Learn Hardcore Italian: Il film è previsto per stasera.

Previsto is the past participle of the verb prevedere, and in this context it means “scheduled” or “planned.” It tells you that the film has been arranged to take place tonight.

Is this sentence using the passive voice?

Yes, it is. The sentence uses the present form of essere (è) combined with the past participle previsto to form a passive construction. This structure focuses on the state of the film being scheduled rather than on who scheduled it.

What does the phrase per stasera indicate?

Per stasera means “for tonight.” It is a prepositional phrase that specifies the time or occasion when the film is expected to be shown.

Why is there no explicit agent (the person or entity doing the scheduling) mentioned in the sentence?

In passive constructions like this one, the agent is often omitted when it is either unknown, irrelevant, or implied by context. The sentence emphasizes that the film is scheduled, rather than who scheduled it.

Can this sentence be rephrased in the active voice?

Yes, it can. An active construction might be Hanno previsto il film per stasera (“They have scheduled the film for tonight”), where the agent (in this case, “they”) is explicitly mentioned.

Are there alternative adjectives or verbs I could use in a similar context?

Certainly. For example, programmato (“programmed”) could be used if you want to emphasize that the film is part of a set schedule, such as in a theater listing. However, previsto often suggests that the event is anticipated or expected to occur.