A new literary initiative honoring the legacy of acclaimed Italian playwright, screenwriter, and director Mattia Torre has been officially launched. The Mattia Torre Prize is dedicated to authors under 35 and aims to promote original short stories and monologues in Italian, particularly those rooted in humor, social satire, and contemporary observation.
The award is open to writers of any nationality who submit unpublished work in Italian. Each participant may submit one original piece. The first edition’s application deadline is July 31, 2025, with full details and submission guidelines available at this link.
The initiative not only commemorates Mattia Torre’s lasting impact on Italian culture across theater, film, and television, but also seeks to inspire a new generation of storytellers to observe and interpret modern life with the same clarity and wit that defined his work.
The final event will take place over two nights at the Teatro dell’Unione in Viterbo. On October 3, the shortlisted works will be performed by a selected actor and voted on by the audience. The following evening, October 4, will include tributes to Torre’s writing, featuring readings, special guests, and the announcement of both the jury prize and the audience award.
The prize is organized by the Tuscia Film Fest and the Cineclub del Genio Association, in collaboration with Torre’s family and close friends. A distinguished promotional committee made up of Italian creatives—including Paola Cortellesi, Valerio Mastandrea, Geppi Cucciari, Paolo Sorrentino, and Lorenzo Mieli—supports the initiative.
About Mattia Torre
Mattia Torre (1972–2019) was a visionary voice in Italian culture. Renowned for his sharp, empathetic writing and satirical depth, he authored plays such as In mezzo al mare, 456, and Perfetta; co-created the cult TV series Boris; and wrote Figli, a film awarded the David di Donatello for Best Original Screenplay. His posthumous influence continues through publications, TV adaptations, and now this new prize bearing his name.
The Mattia Torre Literary Prize Launches to Honor Emerging Voices Under 35
