Alice nella Città 2024: Among New Talents and Cinema Masters

Today, during the press conference, the rich program of the 22nd edition of Alice nella Città was unveiled. The festival will take place in Rome from October 16 to 27, 2024, parallel to the Rome Film Festival. Directed by Gianluca Giannelli and Fabia Bettini, Alice nella Città continues to focus on younger generations, showcasing a selection of films that reflect a strong commitment to emerging talent and debut works while also paying tribute to renowned cinema masters.

The International Competition: Showcasing the Best Films for Youth

The program‘s core will be the international competition, featuring 14 films offering a diverse snapshot of contemporary cinema, with 8 directed by women. Among the standout titles is A Real Pain by Jesse Eisenberg, which sensitively and humorously explores intergenerational trauma within the Jewish community, with Kieran Culkin in the leading role. Another highly anticipated film is Under the Volcano by Damian Kocur, Poland’s Oscar entry for Best International Film, which delves into familial guilt amidst the conflict in Ukraine.

The competition continues with When We Were Sisters by Lisa Brühlmann, a touching work that explores the bond between sisters and motherhood through an unconventional female narrative. Rita is the surprising directorial debut of Paz Vega, a moving reflection on gender violence seen through the eyes of a child. When the Light Breaks by Rúnar Rúnarsson is an emotional journey that deals with the search for love and beauty in pain. Flow by Gints Zilbalodis is a modern fairy tale without dialogue, exploring the themes of brotherhood and abandonment.

Special Screenings: Coppola, Scott, and Great Auteur Cinema

Among the most anticipated events is a tribute to Francis Ford Coppola, who will be a festival guest with a dedicated retrospective and a special event co-produced with the Rome Film Festival. Coppola will present his highly anticipated Megalopolis, a majestic epic that examines modern America, marking one of the year’s most exciting cinematic events.

Another homage will be paid to Ridley Scott, featuring the screening of his first short film, The Boy and the Bicycle. These two events underscore Alice nella Città’s commitment to connecting young audiences with international cinema masters, inspiring them to explore new creative horizons.

Panorama Italia: A Spotlight on Independent Italian Cinema

The Panorama Italia section offers a platform for independent Italian cinema, with a selection of 7 films in competition and 4 out of competition. Opening the section is Nomore Trouble by Tommaso Romanelli, which focuses on the autobiographical account of the author’s father’s disappearance at sea. One of the standout films is Sur Un Fil, the directorial debut of actor Reda Kateb, which will close the festival with a touching story of redemption set in the world of circus performers.

Additionally, restored documentaries Vito e gli Altri by Antonio Capuano and Dino Risi‘s classic Il Giovedì, restored in 4K, will be screened to celebrate the centenary of actor Walter Chiari‘s birth.

Womenlands: Celebrating Female Excellence

The festival pays special attention to female excellence with the Womenlands project, honouring three outstanding actresses: Rossy De Palma, Pedro Almodóvar‘s muse; Paz Vega; and Matilda De Angelis. The award recognizes their artistic talent, social impact, and ability to serve as role models for younger generations.

TV Series and Short Films: Bridging Generations and New Narratives

The festival doesn’t forget television series, with much-anticipated premieres like La Legge di Lidia Poët, featuring Matilda De Angelis as Italy’s first female lawyer, and The Bad Guy, with Luigi Lo Cascio in dual roles as a judge and a mafioso. Noteworthy is also Nudes, which addresses the sensitive topic of revenge porn, and Never Too Late, a futuristic story set in Sardinia in 2046.

Finally, Alice nella Città renews its focus on short films with the Short Film Days, a three-day industry event that promotes networking among film professionals. The Onde Corte section will feature 40 short films selected for their bold exploration of new languages and contemporary issues.

The 2024 edition of Alice nella Città confirms itself as one of Italy’s most important cinematic events, skillfully blending fresh new cinema with the wisdom of seasoned masters. Through its rich and varied program, the festival serves as a space for intergenerational and linguistic exchange, inspiring audiences and supporting future cinema.