Cinema in Your Ears: My Favourite Italian Podcasts

When I first arrived in Milan, I was eager to learn more about Italian cinema and improve my Italian listening skills. Little did I know, podcasts would be the perfect way to do both. I only wish I had discovered them sooner!

That’s why I have decided to put together this list and share five of my favourite podcasts in Italian, which I listen to regularly. They offer insightful conversations about films, explore current trends in both Italian and international cinema, and keep you up to date with the latest releases

Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of cinema or simply enjoy engaging discussions about films in Italian, I believe these podcasts have something for everyone. Each one offers a unique perspective and approach to talking about cinema.

Here are my top picks (In alphabetical order)

🎧 Blow Out - Frammenti di Cinema

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, La Cappella Underground Website: https://www.lacappellaunderground.org/

Produced by La Cappella Underground in collaboration with Radio City Trieste, Blow Out – Frammenti di Cinema is hosted by Marco Catenacci and Francesco Ruzziero. The podcast reviews the latest releases and film industry developments in both Italian and international cinema. Episodes, typically lasting 15 to 30 minutes, are perfect for listeners who enjoy quick, focused discussions. Occasionally, special episodes take a fresh look at classic films. The presenters share their thoughts, exchanging viewpoints and personal perspectives without wasting any time, ensuring the conversation is always stimulating.

🎧 BLOW-UP: Podcast Cinema

Available on Spotify

BLOW-UP is a podcast hosted every Monday by Mattia Liberatore, Jacopo Castiglione, Enrico Baccilieri, and Lucia Ferrario. Since 2020, nearly 200 episodes have been released, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The team covers a wide variety of films, from classics to recent releases, including indie films, blockbusters, and auteur cinema. Episodes feature director portraits, filmography reviews, rankings, occasional interviews, and festival coverage, including Venice and Cannes. The length of each episode allows for deeper exploration of subjects, with lively discussions where the hosts often agree to disagree, offering diverse perspectives from their backgrounds.

🎧 Cinema Confidential

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Il Cinemino Website: https://www.ilcinemino.it/podcast/

Produced by the team behind Il Cinemino, an independent cinema in Milan, Cinema Confidential offers engaging episodes that combine film history with captivating behind-the-scenes stories. The podcast explores a wide range of topics, covering both iconic and lesser-known aspects of cinema. From Hitchcock’s fascination with blonde women to the tragic death of River Phoenix, to the complex creation of Star Wars, the show offers something for both cinephiles and casual listeners. Each episode uncovers curious, lesser-known facts, leaving you thinking, in the podcast’s own words, “I didn’t know that!”.

🎧 MUBI Podcast: Voci Italiane Contemporanee

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, MUBI Website: https://mubi.com/en/gb

Produced by MUBI Italia in collaboration with Chora Media, this podcast offers open and personal conversations on and around contemporary Italian cinema. Each episode invites voices from art, music, and culture to share their unique perspectives and experiences with film. From Filippo Scotti to Alice Rohrwacher and Isabella Rossellini, the guests reflect on how cinema intersects with their creative lives. Season two explores the evolution of Italian comedy, while the latest focuses on the connection between cinema and music. A great listen for anyone drawn to shared stories and cultural exchange through film.

🎧 La Storia del Cinema

Available on Spotify

Created independently by Matteo Vitelli, this podcast explores the history of cinema from its very beginnings, starting with Edison and the Lumière brothers. Episodes are short, dynamic, and filled with key historical insights. There is a historical continuity across the episodes, but each one can also be enjoyed on its own. The podcast covers both famous topics, like Georges Méliès and expressionist cinema, and lesser-known ones such as the School of Brighton. It’s a great listen if you're curious about the cultural, technical, and historical evolution of cinema over the decades.

🎧Super Otto - Cinema, serie TV e cultura pop

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube

Super Otto, the podcast of CiakClub, is a lively show about cinema, TV series, and pop culture. Hosted by a passionate team, it features reviews of current releases, analyses of classics, and guest appearances from actors, directors, and other industry figures. Episodes, 30–45 minutes long, mix insight with humor, making it both entertaining and a great way to improve your Italian while staying up to date with pop culture trends.

📩🎬 If you know of a podcast you would like to share, I am all ears! Feel free to contact me at cinemi.milan@gmail.com