Rome Film Festival

A celebration of cinema in the Eternal City

The 18th edition of the Rome Film Festival will take place from October 18 to 29, 2023. This event, officially recognized by FIAPF (Fédération Internationale des Associations de Producteurs de Films), will be held at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome, in the Lazio region, which will host the main venues as well as the long red carpet, one of the largest in the world. The program will also include other places and cultural institutions of the capital.

In 2022, the Rome Film Festival introduced an international competition section, where films are judged by a jury of professionals from the world of film, culture and the arts. The program will also include other non-competitive sections, meetings with the public, events, special projections and honors.

Alice nella città, an independent and parallel section of the Rome Film Festival dedicated to young generations, takes place on the same dates as the main festival according to its own rules.

The essence of the Rome Film Festival lies in the synthesis between high quality programming and popular use: the audience, to whom the vast majority of events are addressed, plays the main role. Special attention is paid to the pricing policy, which also provides for numerous free events.

Advance ticket sales will open about a week before the festival begins and will be open for the duration of the event. A series of agreements will make the experience at the Rome Film Festival more immediate and engaging.

The event is organized by the Cinema per Roma Foundation and supported by the founding members, the main partner BNL Gruppo BNP Paribas and the numerous partners who every year decide to actively participate in the festival. This is a sign of the companies’ commitment to support the Foundation’s mission and values.

The Artistic Director of the Rome Film Festival is Paola Malanga, journalist and film critic, co-founder of Duel magazine and one of Paolo Mereghetti’s main collaborators for the film dictionary. She is the author of famous essays on some of the world’s great directors and the deputy director of Rai Cinema.

In her work as Artistic Director of the Rome Film Festival, Paola Malanga is supported by a Selection Committee composed of: Giovanna Fulvi, expert on Asian cinema and programmer of the Toronto International Film Festival; Enrico Magrelli, film critic and former director of the International Week of Criticism; Emanuela Martini, film critic and former director of the Turin Film Festival; Nico Marzano, head of the film department of the Institute of Contemporary Art in London; Alberto Pezzotta, film critic and film historian and former member of the selection committee of the Venice Film Festival.

In past editions of the Rome Film Festival, numerous greats of the global film industry participated. Many of the films presented have received the highest honors, including Oscars® and Golden Globes, the most prestigious European film awards such as the European Film Awards, the César and the Goya Awards, as well as Italian awards such as the David di Donatello and the Nastro d’Argento.

The event program

The Rome Film Festival is one of the most outstanding cultural events in Rome and offers a wide range of film screenings, meetings with filmmakers, special events and much more. Here is an overview of the event program:

1. Film screenings: The heart of the festival is the film screenings. During the ten-day event, numerous films from around the world will be screened, including feature films, documentaries, short films and more. The selection ranges from award-winning works to emerging talent.
2. International Competition Section: An important addition to the festival is the international competition. Here, films from different countries compete for prestigious awards. A distinguished jury of film experts and artists will judge the films and award prizes in various categories, including best film, best director and best actor.
3. Alice nella città: This independent section of the festival is dedicated to young filmmakers. Films designed to appeal to young audiences are shown here. It’s a great opportunity to discover emerging talent and support the next generation of filmmakers.
4. Meetings with filmmakers: The Rome Film Festival also offers the opportunity to experience filmmakers and actors up close. There will be panel discussions, Q&A sessions and panels where guests can ask questions and learn more about the films and the industry.
5. Special events: In addition to the regular film screenings, there are also special events that make the festival a unique experience. These include gala evenings, award ceremonies, concerts and other cultural events.
6. Honors and Retrospectives: The Rome Film Festival also honors outstanding personalities from the film world. There are retrospectives of works by well-known directors and actors who have contributed to the history of cinema.
7. Free events: The festival attaches special importance to the fact that the cinema is accessible to all. Therefore, there are also many free events where the public can enjoy great movies without paying admission.

The venue

The Rome Film Festival takes place at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, an impressive cultural complex in Rome. This modern complex houses some of the festival’s main venues, including the main theaters for film screenings. The Auditorium Parco della Musica is not only a place for movies, but also for music, theater and other cultural events. It provides a unique and inspiring environment for the festival.

Conclusion

The Rome Film Festival is an event that attracts film enthusiasts from all over the world. With an impressive program, high-profile guests and a passionate dedication to cinema, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of the film world. From the latest blockbusters to the most sophisticated arthouse films, there is something for everyone to discover. And the breathtaking backdrop of Rome makes the festival an unforgettable experience. So mark October 18-29, 2023 in your calendar and be there when the Rome Film Festival celebrates the magic of cinema.