Riviera International Film Festival
The international young cinema festival in Sestri Levante
About RIFF
Cinema that takes risks, in Sestri Levante
The Riviera International Film Festival (RIFF) is the grand celebration of cinema in Sestri Levante, in the Gulf of Tigullio (Metropolitan City of Genoa). Its identity is clear: to give space to directors under 35 and to documentaries, rewarding courageous stories and authors willing to take risks. A mission summarized by the motto of the tenth edition, 'No Risk, No Stories'.
Between young authors and cinema masters
Alongside the competition dedicated to young talents, the festival offers out-of-competition premieres, special screenings, and above all masterclasses with major figures in international cinema, hosted in the evocative setting of the Ex Convento dell'Annunziata. Over the years, RIFF has brought names of the caliber of Matthew Modine, Stephen Frears, Silvio Soldini, Giovanni Veronesi, Laura Morante, Claudio Amendola, and Luca Argentero to Sestri Levante.
A week of widespread cinema
Screenings and meetings are spread between the convent, the historic center, and the seafront, transforming the Ligurian town into a capital of auteur cinema. RIFF is now a benchmark event for Liguria's cultural spring, capable of combining the discovery of new cinematic languages with the charm of Sestri Levante's two bays.
RIFF — edition 2026
The 10th edition of RIFF was held from May 5 to 10, 2026, celebrating the festival's tenth anniversary with the motto 'No Risk, No Stories', illustrated by an irreverent poster signed by artist Pietro Terzini.
The festival opened with the world premiere of 'Spring Wind', a documentary by Tamás Yvan Topolánszky. Among the out-of-competition screenings was the premiere of 'Quasi Grazia' by Peter Marcias, dedicated to Nobel Prize-winning writer Grazia Deledda and presented by actress Laura Morante. The festival's focus on directors under 35 and documentaries was confirmed.
Programme RIFF 2026
2026 Theme — 'No Risk, No Stories' (10th Edition)
- Opening Film: World premiere of 'Spring Wind', documentary by Tamás Yvan Topolánszky
- Out of Competition: 'Quasi Grazia' by Peter Marcias (about Grazia Deledda), presented by Laura Morante
- Competition dedicated to directors under 35 and documentaries
Masterclasses at the Ex Convento dell'Annunziata
- Friday, May 8 — Matthew Modine
- Saturday, May 9 — Giovanni Veronesi and Stephen Frears
- Sunday, May 10 — Silvio Soldini
Guests also included Saja Kilani, Claudio Amendola, Laura Morante, and Luca Argentero.
Highlights RIFF 2026
Prices RIFF 2026
Practical information — RIFF
Where
Sestri Levante (GE), Ex Convento dell'Annunziata, historic center, and seafront.
How to get there
Sestri Levante is served by the train station on the Genoa-La Spezia line and by the A12 motorway (Sestri Levante exit).
Tickets
Screenings and masterclasses may require a ticket or accreditation. Information and program at rivierafilm.org.
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Where does it take place — RIFF
Ex Convento dell'Annunziata, centro storico e lungomare