Under the Stars of Austria

Austrian cinema under the Roman sky

Under the Stars of Austria is the annual open-air summer film festival organized by the Austrian Cultural Forum Rome. Every June, the Forum opens the doors of its garden in the Parioli district for free screenings showcasing the finest contemporary Austrian cinema. While Rome is home to many summer film arenas, this event has a distinct mission: to bring the most compelling recent Austrian films to the Roman public, presented in their original language with Italian subtitles.

A window into Austria in the heart of Parioli

The festival takes place in the garden of the Forum's headquarters at Viale Bruno Buozzi 113, one of Rome's most elegant and verdant corners, just a stone's throw from Villa Borghese. The cozy, open-air setting, with the screen nestled among the trees, creates an intimate and convivial atmosphere far removed from large commercial venues. The event is part of the vibrant summer cinema scene supported by the City of Rome and the Lazio Region, offering a sophisticated, international alternative to mainstream programming.

Auteur cinema and meetings with directors

The program prioritizes works that have been awarded or featured at major European festivals, particularly the Berlinale, ranging from drama and black comedy to documentaries and biopics. Many screenings are preceded or accompanied by meetings with the directors and presentations by critics and scholars, helping the audience engage with the cultural and creative context of Austrian film. The selection also serves as a great opportunity to practice the German language, reflecting the Forum's commitment to promoting Austrian language and culture in Italy.

A cultural, not commercial, project

Unlike many arenas funded by municipal grants, "Under the Stars of Austria" is promoted by a foreign cultural institution, the Austrian Cultural Forum (Österreich Institut), which acts as a bridge between Austrian culture and the Italian public. Admission is always free, with mandatory reservations, making the festival a favorite among cinephiles, German language students, and local residents.

Why attend

• Free screenings of contemporary Austrian cinema in the original language with subtitles.
• Evocative setting in the garden of a prestigious cultural institution in Parioli.
• Meetings with directors and international guests.
• Award-winning films featured at major European festivals.
• An intimate and authentic experience, away from mass tourism, in the heart of Rome.