Taormina Film Fest
Great international cinema set against the backdrop of the Ancient Theatre
About Taormina Film Fest
A legendary festival blending cinema and archaeology
The Taormina Film Fest is one of the oldest and most captivating film festivals in Europe. Established in 1955, it takes place every June in the town of Taormina, in the province of Messina, Sicily. Its iconic venue is the Ancient Theatre, a 3rd-century BC Greco-Roman amphitheatre that, with its tiers overlooking Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, hosts gala evenings and highly anticipated screenings under the starry sky.
History and major stars
Over the decades, the festival has welcomed some of the biggest names in world cinema: from Marlene Dietrich to Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn to Richard Burton, and contemporary stars like Tom Cruise, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, and Colin Firth. This long-standing tradition has made Taormina one of the most coveted cinematic destinations, perfectly blending red-carpet glamour with the unique beauty of the Sicilian landscape.
Sections and awards
The programme is divided into several sections: the International Feature Film Competition, the Short Film Competition dedicated to Sicilian perspectives, Out of Competition, Special Screenings, and special events at the Ancient Theatre. An international jury presents the main awards for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor and Actress, while Lifetime Achievement Awards are presented to world-renowned performers and filmmakers.
Festival venues
- Ancient Theatre of Taormina — gala evenings, award ceremonies, and event screenings under the stars
- Palazzo dei Congressi — screenings for competitive sections, meetings, and panels with authors and guests
- The streets and squares of Taormina's historic centre, bustling with audiences and film enthusiasts
A unique experience in Sicily
Attending a screening at the Taormina Film Fest means experiencing cinema in one of the world's most evocative landscapes. The event, produced by the Taormina Arte Sicilia Foundation under the artistic direction of Tiziana Rocca, celebrates both great international cinema and Sicily's cultural identity through films, discussions, and the presence of emerging local talent.
Taormina Film Fest — edition 2026
Taormina Film Fest 2026 — 72nd edition
The 72nd edition of the Taormina Film Fest was held from June 10 to 14, 2026, produced by the Taormina Arte Sicilia Foundation under the artistic direction of Tiziana Rocca, with Anna Valle serving as godmother.
The opening on June 10 featured the Italian premiere of the third season of the series House of the Dragon, with members of the cast present on the red carpet. On June 11, in an evening dedicated to Anna Magnani, Helen Mirren received the Lifetime Achievement Award, accompanied by a screening of the restored version of Luchino Visconti's Bellissima and the panel "Women Beyond the Gaze". On June 13, the Ancient Theatre welcomed Russell Crowe, who was also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jury and guests
The international jury was chaired by Jane Campion, joined by Holly Hunter, Francine Maisler, Miyako Bellizzi, Sue Kroll, and Pietro Castellitto, among others. Announced guests included Clive Owen, Franco Nero, Giancarlo Giannini, Connie Nielsen, Toby Jones, Giuseppe Tornatore, and numerous other Italian and international artists.
Sections
- International Feature Film Competition (nine films in competition)
- Short Film Competition — Sicilian perspectives (eleven shorts)
- Out of Competition (ten titles)
- Special events at the Ancient Theatre
Programme Taormina Film Fest 2026
Highlights Taormina Film Fest 2026
Prices Taormina Film Fest 2026
Practical information — Taormina Film Fest
Getting there
By plane: Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is approximately 60 km from Taormina and is connected by direct buses and trains. By train: Taormina-Giardini station is served by the Messina-Catania line, with shuttle buses to the historic centre on the hill. By car: Take the Taormina exit on the A18 Messina-Catania motorway.
Tickets
Access to screenings and events varies from year to year: some evenings at the Ancient Theatre require tickets or are by invitation only, while many screenings at the Palazzo dei Congressi are free or offered at a reduced rate. We recommend checking the festival's official website and social media channels for detailed pricing and access information.
Tips
Taormina has numerous accommodation options, from boutique hotels to historic guesthouses; booking well in advance during the festival is highly recommended. For evenings at the Ancient Theatre, bring a light jacket for the night air.
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Where does it take place — Taormina Film Fest
Teatro Antico di Taormina