Rome’s annual Film Festival resumes this week, showcasing a lineup that includes American actress Jenna Ortega and Italian singer‑songwriter Jovanotti.
Among the competition, the Progressive Cinema section features three Italian entries, two of which are directed by women: Nicchiarelli and Smutniak.
Festival program highlights
The event, organized by the city of Rome, presents a mix of premieres, retrospectives and special screenings. Organizers have highlighted Ortega’s latest film as a centerpiece of the international showcase, while Jovanotti will appear in a documentary tribute.
Italian competition
Progressive Cinema, a category aimed at innovative storytelling, includes three Italian films. Directors Nicchiarelli and Smutniak represent the only female filmmakers in the slate, joining a third, unnamed Italian director.
Festival officials said the selection reflects a commitment to diverse voices and contemporary Italian cinema. The competition will conclude with awards presented at the closing ceremony later this week.
Audiences can attend screenings across multiple venues in Rome, with tickets available through the festival’s official website.