For the past five years, the Rome Film Festival has been quietly building up international recognition. Distinguishing itself from its northern neighbour, the Venice Film Festival, Rome’s event is truly a cinematic experience for the people.
Unlike its Venetian counterpart, the jury of the Rome Film Festival is made up of common movie-goers from Italy and Europe. Often headed by a well-known film professional, this year the 50-person jury will be lead by legendary composer Ennio Morricone.
This year, the festival will open with Luc Besson’s film, The Lady, starring Michelle Yeoh as peace activist Aung San Suu Kyi. Yeoh will be in attendence for the premiere and the film festival is expected to draw other well recognised talent to Rome. Penelope Cruz, who was in Rome earlier this year to film Woody Allen’s anticipated new movie, will attend a roundtable discussion and Maggie Gyllenhaal will come in support of for her film Hysteria.
Richard Gere will also hit the red carpet to accept the fesitval’s Marcus Aurelius career award.
The 6th edition of the Rome Film Festival will run from the 27th of October to the 4th of November 2011.
For more information, schedule and tickets, visit the official site.
