Cinevillage Villa Lazzaroni

Open-air cinema in the heart of Appio Latino

In the VII Municipality of Rome, just a stone's throw from Via Appia Nuova, Villa Lazzaroni Park is one of the most beloved green lungs in the capital's southeast quadrant. Since 2024, it has hosted Cinevillage Villa Lazzaroni, the summer arena that lights up a giant screen every evening among the pines and holm oaks of the historic villa, with an auditorium of over 600 seats. It is more than just an outdoor cinema; it is a true cultural village that comes alive from late afternoon until night, featuring books, meetings, music, and dining.

Organizers

The festival is promoted by ANEC Lazio and AGIS Lazio, the regional cinema exhibitors' associations, with the support of Roma Capitale - Department of Culture. The project won the public call « Roma Creativa 365. Cultura tutto l'anno » and was created in collaboration with Zètema Progetto Cultura. Cinevillage Villa Lazzaroni is part of a wider circuit of Roman arenas that also includes Notti di Cinema at Piazza Vittorio, Villa Bonelli, and Parco Tevere Marconi.

A curated program

The lineup alternates between Italian and European titles from the recently concluded season, award-winning festival films, and the most talked-about international releases. Alongside the films, meetings with authors curated by Franco Montini and Massimo Righetti bring directors, screenwriters, and actors to the villa to engage with the audience before the screening: a simple and direct format that has become the event's hallmark.

• Daily evening screenings starting between 9:15 PM and 9:30 PM
• Meetings with directors and actors of contemporary Italian cinema
• Libri & Spritz: literary presentations in the late afternoon, free admission
• Family activities, workshops, and entertainment in the park
• Dining area and bar service inside the villa

Accessible tickets

The arena participates in the Ministry of Culture's Cinema Revolution campaign: Italian and European films are available for 3.50 euros, while international films have a slightly higher ticket price. Discounts are available for ATAC cardholders and those participating in city initiatives dedicated to young audiences. It is a deliberate choice by the organizers: to bring people back to the big screen at a time when home viewing and streaming platforms dominate viewer habits.

A neighborhood gathering place

The value of Cinevillage goes beyond its programming. For the Appio Latino district, the festival represents the main summer event: a place where residents return to the park even in the evening, where local associations find a space, and where families, students, and enthusiasts mingle without barriers. In the Lazio region, and particularly in Rome, the tradition of summer arenas is ancient and deeply rooted; Villa Lazzaroni is today one of its most vital interpreters, in a city that empties out in summer but never gives up the ritual of open-air cinema.

When to go

The festival covers the entire Roman summer, from July to the first days of September. The July evenings are the richest in guests and premieres, while August offers a more relaxed pace and a less crowded city. It is advisable to arrive a little early on evenings with scheduled meetings: front-row seats fill up quickly.