At a bustling press conference in Rome, the festival’s artistic director, Malanga, observed that women directors are present at the event but should be more numerous.
Current representation
Malanga said female filmmakers are featured in each of the festival’s sections, from competition line‑ups to special screenings. She noted that the programming committee has made a conscious effort to include women’s voices.
Calls for increased participation
The director urged industry stakeholders to expand opportunities for women behind the camera. “We have women directors, but we need more,” she said, emphasizing the need for broader support and mentorship.
Organizers confirmed that the upcoming edition will continue to showcase works by female creators and will explore initiatives to boost their visibility. The statement aligns with broader European calls for gender parity in film festivals.
Looking ahead, the Rome Festival plans to track gender balance in its selections and report progress in future editions, aiming to create a more inclusive platform for emerging and established women directors.