Are there still free seats at the back of the screen?
FON-do — stress on first syllable. 'Fondo' literally means 'bottom/back'.
Ask when you want to sit near the back for a better view of the whole screen. Useful in free-seating cinemas or when the screen map shows limited availability.
'In fondo' literally means 'at the bottom' but in a cinema it refers to the back rows, which in Italian cinema convention are considered the best seats (contrary to some other countries). The central rows of the back half are most sought after.
Preferirei stare in mezzo.
I'd prefer to sit in the middle.
Request for central seating on the map.
Le prime file sono ancora libere?
Are the front rows still free?
First rows — typically avoided but sometimes necessary.
C'è un posto accessibile per sedie a rotelle?
Is there a wheelchair-accessible seat?
Important accessibility question — Italian cinemas are required to have these.
In Italian cinema culture, the best seats are considered to be in the central rows towards the back — called 'il cuore della sala' (the heart of the screen). Front rows are called 'le prime file' and considered uncomfortable.