Emisferi CineFest

Rebellious cinema arrives in Ciampino

Emisferi CineFest is the festival dedicated to independent and emerging cinema that brings the town of Ciampino to life every autumn. Located just outside Rome, in the heart of the Castelli Romani area (Lazio), the event is organized by Tersite Film in partnership with the Vita Via Est OdV association and under the patronage of the Municipality of Ciampino. It has established itself as a benchmark for those seeking cinema driven by ideas rather than massive budgets.

A festival for emerging filmmakers

The festival showcases feature films, documentaries, and short films by emerging directors, with a clear editorial mission: to promote cinema that explores themes of inclusion, equal opportunities, free thought, and experimentation. The festival explicitly excludes works that promote elitism, authoritarianism, war, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, or transphobia, choosing instead to reward narrative courage and the relevance of the themes addressed.

Screenings, meetings, and debates

The event takes place at Cinema Il Piccolissimo, a digital cinema in Ciampino, alternating competitive screenings with opportunities for direct dialogue with the filmmakers. Every film becomes an occasion for debate with the audience in an informal atmosphere that is central to the festival's identity. Recent editions have brought international works to the screen, ranging from documentaries on geopolitical current affairs to intimate coming-of-age stories, alongside a rich selection of short films in competition.

The awards

The closing awards ceremony presents honors in various categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Short Film (fiction or documentary), Best Original Soundtrack, Best Socially Relevant Theme, and Best Performance. A special award, Nuove Prospettive (New Perspectives), is dedicated to works created by students from universities, film schools, and academies, reaffirming the festival's commitment to the next generation of filmmakers.

Ciampino and the surrounding area

Located just a few kilometers from Rome and served by its own international airport, Ciampino provides an accessible and vibrant setting for a cultural event that engages with the Castelli Romani territory. Admission to screenings is free until capacity is reached, with reservations recommended—a choice that reflects the grassroots and participatory spirit of Emisferi CineFest.