Una Ragazza per il Cinema

A competition with over thirty years of history

Una Ragazza per il Cinema is one of Italy's longest-running national beauty and talent competitions. Established in 1989 by patrons Antonio Lo Presti and Daniela Eramo, it has spent over three decades guiding young women aged 15 to 25 toward the worlds of cinema, fashion, television, and entertainment. Over the years, the event has launched numerous careers, distinguished by a format that focuses not only on aesthetics but primarily on character, preparation, and passion.

Regional selections across Italy and the Taormina final

The competition unfolds throughout the year via regional selections held across every Italian region, concluding at the end of summer. The winners of these local stages—over one hundred finalists—advance to the national final held in the unique setting of the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, in the municipality of Taormina, Sicily. This famous Greco-Roman amphitheatre, overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, has served as the natural stage for this event for decades.

More than a beauty pageant

The philosophy of Una Ragazza per il Cinema is rooted in the belief that beauty is the result of character, preparation, and passion. The jury evaluates contestants based on four main criteria:

• Stage presence and poise;
• Artistic talent (acting, dance, singing);
• Photogenicity;
• Communication skills.

Throughout the journey, finalists participate in masterclasses and acting workshops led by industry professionals, turning the competition into a genuine training opportunity for those aspiring to enter the entertainment industry.

A highlight of the Taormina summer

The final at the Ancient Theatre, with free admission, is one of the most followed events of the Taormina summer, drawing audiences, industry insiders, and personalities from Italian film and television. Featuring guest stars, performances, and the crowning of the winner, the evening blends entertainment and talent in one of Sicily's most iconic landmarks.