RIFF Awards: Enjoy Rome's Independent Film Festival
- Anya
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Independent Cinema Meets International Community
As the evenings grow cooler and Rome slips into its cinematic autumn, the city lights up once again for one of its most anticipated cultural events: the Rome Independent Film Festival (21st- 28th of November).
The very first festival in Rome dedicated entirely to international independent cinema, RIFF has been celebrating creative freedom and new voices for over two decades. For the whole week it will bring together filmmakers, cinephiles, and curious minds from multiple nations, turning the Eternal City into a rich crossroads of ideas and inspiration.
A Celebration of New Voices and Global Perspectives
This year’s edition presents an impressive 88 Italian premieres, divided into sections that span feature films, documentaries, short films, animated works, experimental projects, and even pitch sessions for screenplays and story concepts.
The screenings take place across two beloved Roman venues: Nuovo Cinema Aquila and Cinema Farnese. They are both known for their intimate atmosphere and connection to the city’s independent art scene.
RIFF aims to nurture a dialogue, which is why, beyond the screenings, the festival hosts a series of special events and discussions designed to spark critical conversations and exchange ideas among filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals.
Italian and International Highlights
Among the Italian features in competition are “E se mio padre” by Sole Tonnini, “Even” by Giulio Ancora, “L’acqua non è mai ferma” by Roberto Mariotti, “Per un po’” by Simone Valentini, and “Una storia vera” by Mariano Lamberti. This lineup captures the depth and diversity of contemporary Italian storytelling.
On the international side, this year’s programme includes “Impatience of the Heart” by Lauro Cress (Germany), “Violent Butterfly” by Adolfo Dávila (Mexico), “The Anatomy of the Horses” by Daniel Vidal Toche (Spain, Peru, Colombia, France), and “Where Do We Begin” by Monika Majorek (Poland).
The documentary section explores social and artistic realities with a strong authorial gaze. Italian highlights include “Buio in sala” by Davide Giorni, “Dialoghi della terra dei ghiacci” by Francesco Leprino, “R-Evolution: The Roman Hip Hop Family Revolution” by Yari Christian Schembri, and “She” by Parsifal Reparato. International works feature “Syria: The Fall of the Assad Clan” by Edith Bouvier (France), “Magdalena Hausen: Frozen Time” by Yannis Karpouzis (Greece/Germany), “Stop Killing Our Women” by Marco Venditti (Papua New Guinea), and “Sami Song” by Lara Lee (USA/Norway/Sweden/Finland/Russia).
A new highlight of this edition is the (r)evolution AI section dedicated entirely to short films created with artificial intelligence.
Why It’s a Must for Digital Nomads and Creatives in Rome
For digital nomads, expats, and remote workers living or passing through Rome, RIFF represents an invitation to plug into the city’s creative heartbeat. It's a great occasion to meet independent thinkers, exchange perspectives, and be inspired by stories that stretch across cultures.
Between coworking mornings and aperitivo evenings, take a night for the big screen. Walk into one of the festival’s venues, settle into your seat, and let yourself be carried into another world.
Pricing & Pass Info
A full-festival VIP Pass can be purchased online for €50.
The Independent Pass, covering screening access for the full festival, is available for €40.
Single tickets: approved patrons with the “Bibliocard” or "Metrebus card" benefit from paying only €5 for evening shows (instead of the standard €8).
For detailed info, check their official website: https://riff.it/ticket-pass/
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