Notti di Cinema in Sapienza
Free open-air cinema at the University City — 2026 edition: «Geocinema. Sustainable visions from the Earth»
About Notti di Cinema in Sapienza
Cinema under the stars at Sapienza
When summer arrives, the large square of the University City in Rome changes its face: as darkness falls, in front of the propylaea of Piazzale Aldo Moro, a giant screen lights up, creating one of the most unique open-air cinema arenas in the Capital. Notti di Cinema in Sapienza is the free festival that, every July, brings together students, residents of the San Lorenzo district, and film enthusiasts from across the city to experience the big screen under the stars, in the heart of Rome's Municipio II.
Much more than just a screening
What sets this festival apart from other Roman arenas is its cultural focus: every evening is not just a viewing, but a true encounter. Before or after the film, directors, critics, illustrators, and scholars take the stage to introduce the work and open a debate with the audience. Cinema thus becomes an opportunity for reflection on themes that define our time: environmental sustainability, coexistence between peoples, civil rights, memory, and social development models.
A growing university tradition
The festival began as a project of the Sapienza University of Rome and has changed its title and curation several times over the years, while maintaining the same winning formula: quality cinema, free admission, and prominent guests. Previous editions were held under the name «San Lorenzo Cinema con Sapienza», while in 2026 the program bears the signature of the Nuovo Teatro Ateneo in collaboration with the historic film criticism magazine Sentieri Selvaggi, under the title «Geocinema. Sustainable visions from the Earth».
An arena in the campus greenery
The setting is the monumental rationalist campus designed in the 1930s: the square, the propylaea, and the historic buildings of the university provide the backdrop for the evening screenings. In case of bad weather, the events move indoors to the Nuovo Teatro Ateneo hall. Access is always free, with booking recommended, and the location just a short walk from Termini Station and the San Lorenzo district makes the festival easily accessible for anyone in Rome looking to spend a summer evening with a good film and a stimulating discussion.
Why it's worth attending
- Free open-air cinema in one of Rome's most evocative settings.
- A selection of auteur films, recent titles in original language, and great classics.
- Exceptional guests to introduce and comment on the screenings.
- An informal and youthful atmosphere in the university heart of the city.
Notti di Cinema in Sapienza — edition 2026
The 2026 edition, titled «Geocinema. Sustainable visions from the Earth», offers six evening screenings from July 2nd to 7th at Piazzale Aldo Moro in Rome's University City. The festival questions the concept of sustainability in its broadest sense: environmental protection, but also balance between cultures, generations, memories, civil rights, and social development models. Each film is accompanied by the presence of directors, critics, and artists, in an open dialogue between imagery, the public, and territories. Screenings start at 9:00 PM with free admission and recommended booking via Eventbrite; in case of bad weather, events move indoors to the Nuovo Teatro Ateneo.
Programme Notti di Cinema in Sapienza 2026
Thursday, July 2 — «Bangla» (2019)
Opening night with the film by and starring Phaim Bhuiyan, who will be present to introduce the screening and meet the audience.
Friday, July 3 — «I peccatori» (2025, original version)
Screening in original language, with the participation of critic Nicola Gaeta.
Saturday, July 4 — «Un film fatto per Bene» (2025)
Evening dedicated to investigative cinema with Sicilian director Franco Maresco, preceded by the short film «Next Morning» (2024).
Sunday, July 5 — «Persepolis» (2007)
The famous animated film based on the comic by Marjane Satrapi, presented by illustrator Rita Petruccioli.
Monday, July 6 — «Pomeriggi di solitudine» (2025, original version)
An appointment with recent European cinema and the participation of Spanish director Albert Serra.
Tuesday, July 7 — «Testa o croce?» (2025)
Closing of the festival with the film introduced by director Matteo Zoppis.
All screenings start at 9:00 PM. Free admission with recommended booking on Eventbrite.
Highlights Notti di Cinema in Sapienza 2026
- Six evenings, six guests in dialogue with the public.
- Encounters with directors Franco Maresco, Albert Serra, and Matteo Zoppis.
- Recent titles in original version and the animated classic «Persepolis».
- Free admission in the setting of the University City.
Prices Notti di Cinema in Sapienza 2026
Practical information — Notti di Cinema in Sapienza
Location
Città Universitaria - Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome (San Lorenzo district, Municipio II). The arena is set up in the square; in case of rain, screenings are held at the Nuovo Teatro Ateneo.
How to get there
- Metro: Line B, Policlinico or Castro Pretorio stops, both a short walk away.
- Train: Termini Station is about a 15-minute walk away.
- Tram and bus: Tram and bus lines along Viale Regina Elena and Viale dell'Università.
Tickets
Free admission. Booking is recommended; for the 2026 edition, this is done via Eventbrite with a link dedicated to each screening.
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Where does it take place — Notti di Cinema in Sapienza
Città Universitaria - Sapienza Università di Roma (Piazzale Aldo Moro)
Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma