The 31st edition of the 'Il Cinema Ritrovato' film festival, held in Bologna, Italy, featured the screening of four films by Samuel Khachikian, an iconic figure in popular Iranian cinema. These films, which had not been shown on the big screen for forty years, represent the introduction of social attitudes and Western cinematic genres like noir and horror into Iranian culture. Khachikian, often referred to as the Hitchcock of Iranian cinema, is known for his focus on storytelling and cinematic techniques. His work bridges the gap between mainstream Persian films and the more intellectual art cinema, attracting a broader audience. The festival's description of Khachikian's films highlights their suspense and despair, with some considering his work as saving national cinema, while others see it as mere copies of Western examples.

Mahmoud Saleh Mohammadi, an enthusiastic young man, has opened Gallery Nour in Milan, showcasing Iranian art, including rolled carpets and calligraphy pens. After migrating to Italy, he pursued contemporary art studies at the Brera Academy in Milan, seeking a deeper understanding of the subject. Despite his focus on contemporary art, Saleh Mohammadi maintains a strong connection to Iranian art, believing that contemporary artists should be rooted in their heritage. He has received positive feedback for his work on calligraphy on carpets and teaches students interested in Iranian culture. Gallery Nour is located in a Milanese neighborhood in a building once notorious as a drug distribution center and an Al-Qaeda hideout. Saleh Mohammadi, initially renting the place by mistake, managed to transform it into a cultural space, even hosting a photography exhibition that involved the community and changed the building's atmosphere.

On May 30, 2017, Il Circolo della Stampa and Associazione Lombarda Giornalisti hosted an event with Fabrizio Cassinelli, author of 'L'Iran Svelato,' and Andrew Spannaus of Associazione Stampa Estera to discuss Middle Eastern scenarios amidst misinformation, Trumpism, and terror. Cassinelli's book, divided into two parts, contrasts Western media narratives with his experiences in Iran, aiming to present a more realistic view of Iranian society, culture, and modernity. The book challenges common misconceptions and emphasizes the accessibility and reality of visiting Iran.

A conference titled 'Elections in Iran and the Challenge of the Future' was held at the University of Milan, featuring speakers Alberto Negri, Giuseppe Acconcia, Elisa Giunchi, and Valeria Giannotta. Organized by the Italian Center for Peace in the Middle East (CIPMO), the event discussed the center's evolution, its focus on broader Middle Eastern issues, and the impact of the Iranian nuclear deal on international relations. Negri highlighted the economic stakes for Italy and Europe in the 'Iran Bet,' emphasizing the challenges due to persistent sanctions that hinder Western banks from financing Iranian ventures, despite Iran's re-entry into international financial circuits. The outcome of a significant Boeing deal with Iran by the end of the year was mentioned as a potential turning point for Iran's international economic relations.

BowLand, a music group consisting of three talented Iranian youths, released their first album 'Floating Trip' on April 21, 2017. After reuniting in Florence, Italy, following a long friendship in Iran, they have been together for two years. Saeed, who has been producing music and working as a DJ during his twelve years in Italy, discusses the creative process and technical production of the group's music. The album, a mix of digital and analog approaches, features natural sound effects and mostly English lyrics, except for the track 'Buf' based on Sadegh Hedayat's 'The Blind Owl'. Pezhman, known as 'Fa' to friends, joined Saeed five years ago, bringing his experience with unconventional instruments. Leila, the third member, not only sings but also contributes to the visual aspect of the music, including animation and album cover design. The group's music reflects their experiences and aims to be international, transcending their physical location in Italy.

Eduardo Delille, a young photographer from Florence, Italy, began his professional career with advertising and fashion photography in Milan. His projects can be categorized as news and documentary photography, but they also incorporate elements of fashion photography. Delille believes that the presence of a camera influences the authenticity of a moment, making any documentary image somewhat subjective. He views himself as a storyteller who travels the world capturing narratable stories. Delille has worked on various photography projects in Lebanon, Turkey, and Armenia, and after several trips to Iran, he created the series 'Persia Mon Amour' featuring Iranians living in Florence. He connects with Middle Eastern culture, seeing it as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures. In 'Paris, My Love,' Delille portrays a diverse group of Iranians in Florence, carefully selected by age, profession, and gender. The portraits, set against a black backdrop that separates the subjects from the Tuscan landscape, are inspired by the Ukrainian painter Malevich, a pioneer of the geometric abstract style in Russia. Delille uses the black curtain as a symbol of the perpetual distance between the Iranian immigrant and the culture of their host country, representing the sorrow of exile and the contradictory way immigrants recall their homeland.

The eighth edition of the Film Middle East Now festival took place from April 4 to 9 in Florence, Italy, focusing on Middle Eastern cities and architecture. The festival, founded in 2010 by Lisa Chiari and Roberto Rota, showcased 45 films from Iran, Afghanistan, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Morocco. It featured works by renowned filmmakers like Asghar Farhadi and Hani Abu-Assad, and this year, instead of focusing on established artists, it highlighted films by five young Egyptian filmmakers. The festival aims to present a more nuanced image of the Middle East, beyond the usual associations with war and terrorism, by showcasing everyday life, love, education, and culture in the region.

The eighth edition of the Film Middle East Now festival took place from April 4 to 9 in Florence, Italy, focusing on Middle Eastern cities and architecture. The festival, founded in 2010 by Lisa Chiari and Roberto Rota, showcased 45 films from Iran, Afghanistan, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Morocco. It featured works by renowned filmmakers like Asghar Farhadi and Hani Abu-Assad, and this year, instead of focusing on established artists, it highlighted films by five young Egyptian filmmakers. The festival aims to present a more nuanced image of the Middle East, beyond the usual associations with war and terrorism, by showcasing everyday life, love, education, and culture in the region.

The eighth edition of the Film Middle East Now festival took place in Florence from April 4 to 9, focusing on urban life and architecture in the Middle East. The festival featured 45 films from Iran, Afghanistan, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Morocco. Founded in 2010 by Lisa Chiari and Roberto Ruta, it has showcased works by directors like Asghar Farhadi and Hany Abu-Assad. This year, instead of world-famous artists, a special section highlighted five young Egyptian directors. The festival accepts both short and feature films of any genre, including documentaries, experimental, and narrative works. French director Louis Meunier's 'Kabullywood' and Nima Sarvestani's 'Prison Sisters' were among the Afghan films shown. Navid Mahmoudi's 'Parting' represented Afghanistan at the 2017 Oscars, and Abbas Kiarostami's last short film 'Take Me Home' was also featured. The festival included photographic exhibitions and workshops, with notable events like Tasneem Alsultan's photography and the Sound Middle East Now music project.