Everything you need to know about screenings, awards, and special events at Rome’s 19th annual film festival.
The 19th edition of the Rome Film Festival is ready to enchant movie lovers once again. From October 16th to 27th, the Eternal City becomes a stage for cinematic magic, with screenings, premieres, and discussions unfolding across iconic venues. The festival’s heart beats at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, where an endless red carpet awaits, but the celebration extends to cultural landmarks like MAXXI and Casa del Cinema.
This year, the Rome Film Festival pays tribute to the legendary Marcello Mastroianni, marking his 100th birth anniversary. Featuring Lifetime Achievement Awards for Hollywood icons Viggo Mortensen and Johnny Depp, masterclasses, and a variety of film sections, the festival promises an unforgettable cinematic journey.
A TRIBUTE TO MARCELLO MASTROIANNI
This year’s festival honors the centenary of Marcello Mastroianni, one of Italy’s most beloved actors. The official image for the 2024 edition features Mastroianni on the set of Federico Fellini’s classic film 8½. It’s a fitting homage to a cinematic legend whose presence still resonates with audiences around the world. His daughter, Chiara Mastroianni, will attend the Festival to lead a masterclass, sharing memories of her father’s extraordinary career.
STAR-STUDDED HIGHLIGHTS
The Rome Film Festival has always attracted big names, and this year is no exception. Viggo Mortensen and Johnny Depp will each receive Lifetime Achievement Awards. Mortensen will present his new film, The Dead Don’t Hurt, a Western he wrote, directed, and stars in. He will also lead a masterclass, discussing his remarkable career and creative process.
Johnny Depp arrives in Rome to present Modì – Three Days on the Wings of Madness, his second directorial film. The movie explores 72 turbulent hours in the life of artist Amedeo Modigliani, with a cast featuring Riccardo Scamarcio and Al Pacino. Depp’s presence brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to the Festival and international attention to Rome’s cinematic scene.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE FILMS IN SELECTION
The Festival showcases a diverse selection of films, spanning various genres and styles. The Progressive Cinema Competition presents an exciting mix of international fiction films, documentaries, and animated features. Look out for world premieres such as Berlinguer. La Grande Ambizione by Andrea Segre and 100 Litres of Gold by Teemu Nikki. These films are ready to make their mark on the big screen, giving audiences a first look at bold storytelling.
Other sections, like Freestyle, embrace non-traditional formats with series, music videos, and video art. The Grand Public category brings mainstream films to the lineup, making it easy for everyone to enjoy. For cinema history buffs, the History of Cinema section revisits classic films with restored versions and tributes. There’s truly something for every taste.
THE JURY AND AWARDS
A diverse jury, composed of cinema professionals and cultural figures, will judge the films in the Progressive Cinema Competition. Awards include Best Film, Grand Jury Prize, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. There’s also a Monica Vitti Award for Best Actress and a Vittorio Gassman Award for Best Actor. The jury will present a Special Prize for one of the following categories: cinematography, editing, or original score. Additionally, a separate jury will select the Best First Feature from entries in Progressive Cinema, Freestyle, and Grand Public sections.
And let’s not forget the audience. Film lovers will have their say by voting for the FS Audience Award.
BEYOND THE SCREEN
The Festival’s appeal stretches beyond film screenings. The Paso Doble conversations bring together big names for insightful discussions on cinema. Expect Mexican icons Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna to share their thoughts on the craft. There’s also a 40th-anniversary screening of Stop Making Sense, complete with a conversation featuring Talking Heads guitarist Jerry Harrison.
Masterclasses are another Festival highlight. Alongside Viggo Mortensen, Chiara Mastroianni will host a session to honor the centenary of her father, Marcello Mastroianni. Dennis Lehane, known for his novels-turned-films like Mystic River and Shutter Island, will explore the process of adapting books to the screen.
WORLD PREMIERES AND HIDDEN GEMS
The lineup of 18 films in the Progressive Cinema Competition brings a mix of world premieres and Festival favorites. Don’t miss highlights like Reading Lolita in Tehran by Eran Riklis, a world premiere that explores literature’s power to inspire and connect, and Bound in Heaven by Huo Xin, which offers a visually stunning debut. Other films in competition include:
- 100 Litres of Gold by Teemu Nikki (Italy, Finland)
- L’Albero by Sara Petraglia (Italy)
- L’Art D’Être Heureux by Stefan Liberski (Belgium, France)
- Bring Them Down by Christopher Andrews (Ireland, UK, Belgium)
- Le Choix by Gilles Bourdos (France)
- Es Geht Um Luis (About Luis) by Lucia Chiarla (Germany)
- Greedy People by Potsy Ponciroli (US)
- L’Isola degli Idealisti by Elisabetta Sgarbi (Italy)
- Jazzy by Morissa Maltz (US)
- La Nuit se Traine by Michiel Blanchart (Belgium, France)
- Polvo Serán by Carlos Marques-Marcet (Spain, Italy, Switzerland)
- Querido Trópico by Ana Endara (Panama, Colombia)
- Spirit World by Eric Khoo (France, Japan, Singapore)
- Paradiso in Vendita by Luca Barbareschi (Italy, France)
- The Trainer by Tony Kaye (US)
THE FESTIVAL TAKES OVER ROME
The festival spans multiple venues across the city. Events unfold at cultural hotspots like MAXXI and unique locations such as Giulio Cesare Cinema and Teatro Palladium. Even Cinecittà Studios adds to the cinematic atmosphere with the pre-opening event. With screenings and activities happening from the city center to the outskirts, Rome transforms into a paradise for film lovers.
With so much happening, don’t miss your chance to catch a premiere or join a discussion. Visit the Rome Film Festival’s official website for tickets and all the details you need to make the most of your cinematic journey in Rome. Check out the full program here.
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