Rome Film Fest Rebrands as 'Festa' with Homages to Sordi and Cimino

Under the leadership of director Antonio Monda, the Rome Film Festival has rebranded itself as the 'Festa del Cinema di Roma' in its second year, prioritizing a celebration of cinema rather than competition. The festival has eliminated awards and the requirement for world premieres, instead highlighting the joy of film across various locations in Rome. Barry Jenkins' 'Moonlight,' which explores themes of marginalization, racism, and identity, serves as the opening film. The lineup pays tribute to figures such as Alberto Sordi, Michael Cimino, and Gregory Peck, with retrospectives on American Politics, Tom Hanks, and Valerio Zurlini. Special events feature notable personalities including Meryl Streep and Oliver Stone. The Alice nella Città section caters to younger viewers, while Tutti ne parlano presents acclaimed films from other festivals. The red carpet will be hosted on Via Veneto in a contemporary style.