The Rome Film Festival 2023: 5 Key Highlights

70.640 tickets sold, 543 screenings,169 films from 31 countries. Those are the significant numbers of the Festa del Cinema di Roma 2023.

The annual Rome Film Festival, a celebration of cinematic art and culture in the heart of Italy’s capital, concluded another remarkable edition.

Like any major film festival, the 2023 Rome Film Fest had its share of ups and downs, surprises, and star-studded moments. Here are five key highlights from this year’s event:

1. A Festival of Resilience

The 2023 Rome Film Festival faced its fair share of challenges, with one of the most significant being the strike by overseas actors who boycotted the red carpet since July.

However, this setback paved the way for Italian artists to shine, taking on more prominent roles and showcasing their talents. The festival featured a plethora of films, events, exhibitions, and conferences, creating a diverse program that celebrated the diversity of Italian cinema. While this may have overshadowed smaller and independent films, the Rome Film Festival embraced the idea of inclusivity, offering a little something for everyone.

2. Surprises from “Alice nella città”

The “Alice nella città” section, dedicated to young audiences for over two decades, brought some delightful surprises. Notable figures like Gerard Butler, following in the footsteps of Russell Crowe and Orlando Bloom from previous years, added a touch of excitement and star power to the event.

3. Must-See Films and Series

The Rome Film Festival offered a tempting selection of films and TV series. Mare fuori 4, one of the most highly anticipated TV series, premiered during the festival, adding to the excitement. Popular events included I leoni di Sicilia with Miriam Leone, Suburraeterna featuring returning and new cast members, and the restoration of Giuseppe Tornatore’s classic Il camorrista.

The festival also marked the directorial debuts of four actresses (Margherita Buy with Volare, Giovanna Mezzogiorno with Unfitting and Kasja Smutniak with Mur and Paola Cortellesi, with the opening film, C’è ancora Domani, which won the Jury special prize alongside ASHIL (ACHILLES) di Farhad Delaram and THE MONK AND THE GUN di Pawo Choyning Dorji.

The jury, chaired by actor, director, and producer Gael García Bernal and composed of British director Sarah Gavron, Finnish director, screenwriter, and poet Mikko Myllylahti, French actor and director Melvil Poupaud, and Italian actress and director Jasmine Trinca, also awarded in the Progressive Cinema Competition the following titles:

• Best Film – PEDÁGIO (TOLL) by Carolina Markowicz
• Grand Jury Prize – UROTCITE NA BLAGA (BLAGA’S LESSONS) by Stephan Komandarev
• Best Director – JOACHIM LAFOSSE for Un silence (A Silence)
• Best Actress – “Monica Vitti Award” ALBA ROHRWACHER for Mi fanno male i capelli
• Best Actor – “Vittorio Gassman Award” HERBERT NORDRUM for Hypnosen (The Hypnosis)
• Best Screenplay – ASLI ÖZGE for Black Box

4. A Diverse Cinematic Palette

While the festival showcased numerous dramas, it also offered a variety of genres. For fantasy enthusiasts, La guerra del Tiburtino III brought surreal adventures and even featured a mini-reunion of the beloved Boris cast. The Diabolik chi sei? trilogy brought back the King of Terror in a new light. In the realm of directorial debuts, Michele Riondino’s Palazzina LAF explored a true story, and Nuovo Olimpo by Ferzan Ozpetek delivered a powerful noir story, boasting a diverse and talented cast.

5. A Glimpse into English Literature

For fans of English literature, the festival presented Shakespea Re di Napoli, featuring Alessandro Preziosi, an interpretation that’s sure to captivate Shakespeare enthusiasts.

Additionally, Widow Clicquot starring Haley Bennett delved into another real-life story, providing a unique cinematic experience.

The Festival Beyond the Screen

The Rome Film Festival, recognized as a Competitive Festival by FIAPF (Fédération Internationale des Associations de Producteurs de Films) in 2022, has been extended by one day this year.

Since the beginning of its creation, it was clear that the Roma Fest was not just about what happens on the big screen. It was a cultural and social event that brought the stars and filmmakers together with fans and film enthusiasts. The 2023 edition was no exception, with notable couples like Tim Burton and Monica Bellucci adding a touch of glamour to the red carpet.

Sources: Fondazione Cinema Roma, TgLaSette, Cosmopolitan