Industry

The 8th edition of the Filming Italy Sardegna Festival, conceived and directed by Tiziana Rocca, was officially presented today in Cagliari. The festival, which runs from June 19 to 22 at Forte Village and across various locations in Cagliari, reaffirms its status as one of Italy’s premier audiovisual events. A special pre-opening was held on the evening of June 18, with a post-festival section from June 23 to 28 featuring student screenings at Notorious Cinemas Cagliari.

What sets this festival apart is its unique combination of cinema and television, with a program rich in screenings, premieres, and discussions involving major players in both traditional and streaming media. Organized in collaboration with APA (Associazione Produttori Audiovisivi), the event is supported by the Sardinia Region, the Municipality of Cagliari, the Costa Smeralda Consortium, and Forte Village Resort.

A Platform for Culture, Inclusion, and International Dialogue
Festival Director Tiziana Rocca emphasized the event's role in promoting both Italian and international cinema, highlighting the commitment to young talents and cultural exchange. “This edition marks an important milestone, one that reinforces our mission to create a vibrant dialogue between culture, industry, and the public,” she said. Rocca also renewed the partnership with Women in Film, Television & Media Italia, spotlighting three debut films by emerging female directors.
Actress Martina Stella was announced as the festival’s godmother, while celebrated Italian actress Micaela Ramazzotti leads the jury for the short film competition Filming Italy Sardegna - In Corto. This special section, organized in partnership with the University of Cagliari and Professor Massimo Arcangeli, offers students the chance to engage with cinema by exploring themes such as the environment, education, the Constitution, and youth language. Winning shorts will be broadcast on Rai Cinema Channel and MyMovies.

The festival welcomes an extraordinary roster of international guests, including:
Gia Coppola, who will present her new film The Last Showgirl, Simon Baker, honored with the Filming Italy Excellence Award, Hollywood legends Fran Drescher, Jane Seymour, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Luke Wilson, and Joe Manganiello. Acclaimed actors such as Karen Pittman, Mischa Barton, Tessa Thompson, Ezra Miller, Cheryl Hines, Tati Gabrielle, Darko Perić, Olivia Holt, Pom Klementieff, Peter Chelsom, Tom Glynn-Carney, Ashley Greene, Scott Eastwood, Missi Pyle, Claire Sliney, Nathalie Emmanuel, Samuel Arnold, Chiara King, Shea Whigham, Andy Serkis, and Alex Wolff
This year’s festival will also pay homage to cinematic legends: a special screening of La prima notte di quiete (1972) by Valerio Zurlini will honor Alain Delon, presented with the support of historic Italian production company Titanus.A tribute to Franco Nero includes the screening of Havana Kyrie, directed by Paolo Consorti.
Italian stars will also play a major role, with appearances by: Maria Grazia Cucinotta, presenting Poveri noi. Marco Bocci, promoting his book Nelle tue mani, Fabio Testi, featuring his Berlinale-selected film Reflection in a Dead Diamond.

Renowned figures like Sergio Castellitto, Pif, Claudia Gerini, Gabriele Mainetti, Raoul Bova, Giovanni Veronesi, Silvio Soldini. Rising talents Gaia Girace, Irene Maiorino, Nicolas Maupas, Claudia Tranchese, Chiara Iezzi, Rosalia Porcaro, Giampiero De Concilio. Other notable guests: Barbara Foria, Francesco Paolantoni, Paolo Conticini, Francesco Scianna, Giovanni Esposito, Yvonne Sciò. Italian music will also be celebrated with performances and awards for artists Fausto Leali, receiving a lifetime achievement award, and Lola Ponce.
Lorenzo Giannuzzi, CEO and General Manager of Forte Village, highlighted the resort’s enduring support of the festival: “This event has become a key meeting point for global audiovisual professionals, while also showcasing the unparalleled beauty and hospitality of Sardinia.”
As Rocca concluded, “We invite everyone to Sardinia to experience yet another extraordinary edition dedicated to the art, passion, and future of the big screen.”