Gia Coppola, Mark Ruffalo, Ari Aster at Rome Cinema
rome’s Il Cinema in Piazza Wraps Up Prosperous Summer Series with Star-Studded Lineup and Community Focus
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Rome’s beloved Il Cinema in Piazza summer screenings series has concluded its six-week run, drawing an impressive crowd of over 120,000 spectators. The open-air cinematic festivity, a vital initiative by the Piccolo America nonprofit association, not only showcased a diverse range of films but also highlighted the community’s dedication to preserving Rome’s cinematic heritage.
A Season of Cinematic Stars and Community Spirit
This year’s edition saw Hollywood heavyweights grace the Roman nights. Legendary actor Al Pacino made a special appearance to watch Bennett Miller’s “Foxcatcher,” a screening personally introduced by the director and star Mark Ruffalo. The event underscored the series’ growing international appeal and its ability to attract meaningful talent.
The unique program, offering 94 free screenings across three outdoor venues, alongside the indoor cinema Troisi arthouse, is a testament to the passion of Rome’s young film enthusiasts. Piccolo America, a group of dedicated film buffs, continues its fight against the potential conversion of numerous Roman cinemas into shopping centers and supermarkets, a cause that has garnered support from esteemed filmmakers like Martin Scorsese.
notable Guests and Curated Programs
The 11th edition of Cinema in Piazza significantly expanded its special events, welcoming a host of national and international talents. Gia Coppola presented her films “Palo Alto” and “The last Showgirl,” while “Anora” director Ari Aster captivated audiences with his introduction to Oliver Stone‘s “JFK” as part of the series’ popular Carte Blanche program. This initiative allows artists the freedom to select and present any film that resonates with them, offering unique insights into their cinematic influences.
Brady Corbet also made the journey to Rome, introducing screenings of Gerald Kargl’s psychological thriller “Angst” and his own film “The brutalist.” The latter was followed by an engaging conversation with renowned Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind, adding an interdisciplinary dimension to the festival.
Fostering Future filmmakers: La Residenza Initiative
A major innovation this year was the introduction of La Residenza, a parallel training and development project aimed at nurturing young directors under 35 from around the globe. Developed in collaboration with Paolo Sorrentino’s Numero 10 production company, this intensive program offered workshops and mentoring from industry professionals. Guided by the artistic vision of Valeria Golino, who served as the mentor for the inaugural edition, the program ran from June 9 to July 6. It provided four selected directors with an immersive experience within il Cinema in Piazza, offering invaluable opportunities to connect with international guests and hone their craft.