The 7-day Rome Independent Festival (RIFF) celebrates new European and international independent films. The RIFF also gives young filmmakers an opportunity to share their work at general public film screenings.

In 2001, RIFF began as a cultural program to showcase new talent and appeal to the Italian community’s quest for innovative film making. Since its exception, RIFF has debuted films from 5 continents. Many of the showcased films during the festival ultimately continue to achieve critical acclaim, such as Norway Oscar-nominated “Kiss by Winter” by Sara Johnsen.

Over 1,000 international filmmakers enter the competition, and those are narrowed down to some 150 works of national and international premiers at RIFF, the country’s leading purveyor of independent film. The films shown during the festival are new and exclusive to the event.

RIFF’s cinema-themed special events are also a big part of the RIFF’s agenda. The events include seminars and workshops on cinema, exhibitions and collaborations with theater, dance, fashion and music concerts.

The Rome Independent Film Festival concludes with an awards ceremony, THE RIFF Awards. The winning films are grouped in a number of winning categories and judged by an international panel of experts from the film industry.

Tickets for single screenings or sessions start at just €3.00. Purchase VIP passes, which include entrance to screenings during the festival; discounts at partner restaurants and hotels; invitation to the Opening Party, Awards Ceremony and After Party. 

What: Rome Independent Film Festival (RIFF)
Where: Nuovo Cinema Aquila and various hotels & cinemas
When: April 12-20, 2012
URL: http://www.riff.it/en/ 

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Villa del Parco