The Italian Cultural Institute of Melbourne, in partnership with the Consulate General of Italy in Melbourne and Com.It.Es. Victoria & Tasmania, presents a special evening at the Treasury Theatre to mark International Women’s Day 2026.
The program will open with a screening of the short film Invisible Threads, directed by Fabio Schifilliti. The film interweaves the stories of Graziella Recupero, tragically killed in 1956, and Sara Campanella, a 22-year-old murdered in 2025. Separated by 69 years yet united by the same devastating reality of femicide, their stories highlight the enduring impact of violence against young women and the continued relevance of this issue across communities worldwide.
The screening will be followed by the panel discussion Beyond Awareness: Strengthening System Responses to Violence Against Women, featuring Claudia Fatone (Women’s Legal Service Victoria), Assunta Morrone (Executive Manager, inTouch) and Fabio Schifilliti (Movie Director). The conversation will examine how police, courts, healthcare providers and social services respond to reports of violence against women, identifying where systemic gaps remain and discussing how more coordinated and effective responses can be developed. The discussion will also address current legal and policy frameworks, including the enforcement of intervention orders, sentencing practices, and areas where further reform may be required.
Audience Q&A will follow. The panel discussion will be held in English and Italian.
The event will take place on Tuesday 10 March 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at the Treasury Theatre, 1 Lower Plaza, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne.
🎟 Free admission – booking essential. Places are limited.