The eighth edition of the European Film Festival begins at the Italian Consulate on April 26 with the multiple award-winning “La Grande Bellezza,” known in English as “The Great Beauty.”

The main character is Jep Gambardella, a journalist, who has been enjoying the lavish nightlife of Rome for years based on the success of his one and only novel.

However, when his 65th birthday coincides with a shock from the past, Gambardella finds himself unexpectedly taking stock of his life, “turning his cutting wit on himself and his contemporaries,” according to a review of the movie.

With Rome as a backdrop, the main character slowly discovers beauty he has been missing for years. Following some time spent with an egocentric rich woman from Milan, he decides to have a quieter life, but several casual meetings force him to reconsider his priorities.

A friend on the verge of a breakdown, the ex-husband of his first love, a magician and a saint, soon allow him to discover his own, personal beauty.

The film is in Italian with English subtitles. The festival is being held with the support of the European Union delegation in Saudi Arabia. Registration to attend is on April 24.

The film has won several awards including an Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA, Capri Visionary Movie Award, and European Film Award.