Alice nella Città Film Festival 2026 – Rome, Italy

• October 14, 2026
  Event date:
• October 25, 2026
  Event end:

Overview

The Alice nella Città Film Festival stands as an autonomous and parallel section of the Rome Film Fest, dedicated specifically to exploring the imaginative universe of youth, adolescence, and contemporary new generations. Established to give voice to emerging cinematic trends, the festival has evolved into an essential cultural landmark for discovering fresh artistic talent and groundbreaking visual storytelling. It acts as a vibrant bridge between established international filmmakers and young audiences, fostering deep cinematic engagement through carefully curated competitive sections, avant-garde previews, and international showcases.

The upcoming edition offers an expansive programme featuring international feature films, short films, and special out-of-competition screenings that tackle complex social issues, modern coming-of-age dynamics, and evolving cultural identities. Attendees can participate in dynamic masterclasses, educational panels, and creative workshops led by renowned actors, directors, and industry pioneers. These sessions are designed to cultivate media literacy and inspire the next generation of creative professionals while encouraging critical dialogue about the narratives shaping our modern society.

Set against the majestic backdrop of Rome during the golden autumn season, the festival integrates its dynamic events into the capital’s historic and cultural landmarks. It transforms iconic screening venues and modern auditoriums into lively hubs for debate, artistic exchange, and community celebration. By highlighting stories that resonate with young viewers and families alike, the event celebrates the transformative power of cinema as a universal tool for empathy, understanding, and cultural enrichment.

Event Highlights

• Presentation of international feature films and compelling short subjects focusing on youth culture and contemporary transitions.
• Exclusive masterclasses and interactive discussions hosted by celebrated cinematic artists, actors, and industry leaders.
• Specialized youth-juried competitive sections that empower young viewers to actively evaluate and award emerging cinematic works.
• Engaging public forums and educational panels exploring the intersection of modern media, storytelling, and adolescent psychology.

Why Attend

This prestigious cultural gathering is ideally suited for independent filmmakers, youth educators, film scholars, culture enthusiasts, and families passionate about innovative contemporary cinema. Attending offers a rare opportunity to experience critically acclaimed international films prior to their official theatrical release, frequently accompanied by personal insights from the creators.

Participants benefit greatly from an intellectually stimulating and inclusive environment that encourages cross-generational dialogue and creative inspiration. It provides an unmatched platform for professional networking within the European film industry while immersing visitors in world-class art located within Italy’s historic capital.

Date & Duration

• Event Date: October 14 – October 25, 2026
• Event Duration: 12 days

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets and festival passes are available for purchase online through the official website and at designated venue box offices during the festival duration.
• Admission Type: General public admission seating is available for standard screenings alongside accredited student passes and full festival access badges.
• Ticket Pricing: Ranging from $10.00 for single standard screening tickets up to $60.00 for multi-day festival accreditation passes.
• Special Seating Options: Reserved seating areas are allocated for accredited press, student juries, and festival pass holders on a priority arrival basis.
• VIP Options: Special hospitality packages provide priority entry to high-profile red carpet screenings, reserved center-orchestra seating, and invitations to exclusive opening night gala events.

Venue / Location

• City and Country: Rome, Italy
• Venue Name: Auditorium Parco della Ennio Morricone and associated cultural partner spaces
• Google Maps Address: Via Pietro de Coubertin, 30, 00196 Roma RM, Italy

Contact Information

• Email: info@alicenellacitta.com
• Phone Number: +39 06 4040 1900
• Official Website: https://www.alicenellacitta.com/

Accommodation Options

Rome provides an extensive selection of accommodation choices ranging from historic boutique hotels situated near major cultural landmarks to cozy family-run guesthouses within comfortable transit reach of the main auditorium. Staying in the northern districts near the event venue ensures convenient access to daily screenings, local trattorias, and efficient municipal transit lines without requiring lengthy travel times.

Visitors can also discover budget-friendly modern apart-hotels and comfortable bed and breakfasts located slightly outside the immediate neighborhood, offering quieter retreats while maintaining excellent connections via urban tram and bus networks. Booking lodgings well ahead of time is strongly advised due to the high volume of international travelers visiting the city during the autumn film festival season.

Getting There

• Nearest Airport: Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO), located approximately 22 miles away from the central venue complex.
• Nearest Train/Metro Station: Roma Termini Railway Station, offering seamless connections to the city’s metro network leading directly toward the auditorium area.
• Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: Comprehensive municipal bus networks and tram line two connect major transit hubs directly to the doorstep of the festival venue.
• Parking Availability: Underground parking structures and designated parking zones are situated adjacent to the auditorium complex for visitors traveling by personal automobile.
• Directions by Car: Accessible via the Grande Raccordo Anulare ring road utilizing northern exits toward Flaminio, following clear directional city signage pointing toward the Auditorium district.

