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PhrasesAt the CinemaÈ considerato un film di culto.
B2

È considerato un film di culto.

It is considered a cult film.

Pronunciation

CUL-to — Italian borrowed the English word 'cult'. Stress on first syllable, as in Italian.

When to use it

Describe a film with a dedicated following, typically one that was not a mainstream hit on release but gained devoted fans over time. Used in conversation and film criticism.

What it means

Italian cinema has many cult films — from Dario Argento's horror films to Sergio Leone's Westerns to the comedies of Totò. 'Film di culto' (also 'cult movie') is a borrowed concept but fully integrated into Italian film vocabulary. Many arthouse cinemas screen cult classics in retrospective cycles.

Variations

È diventato un classico del cinema italiano.

It has become a classic of Italian cinema.

'Classico' = classic — used for films with lasting artistic status.

Ha una schiera di fan accaniti.

It has a dedicated army of fans.

'Schiera' (array/group) + 'accaniti' (fierce/dedicated) — vivid expression.

Lo proiettano spesso nelle rassegne cinematografiche.

It is often shown at film retrospectives.

'Rassegna cinematografica' = film retrospective or festival programme.

Mini Dialogue

— Questo film è considerato un film di culto in Italia. — Davvero? Non l'avevo mai sentito nominare. — Sì, specialmente tra gli appassionati di cinema horror degli anni '70. — Interessante. Dov'è possibile vederlo? — Su alcune piattaforme streaming italiane o alle rassegne Argento.

— This film is considered a cult film in Italy. — Really? I'd never heard of it. — Yes, especially among fans of 1970s Italian horror cinema. — Interesting. Where can you see it? — On some Italian streaming platforms or at Argento retrospectives.

Cultural Note

Italy's 'Giallo' horror films and Spaghetti Westerns have enormous cult followings internationally. Directors like Dario Argento and Sergio Leone are revered by film buffs worldwide, while in Italy they are considered part of the national cultural heritage.