Italy on Film Saturday at the Franklin Historical Museum!

In cooperation with the Franklin Senior Center and the Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Lodge, the Franklin Historical museum is planning to host several free Italian-themed films starting on Saturday Oct 4 with Under Tuscan Sun."

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) is a heartwarming romantic drama about rediscovery, second chances, and the beauty of embracing change. The story follows Frances Mayes, a San Francisco writer whose seemingly perfect life crumbles after a painful divorce. On a whim, she joins a friend’s tour of Italy and impulsively buys a crumbling villa in the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany.

As Frances restores the house, she begins rebuilding her own life — learning the rhythms of Italian village life, forging friendships with quirky locals and fellow expatriates, and finding joy in unexpected places. The film captures the sensory splendor of Tuscany — golden landscapes, rustic feasts, and winding cobblestone streets — all serving as metaphors for Frances’s emotional renewal.

With humor, warmth, and optimism, Under the Tuscan Sun reminds viewers that healing often begins when you step outside your comfort zone. Diane Lane’s radiant performance grounds the film in authenticity, while its lush cinematography and gentle pacing celebrate the restorative power of beauty, love, and community. Ultimately, it’s a cinematic escape that encourages us all to believe that even after heartbreak, life can bloom again — sometimes under a different, more forgiving sun.

The series will continue on Oct. 18 (Summertime), and also Saturday Nov. 1 (TBD). Showings start at 4pm. Check the museum website or Facebook page for changes or other details as they become available. The program is FREE