Il Cinema in Piazza
Great free cinema under the stars in Rome, curated by the Fondazione Piccolo America
About Il Cinema in Piazza
Il Cinema in Piazza: Rome under the stars
Il Cinema in Piazza is the major free open-air film festival that enlivens Rome, in the Lazio region, every summer, organized by the Fondazione Piccolo America. Born from the experience of the young people who occupied the historic Cinema America in Trastevere in 2012 to save it from real estate speculation, the event has become a model recognized throughout Italy for reclaiming public spaces through culture.
Three arenas for the whole city
The festival takes place across three large arenas distributed throughout the Municipality of Rome, designed to reach different neighborhoods and audiences:
- Piazza San Cosimato, in the heart of Trastevere, the historic arena and symbol of the event;
- Parco della Cervelletta, in Tor Sapienza, in the eastern suburbs of the capital;
- Parco di Monte Ciocci, in Valle Aurelia, overlooking the dome of St. Peter's.
In addition, there is the Cinema Troisi, the theater managed by the same Foundation, which hosts special indoor events.
An auteur program
Every evening, from Wednesday to Sunday at 9:15 PM, the public can enjoy free screenings of restored masterpieces, films in their original language with Italian subtitles, and Italian classics with English subtitles, designed for the many international viewers. The program alternates major retrospectives dedicated to masters of cinema history, previews, and meetings where directors, actors, and critics engage with the audience before the screening.
A popular and participatory ritual
With tens of thousands of attendees each season, Il Cinema in Piazza has become a defining appointment of the Roman summer. The evenings, always with free admission subject to availability, attract families, young people, cinephiles, and curious visitors, transforming the squares into places of meeting and community. The initiative is supported by thousands of volunteers and public contributions, testifying to a grassroots cultural project that has become a reference point for the entire Lazio region and Italy.
Il Cinema in Piazza — edition 2026
2026 Edition
The twelfth edition of Il Cinema in Piazza was held from May 28 to July 12, 2026, every evening from Wednesday to Sunday at 9:15 PM. The program featured 95 free screenings and 34 special meetings (including 4 at Cinema Troisi), distributed between Piazza San Cosimato, Parco della Cervelletta, and Parco di Monte Ciocci.
Retrospectives and tributes
The edition paid tribute to numerous masters of cinema with dedicated retrospectives, including Alice Rohrwacher, the Safdie brothers, Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli, Kenneth Anger, David Lynch (with the series Twin Peaks), Steven Spielberg, Edgar Wright, and Takashi Miike. Of particular note was the collaboration with the Film Forum of New York, with a selection curated by its historic artistic director Bruce Goldstein.
The guests
Numerous international personalities attended to present the films, including Josh O'Connor, Thom Yorke, Oliver Stone, Léa Seydoux, Isabella Rossellini, Jacques Audiard, Jane Campion, and Gabriele Muccino. Screenings were offered in the original language with Italian subtitles and, for Italian classics, with English subtitles.
Programme Il Cinema in Piazza 2026
The three arenas
- Piazza San Cosimato (Trastevere): May 28 to July 12
- Parco della Cervelletta (Tor Sapienza): June 4 to July 12
- Parco di Monte Ciocci (Valle Aurelia): June 6 to July 12
- Cinema Troisi: special indoor events
Edition highlights
- 95 free screenings
- 34 special meetings (4 at Cinema Troisi)
- 10 retrospectives dedicated to great directors
- Screenings every evening from Wednesday to Sunday, 9:15 PM
Retrospectives
- Alice Rohrwacher, Safdie brothers, Studio Ghibli (Hayao Miyazaki)
- Kenneth Anger, David Lynch (Twin Peaks), Steven Spielberg, Edgar Wright, Takashi Miike
Collaborations
- Special selection with the Film Forum of New York, curated by Bruce Goldstein
Highlights Il Cinema in Piazza 2026
- 95 free screenings and 34 special meetings in three Roman arenas
- Retrospectives dedicated to Alice Rohrwacher, Studio Ghibli, David Lynch (Twin Peaks), and the Safdie brothers
- International guests: Josh O'Connor, Thom Yorke, Oliver Stone, Léa Seydoux, Isabella Rossellini, Jane Campion
- Collaboration with the Film Forum of New York curated by Bruce Goldstein
Prices Il Cinema in Piazza 2026
Practical information — Il Cinema in Piazza
Where
The three main arenas are located in Piazza San Cosimato (Trastevere, Rome 00153), Parco della Cervelletta (Tor Sapienza), and Parco di Monte Ciocci (Valle Aurelia). Some special events take place at Cinema Troisi.
How to get there
Piazza San Cosimato is within walking distance of Trastevere; take tram 8 from Piazza Venezia. Monte Ciocci is served by the Valle Aurelia station (Metro A and FL3 railway). La Cervelletta can be reached from the Tor Sapienza station. Public transport is recommended due to limited parking.
Admission
Screenings in the three arenas are free until capacity is reached. Special events at Cinema Troisi may require a ticket purchase. Arriving early is recommended.
When
Every evening from Wednesday to Sunday, with screenings starting at 9:15 PM.
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Where does it take place — Il Cinema in Piazza
Piazza San Cosimato (Trastevere), Parco della Cervelletta, Parco di Monte Ciocci
Piazza San Cosimato, 00153 Roma