The first film in Tryon Fine Arts Center’s 2018-2019 film series — which has the theme of “Destinations” — is “Under the Tuscan Sun,” which will be shown at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2.

The 2003 romantic comedy is based on the best-selling book by Frances Mayes, and tells the story of her life-changing move from San Francisco to a small town in Tuscany. Filmed in numerous Italian locations, including Rome, Montepulciano, Positano, Florence and Cortona, the story’s primary location, the film exemplifies the series’ theme.

The story begins when Frances, who is trying to cope with her recent divorce accepts a free ticket for a tour of Tuscany.  When the tour bus stops in the small town of Cortona, she notices a run-down villa is for sale and decides on the spot to find out more about it.

That decision changes the course of her life from the stability of being a successful writer in San Francisco to dealing with an entirely new culture and an completely different pace of life.

The part of Frances Mayes is played by the American actress Diane Lane, who received positive reviews for her “vibrant performance,” and was nominated for a Best Actress Golden Globe Award. Her friend, Sandra, is played by the award-winning Canadian Actress Sandra Orr, and the cast also includes Lindsay Duncan, Raoul Bova, Mario Monicelli and Roberto Nobile.

Other destinations in this series of films include Barcelona, Spain; the ancient city of in Belgium; a romp to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; the Australian desert town of Alice Springs; a fishing village in Scotland; and various ports of call in the United States.

Unless otherwise noted, the films are shown on the first Tuesday of every month from October through May. The TFAC lobby opens at 6:15 p.m. before each show to allow time for refreshments and socializing.

Those interested in learning more may visit tryonarts.org or call 828-859-8322.

– Submitted by Frances Flynn