L'Isola del Cinema

Open-air cinema in the heart of Rome

L'Isola del Cinema is the historic open-air film festival that enlivens Tiber Island every summer—a small strip of land on the Tiber River nestled between the Ripa and Trastevere districts in Rome, Lazio. Established in 1995, the festival has turned this unique location into one of the symbols of the Roman summer: a screen lit up at night, the river flowing just a few steps away, and the audience seated under the stars, framed by the city's ancient bridges and stonework.

A program blending the big screen and culture

The festival weaves together evening screenings and a packed cultural program. The lineup features seasonal hits, premieres, independent auteur films, and restored classics, with a special focus on Italian cinema and the new generation of directors. Screenings are accompanied by meetings with actors, directors, and cultural figures, as well as book presentations, poetry readings, photography exhibitions, and musical performances.

Historic sections

• Isola Mondo: the showcase dedicated to international cinema, active since the festival's inception, bringing perspectives and stories from around the globe to Rome.
• Mamma Roma e le città: the short film competition for directors under 30, a vital space for emerging cinema.
• Tributes to the great masters of Italian cinema and monographic retrospectives exploring the history of the seventh art.

A community festival

L'Isola del Cinema is also a cultural project committed to inclusion, sustainability, and solidarity, featuring accessible events and collaborations with non-profit organizations. Many side events are free, making culture open to everyone. Along the island's banks, you will find refreshment areas, aperitifs, and gourmet offerings that invite the public to spend the entire evening by the river.

Why experience it

Watching a film surrounded by the Tiber in Rome's historic center is an experience that combines the magic of the big screen with the timeless beauty of the Capital. For both Romans and visitors, L'Isola del Cinema is a summer staple: a unique and poetic way to rediscover the city as night falls.