Piazze di Cinema
The open-air cinema review in the heart of Cesena
About Piazze di Cinema
Cinema under the stars in Cesena
When summer arrives, the historic centre of Cesena lights up with outdoor screenings: this is how Piazze di Cinema was born, the film review that has enlivened the evenings of the Romagna city since 2011. Screenings take place in the heart of the city, in Piazza Almerici - overlooking the famous Malatestiana Library, a UNESCO heritage site - and at the San Biagio Arena, set up in the spaces of Palazzo Guidi. A simple and winning formula: the screen, chairs under the night sky, and many films, largely free admission.
A review that has grown year by year
Promoted by the Municipality of Cesena, in the province of Forlì-Cesena, the event has won a loyal audience: in recent editions, the programming evenings have attracted thousands of spectators. For the 2025 and 2026 editions, the organization, artistic direction, and communication have been entrusted to the Cinema Eliseo, the historic city cinema, which has confirmed the review's vocation: quality cinema, accessible to all, and capable of uniting large audiences and cinephiles.
The Monty Banks Award
The heart of the review is the Monty Banks Award, a prize awarded by the audience to the best debut and second works of Italian cinema. The award pays homage to Mario Bianchi, known as Monty Banks (1897-1950), an actor, director, and producer born in Cesena and active in Hollywood and the United Kingdom in the first half of the twentieth century. Every evening, the Arena screens a film in competition, often accompanied by the presence of directors and actors who engage in dialogue with the audience.
Not just films
Piazze di Cinema is much more than a simple screening review. The program includes:
- Meetings with guests: directors, actors, screenwriters, and critics who present their works to the public;
- Talk Space: conversations and insights into the world of cinema;
- Photographic exhibitions on film themes set up in the city centre spaces;
- Piazze di Cinema Kids, the animation and film section designed for children and families;
- aperitifs and live music moments that accompany the evenings.
An event of the Romagna summer
Between one screening and another, Piazze di Cinema is also an opportunity to discover or rediscover the historic centre of Cesena, its squares, and its palaces. The review is part of the rich summer calendar of Emilia-Romagna, a land with a great cinematic tradition, and represents one of the most beloved events by the city and by tourists who flock to Romagna in July.
Piazze di Cinema — edition 2026
Piazze di Cinema 2026
The summer film event in Cesena returns in 2026 with a new edition of Piazze di Cinema, organized by Cinema Eliseo on behalf of the Municipality. The evenings take place in the historic centre and at the San Biagio Arena in Palazzo Guidi, featuring auteur cinema, major international productions, and quality Italian films.
The Arena's programming begins in mid-June: among the announced events is a meeting with director, actor, and comedian Rocco Papaleo, who will present his new comedy to the public. From July 3rd, the Arena will host the works selected for the Monty Banks Award, dedicated to the best debut and second works of Italian cinema, with the presence of directors and actors.
The complete detailed program, with all titles, guests, and screening times, will be presented by the organization at a press conference in mid-June. The collateral sections are also confirmed: Talk Space, photographic exhibitions, and the Piazze di Cinema Kids section for children and families.
Programme Piazze di Cinema 2026
The 2026 edition is organized by Cinema Eliseo. The San Biagio Arena programming (Palazzo Guidi, via Serraglio 20) starts in mid-June and continues throughout the summer; the Monty Banks Award section, dedicated to debut and second works of Italian cinema, is scheduled from July 3rd.
Announced events
- Meeting with Rocco Papaleo — the director, actor, and comedian presents his new comedy to the public;
- Monty Banks Award (from July 3rd) — each evening a film in competition, debut and second works of Italian cinema, with the presence of directors and actors;
- Talk Space — conversations and meetings on the world of cinema;
- Photographic exhibitions on film themes;
- Piazze di Cinema Kids — screenings and animation for children and families.
The complete program, with all titles, guests, and screening times, will be presented by the organization at a press conference in mid-June. For updated details, please refer to the official program of the Municipality of Cesena.
Highlights Piazze di Cinema 2026
- Monty Banks Award for debut and second works of Italian cinema
- Meeting with Rocco Papaleo
- Open-air screenings at the San Biagio Arena and in the historic centre
- Kids section for families
Prices Piazze di Cinema 2026
Practical information — Piazze di Cinema
How to get there
Cesena is easily reached by train (railway station on the Bologna-Rimini line, a few minutes from the centre) or by car via the A14 motorway, Cesena exit. Screenings take place in the historic centre, which is within walking distance.
Venues
The main locations are Piazza Almerici (historic centre, in front of the Malatestiana Library) and the San Biagio Arena at Palazzo Guidi, in via Serraglio 20.
Admission and tickets
Many screenings are free admission; for some evenings and for the San Biagio Arena, reduced-price tickets may apply. It is advisable to check the conditions for each evening on the official program.
Information
Cesena Cultura - tel. +39 0547 610892, e-mail [email protected]. Full program on the Municipality of Cesena website.
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Where does it take place — Piazze di Cinema
Piazza Almerici e Arena San Biagio
Piazza Almerici, 47521 Cesena