Copyright Charleston Post and Courier
With so much going on in the Charleston arts scene, it can be difficult to narrow down your list of must-see events and choose what to do next. This curated guide highlights three community-oriented arts events taking place throughout November to help ease the decision-making process. This month you can celebrate Italian filmmaking, browse a group show with more than 20 artists at a downtown gallery and enjoy a charity music festival benefiting a Charleston family. Nuovo Cinema Italiano Film Festival Nov. 6-9 Queen Street Playhouse, 20 Queen St., Charleston $15 A fresh lineup of 13 acclaimed contemporary Italian films will take the screen Nov. 6–9 at the Queen Street Playhouse in downtown Charleston. Now in its 19th year, the Nuovo Cinema Italiano Film Festival continues its mission to showcase the best of modern Italian cinema and culture. This year’s selection includes both feature films and documentaries that highlight the diversity and creativity of Italy’s contemporary filmmakers. Among the featured titles are two films with Jewish themes: “Liliana” by Ruggero Gabbai, which recounts the true story of Holocaust survivor appointed a senator for life in 2018; and “La bicicletta di Bartali” by Enrico Paolantonio, an animated retelling of the Italian cycling champion who helped save 800 Jews during World War II. Additional highlights include: “Follemente” by Paolo Genovese, a romantic comedy exploring the inner thoughts of two lovers; “Il tempo che ci vuole” by Francesca Comencini, a moving father-daughter drama; and “Diciannove” by Giovanni Tortorici, a coming-of-age story. Friends of Ukraine art show Reception Nov. 7, 5-7 p.m., on display Nov. 6-13 Stevenson & Co., 50 Queen St., Charleston Free Stevenson & Co. presents Friends of Ukraine, a weeklong fundraising exhibition bringing together 29 of Charleston’s leading contemporary artists to support humanitarian relief for those impacted by the war in Ukraine. The exhibition runs Nov. 6–13 at Stevenson & Co., with a public opening reception taking place Nov. 7 from 5-7 p.m. Proceeds from artwork sales will directly benefit Zero Line, a nonprofit providing critical front-line aid inside Ukraine. Friends of Ukraine channels the Holy City’s vibrant creative community into meaningful, immediate action. Zero Line focuses on equipping and protecting medics and first responders through targeted logistics and essential supplies. Frank Fest Nov. 22, 2-10 p.m. The Rickhouse, 1734 Signal Point Rd., James Island $35 The inaugural Frank Fest will debut Nov 22, bringing together live music, local food and the Charleston community for a full day of connection and generosity. Headlined by Goodbye June with a special appearance from Paul Cullen, a former touring musician with Bad Company, the event featuring more than a dozen bands will take place from 2-10 p.m. at The Rickhouse at Cannon Distillery. FrankFest is more than just a music festival; it’s Charleston rallying behind one of its own. Every dollar raised will go directly to support Frank Hall, a beloved father, friend and small business owner who was paralyzed following a life-altering accident earlier this year. Festivalgoers can expect two stages of live music, local food and drinks, and a true celebration of community spirit. Event highlights include the limited-release FrankFest Beer brewed especially for the occasion, a vendor village showcasing local makers and small businesses and a silent auction featuring exclusive experiences and locally donated prizes to benefit the Hall family.