Dining Recommendations

Breakfast Recommendations:

• Savor a traditional Italian espresso paired with freshly baked cornetti at classic neighborhood cafes near the auditorium.
• Enjoy artisan pastries and organic juices at trendy modern breakfast bars tucked along quiet tree-lined residential streets.
• Taste delicious local baked goods and rich cappuccinos at historic bakeries located throughout the surrounding northern city quarters.

Lunch Recommendations:

• Indulge in classic Roman pasta dishes such as cacio e pepe or carbonara at lively local neighborhood trattorias.
• Enjoy gourmet panini filled with artisan cheeses and cured meats at popular daytime specialty sandwich bars.
• Sample light, contemporary Mediterranean salads and seasonal vegetable dishes at stylish bistros near the park district.

Dinner Recommendations:

• Experience authentic Roman culinary traditions featuring roasted meats and rich regional sauces in intimate candlelit dining rooms.
• Taste exquisite gourmet pizzas crafted with seasonal ingredients and innovative toppings at renowned local pizzerias.
• Dine on refined Italian seafood and contemporary tasting menus at upscale restaurants overlooking historic urban plazas.

Local Specialties to Try:

• Supplì, crisp fried rice croquettes filled with rich tomato sauce and melting mozzarella cheese at the center.
• Cacio e Pepe, a deceptively simple yet exquisite Roman pasta dish flavored with pecorino romano cheese and black pepper.
• Maritozzo, a sweet leavened pastry split open and generously filled with freshly whipped sweet cream.

What is this event?

The Alice nella Città Film Festival is an influential international cinema event held annually in Rome, focusing specifically on youth narratives, adolescent coming-of-age stories, and new artistic languages. It showcases a diverse selection of competitive features, short films, and avant-garde projects designed to appeal to young audiences and film lovers alike.

The festival acts as a vital cultural incubator, hosting creative masterclasses, educational labs, and professional panels that bridge the gap between emerging talent and established industry leaders. It celebrates the emotional depth and cultural importance of modern storytelling while encouraging critical awareness among upcoming generations of viewers.

Why is it popular?

The festival commands immense popularity due to its unique dedication to youth culture and fresh cinematic perspectives that rarely find mainstream spotlight elsewhere. It attracts acclaimed international directors, rising young stars, and enthusiastic audiences eager to experience authentic, emotionally resonant portrayals of modern life.

Its prestige is further amplified by its integration with the broader Rome Film Fest, offering an energetic atmosphere set against one of the world’s most historic capitals. The commitment to participatory youth juries and engaging public events ensures a deeply immersive and community-driven celebration of cinema.

Tips before you go

• Secure your individual tickets or festival passes online well in advance to guarantee entry to high-demand red carpet premieres and special events.
• Review the comprehensive daily screening schedule beforehand to map out transit routes between different partner venues across the city.
• Arrive at the auditorium screening halls at least twenty-five minutes prior to start times to select optimal seating locations.
• Check program guides for original language audio and subtitle specifications, as many international screenings feature foreign dialogue.
• Dress comfortably in versatile layers, keeping in mind that Roman autumn afternoons can be mild while evenings grow pleasantly crisp.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Familiarize yourself with Rome’s public transit layout and ticketing systems to navigate effortlessly between central historic landmarks and the northern auditorium complex.
• Take full advantage of the interactive post-screening Q and A sessions to gain fascinating artistic insights directly from visiting directors, writers, and young cast members.
• Plan your daily schedules to leave ample time for exploring Rome’s iconic museums, ancient ruins, and art galleries between morning and evening film screenings.
• Download reliable local transit navigation applications to check real-time bus and tram arrivals while traveling across the expansive metropolitan area.
• Engage warmly with festival volunteers, fellow cinephiles, and local residents in shared common spaces to discover hidden neighborhood restaurants and cultural gems.

Attendee Experiences

• The infectious energy of the young audiences during premiere screenings creates an electric atmosphere that makes every film feel like a major shared celebration.
• Walking through the stunning modernist auditorium spaces surrounded by passionate international filmmakers offers an inspiring glimpse into the future of global cinema.
• Discovering powerful, moving stories about youth struggles and triumphs left me with a profound appreciation for independent filmmaking and creative expression.

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