Peter Sellers to grace 13th Rome Film Fest poster

The 13th edition of the Festa del Cinema di Roma (Rome Film Festival) will feature Peter Sellers on its official poster, portrayed as Inspector Jacques Clouseau from the Pink Panther series. The photograph is by British photographer Terry O'Neill, known for capturing icons like the Beatles and Rolling Stones. Artistic director Antonio Monda stated that this year's poster aims to add irony to the festival's elegance and grace, honoring Sellers as a comedic genius and versatile actor who worked with directors such as Stanley Kubrick, Vittorio De Sica, Hal Ashby, Blake Edwards, and Alexander Mackendrick. A retrospective dedicated to Sellers, curated by Mario Sesti in collaboration with the British Embassy and British Council, will also be held. The festival will award a Lifetime Achievement Award to Martin Scorsese, who will participate in a close encounter event focused on Italian cinema, present a restored Italian classic, and converse with students at Sapienza University of Rome. Other close encounters include Sigourney Weaver, Giuseppe Tornatore, and Pierre Bismuth, as well as discussions on film crafts with Luca Bigazzi, Arnaldo Catinari, Giogiò Franchini, and Esmeralda Calabria. Cate Blanchett will be a major presence, promoting her film "The House with a Clock in Its Walls" directed by Eli Roth. Premieres announced include Paolo Virzì's "Notti magiche" and Edoardo De Angelis's "Il vizio della speranza." The full program will be revealed at a press conference on October 5.