A calendar full of events
To celebrate the rebirth of cinema, a promotional ticket for 5 euros will be offered during the first two weeks of programming, an unmissable opportunity to experience an auteur cinema. Among the most anticipated events, on Saturday 22 March the directors Manetti Bros will present “US Palmese”, a football comedy with Blaise Alfonso and Rocco Papaleo, while on Wednesday 26 March it will be the turn of “La casa degli sguardi”, the debut work by Luca Zingaretti, who also stars here with the young Gianmarco Franchini.
Previews and international stars
On Friday, March 28, the Metropolitan will host the national preview of the documentary “Pino,” dedicated to the legendary Pino Daniele, with the presence of director Francesco Lettieri and Alex Daniele. Saturday, March 29 will be dedicated to “Queer,” the new film by Luca Guadagnino, with a live link with the director and actor Daniel Craig, nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance.
Cronenberg's Visionary Cinema and Mastandrea's Emotion
On Tuesday, April 1st, it will be the turn of David Cronenberg, master of visionary cinema, who will preview “The Shrouds”, a film presented at the Cannes Film Festival starring Vincent Cassel, Diane Kruger and Guy Pearce. Closing the first cycle of events, on Thursday, April 3rd, will be the actor and director Valerio Mastandrea, who will present his latest work, “Nonostante”, an emotional story dedicated to the memory of his father.
A Bright Future for the Metropolitan
“We want the Metropolitan to become the most beautiful cinema in Naples, a lively place, a reference point for the city and for those who love cinema,” said Andrea Occhipinti, founder of Lucky Red, the main shareholder of Circuito Cinema. “We are happy to return home,” he added, emphasizing the strong bond with Neapolitan directors such as Pappi Corsicato, Mario Martone and Paolo Sorrentino.
A commitment for Naples
“We are honored to reopen the doors of a unique cinema in the Italian panorama to the wonderful city of Naples,” said Gabriele D'Andrea, CEO of Circuito Cinema. “We have worked tirelessly to redevelop the cinema and make it welcoming again. We are certain that the public of Naples will be able to enhance the vitality and creativity that are in our DNA.”
With a programming that ranges from auteur cinema to national previews, the Metropolitan is preparing to return to the centre of the Neapolitan cultural scene, ready to deliver emotions and write a new chapter in its history.
Article published on March 14, 2025 - 12pm
It's interesting to see how the Metropolitan reopens after so long, I'm curious to know if the programming will live up to expectations. Let's hope the events are well organized and that the public responds positively.