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PhrasesAt the CinemaChe film danno stasera?
A1informal

Che film danno stasera?

What films are they showing tonight?

Pronunciation

DANNO — double 'n', stress on first syllable. Not 'dano'.

When to use it

Ask a friend or cinema staff informally what is on. Common in everyday conversation about going out. Can also be asked of the poster board at the entrance.

What it means

'Danno' comes from 'dare' used in the sense of 'to show/put on'. Italians say 'danno un film' the way English speakers say 'they're showing a film'. It is a very colloquial but standard usage found all over Italy.

Variations

Cosa c'è in programmazione questa settimana?

What is on the programme this week?

More formal; typical of cinema websites and listings.

Hai visto cosa proiettano?

Have you seen what they're projecting?

'Proiettare' is the technical verb; sounds slightly more educated.

Qual è il programma del weekend?

What is the weekend programme?

Good for planning ahead.

Mini Dialogue

— Che film danno stasera al Nuovo Cinema? — Danno l'ultimo film di Sorrentino e un thriller americano. — A che ora inizia il Sorrentino? — Alle 20:15 e alle 22:30. — Prendiamo quello delle 20:15!

— What films are on tonight at the Nuovo Cinema? — They're showing the latest Sorrentino film and an American thriller. — What time does the Sorrentino start? — At 8:15 and 10:30. — Let's take the 8:15 one!

Cultural Note

Italian directors like Paolo Sorrentino, Matteo Garrone and Alice Rohrwacher have strong domestic followings — mentioning their names at a cinema sounds culturally informed.