Rome Film Festival Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Diverse Global Lineup

The 20th Rome Film Festival is set to unfold from October 15 to 26, 2025, at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome. Celebrating two decades of cinematic excellence, this year's festival boasts a diverse lineup of over 150 titles from 38 countries, alongside tributes to industry luminaries and a host of international guests.

Established in 2006, the Rome Film Festival has grown into a significant platform for showcasing international cinema and fostering cultural exchange. The festival's commitment to independent filmmakers is evident in this year's program, which aims to be a "true home for independent directors," according to Salvatore Nastasi, President of the Fondazione Cinema per Roma.

The festival will open with "La vita va così," directed by Riccardo Milani. This Italian comedy, set over two decades in Sardinia, explores a community's struggle between economic opportunities and cultural preservation. The film features prominent Italian actors Virginia Raffaele, Diego Abatantuono, and Aldo Baglio.

A highlight of the festival is the Progressive Cinema Competition, featuring 18 films vying for top honors. The jury, chaired by acclaimed Italian actress and director Paola Cortellesi, includes Finnish director Teemu Nikki, British director William Oldroyd, American writer Brian Selznick, and French-Finnish actress Nadia Tereszkiewicz. Cortellesi's directorial debut, "C’è ancora domani," was the top-grossing film in Italy in 2023, underscoring her influence in contemporary Italian cinema.

The festival's program is divided into several sections:

• Freestyle: Showcasing works with total freedom of format and style, including series, music videos, films, and video art.

• Grand Public: Dedicated to mainstream films for wider audiences.

• Special Screenings: Featuring unique cinematic presentations.

• Best of 2025: Highlighting standout films from the year selected from top international festivals.

• History of Cinema: Presenting restored masterpieces, tributes, and retrospectives on influential filmmakers.

In its 20th edition, the festival will honor significant figures in cinema. The official poster features a photograph by Franco Pinna, taken on the set of Federico Fellini's 1965 film "Juliet of the Spirits," celebrating Pinna's centenary. Additionally, Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to Iranian director Jafar Panahi and British film producer Lord David Puttnam, recognizing their substantial contributions to the film industry.

The festival will host several prominent international guests. Jennifer Lawrence will attend for her role in Lynne Ramsay's "Die My Love," while Christoph Waltz features in "Dracula," alongside Italian actress Matilda De Angelis. James McAvoy and Brian Cox will make their directorial debuts with "California Schemin'" and "Glenrothan," respectively.

The Rome Film Festival serves as a bridge between Italian creativity and the global film industry, fostering opportunities for co-production, distribution, and cultural dialogue. By celebrating its 20th anniversary, the festival reaffirms Rome's role as both a cinematic capital and a city of audiences, emphasizing cinema as a shared cultural experience.

As the festival approaches, anticipation builds for a celebration that not only honors the art of filmmaking but also highlights Rome's enduring significance in the global cinematic landscape.