Overview
The 20th edition of the Rome Film Fest will take place from October 15 to 26, 2025, at the iconic Auditorium Parco della Musica.
Designed by Renzo Piano, this stunning venue will serve as the heart of the festival, hosting screenings, talks, events, debates, conferences, and the celebrated long red carpet.
Once again this year, the Rome Film Fest will feature an international competition, with films evaluated by a jury composed of prominent figures from the worlds of cinema, culture, and the arts.
Opening the 20th edition is La vita va così by Riccardo Milani, set in Sardinia and inspired by the true story—known internationally—of shepherd Ovidio Marras. For years, Marras opposed a real estate development project aiming to build a luxury resort on the Sardinian coast. The film explores the tension between economic and employment interests on one hand, and the protection of land and cultural identity on the other.
In addition to the Competition, the Festival’s lineup will feature several non-competitive 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;
A dedicated section for Special Screenings;
Best of 2025, featuring standout films from the year selected from top international festivals;
History of Cinema, presenting restored masterpieces, tributes, and in-depth retrospectives on influential Italian and international filmmakers.
The Festival will engage multiple venues across the city of Rome. Events will also be held at the Casa del Cinema—managed by Fondazione Cinema per Roma—along with the MAXXI Museum, Cinema Giulio Cesare, and Teatro Palladium. Additional participating venues include Cinema Atlantic, Ferrero Cinema Adriano, and Nuovo Cinema Aquila.
Screenings will also return to the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS in collaboration with MediCinema Italia ETS, as well as the Rebibbia Nuovo Complesso prison.
