Rome Independent Film Festival reveals RIFF Awards 2026 jury
Rome returns as the capital of independent cinema from November 27 to December 4 with the 25th edition of the RIFF – Rome Independent Film Festival. Marking a quarter century of presenting top new international filmmaking to the Italian capital, the milestone event continues its tradition of highlighting innovative works from around the world.
The official presentation and press conference launching the festival occurs on Thursday, November 26 at 7:00 PM. This gathering takes place at Palazzo Baldoca Muccioli on via Giulia 167 and includes the jury along with filmmakers whose works are in competition.
The jury for this edition comprises eight professionals. Barbara Busso brings expertise as a production director. Cristian Casella contributes as an entrepreneur, producer, and publisher. Giancarlo Chetta offers specialized knowledge in audiovisual management and co-production. Fabio Mazzeo applies his background as an architect and interior designer. Mario Colamarino serves as president of the "Mario Mieli" Homosexual Culture Circle. Benjamin Minot works as a director and filmmaker. Rafael is recognized as an artist and experimental filmmaker. Alessandro Rossetto participates as a director, screenwriter, and producer. These individuals will evaluate entries across the festival's categories.
Complementing the audience jury, organizers have added "The Women Exhibitors' Choice – The Jury by MEDIA Salles." Promoted by MEDIA Salles, this jury consists of European exhibitors and programmers. Its purpose centers on fostering gender equality while drawing attention to women's cinema and its presence in theaters.
Venues for screenings, meetings, and masterclasses include Nuovo Cinema Aquila and Palazzo San Lorenzo throughout Rome. The culminating awards ceremony is set for Friday, December 4 at 9:00 PM. Prizes will be awarded in a total of 13 competing categories.
One key event is "The Challenges of Cinema and TV – Writing the Story, Rewriting It in Editing," a discussion at Cinema Palazzo San Lorenzo. Academy Award winner Paul Haggis joins editor and producer Jo Francis, member of ACE, to examine aspects of storytelling and narrative development that connect directorial vision with the demands of global production. Their collaborative experiences encompass In the Valley of Elah, The Next Three Days, and Third Person.
Gherardo Gossi conducts a masterclass at Nuovo Cinema Aquila under the title "From Camera to Light: Building the Cinematic Image on Set." The cinematographer, known for work on Diaz, Johnny the Partisan, and The Sweet Ship, guides participants through techniques for constructing images during production. Additionally, the Climate Future Film Festival presents four short films selected by Edward Norton together with eight other international productions addressing environmental challenges. Bill McKibben serves as the Honorary Judge for this program.
Programming also encompasses "Disobedient Visions II – Hackering the Frame," a workshop and roundtable at which Riccardo Luna and Lorenzo Sportiello provide perspectives on artificial intelligence, its effects on audiovisual storytelling, and concepts of visual justice. The public pitch event "RIFF Meets the Finalists" at Nuovo Cinema Aquila facilitates interactions among producers, distributors, and the finalists from the RIFF Subjects & Screenplays competition. Two notable screenings feature the Cinecittà-restored documentary Chiusura directed by Alessandro Rossetto and the film Dalla terra al mare by Lorenzo Baldi, which precedes a panel discussion titled "Global Sumud Flotilla" centered on investigative cinema. Experimental offerings consist of the immersive expanded cinema experience "Rafaël – Live Cinema & Experimental Realities" by Rafaël along with the video installation Seyeol 13.
The RIFF Cultural Association serves as the organizing body for the festival. It receives contribution and patronage from the General Directorate of Cinema – Ministry of Culture and from the Lazio Region through its Regional Directorate of Presidential Affairs, Tourism, Cinema, Audiovisual and Sport.
Confirmation of the dates from November 27 to December 4 and the venues at Nuovo Cinema Aquila and Palazzo San Lorenzo appears in the Italian-titled announcement "RIFF Awards 2026 – Dal 27 Novembre al 4 Dicembre le date della XXV Edizione – al Nuovo Cinema Aquila & al Palazzo San Lorenzo," which also outlines the masterclasses and special events.
