Terni Film Festival – Popoli e Religioni

The XXI edition of the festival was held from November 6 to 16, 2025, in Terni, revolving around two major themes: artificial intelligence, analyzed for its potential and risks, and disarmament, presented as an essential tool for building lasting peace. As tradition dictates, the edition paid tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi on the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures and dedicated space to combating gender-based violence.

The program intertwined screenings, conferences, and round tables on the relationship between technological innovation, political choices, and the future of humanity. The international jury prize for best feature film – also recognized as the best film of the entire festival – went to "When the Walnut Leaves Turn Yellow" by Turkish director Mehmet Ali Konar. The Signis jury awarded the best Iranian short film, while a new category dedicated to works created with the aid of artificial intelligence saw "Dressed for Dinner" by Andrea Verardi win.

Competitions and Awards 2025

• Best Feature Film (and best film of the festival): "When the Walnut Leaves Turn Yellow" by Mehmet Ali Konar (Turkey)
• Critics' Award: "The Madmen Coach" by Carlo Liberatore
• Signis Jury Award for best Iranian short film
• New category for works with AI: "Dressed for Dinner" by Andrea Verardi

Themes and Initiatives

• Focus on artificial intelligence and disarmament
• Tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi (800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures)
• Screenings, conferences, and round tables; matinées for schools and screenings for inmates