Umbria Film Festival 2027 – Montone, Italy

Wat kun je verwachten?

Cinema in the square of a medieval village: Umbria Film Festival is an evocative film review born as a moment of sharing and meeting through cinema, held since 1997 in Montone, a honey-colored stone town in the province of Perugia. The festival is organized by Associazione Umbria Film Festival in collaboration with Comune di Montone and London’s Riverside Studios, creating an ideal cultural and physical environment for the flourishing of original ideas inspired by cinema. Surrounded by greenery, by oaks and olive trees, the village becomes an open-air theater where all shows are free and take place in the main square, Piazza Fortebraccio, the place par excellence for meeting and discussion for everyone, guests, audience and participants.

Free, intimate and international: All screenings are free with free admission until seats are available, allowing everyone to discuss cinema with those who create cinema. The program includes international movie previews and shorts, exhibitions, debates, round tables, masterclasses and meetings. The festival has been hosted in Montone since 1997 and takes place every year during the second week of the summer season, swelling the village when projectors and screens are set up in the piazza. Under the artistic direction of Vanessa Strizzi, the organizational direction of Marisa Berna and Chiara Montagnini, and the honorary presidency of Terry Gilliam who edited and designed the logo, the festival presents an audience of international guests while maintaining its intimate village atmosphere.

A laboratory for independent cinema: For almost thirty years, the festival has brought the best of Italian and international independent cinema to the heart of Umbria. Every night the festival offers the screening of a series of short films for children followed by a feature, with a spectacular program that balances previews, competitions and civic events. The medieval village setting, with its historic centre and fortified walls, creates a direct and spontaneous dialogue between viewers and key figures in contemporary cinema.

Festivaldata

Festival window: Juli 2027 (Data nog te bepalen)

Duur: Five days of open-air screenings, with activities concentrated in afternoon and evening, plus matinees for schools and children.

Seasonal placement: The festival takes place in the second week of the summer season, transforming the medieval village into a cultural hub for cinema lovers.

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Locaties en festivallocaties

Piazza Fortebraccio – main square: The heart of the festival is Piazza Fortebraccio, the main square of Montone, where a large screen and seating are installed for free open-air screenings. The square, surrounded by honey-colored stone buildings, becomes an open-air theater where the entire village gathers.

Chiesa Museo di San Francesco: The Church Museum of San Francesco hosts screenings of short films finalists of competitions, exhibitions and masterclasses. Its deconsecrated church setting provides excellent acoustics and an atmospheric backdrop for intimate screenings.

Historic centre and diffuse venues: Screenings and events take place in the historic centre of the village, including municipal halls, cultural centers and outdoor terraces. The entire medieval village, designated among the most beautiful villages in Italy, becomes a festival campus, with bars and restaurants serving as informal meeting points.

Umbertide and surrounding area: Matinee events are organized in nearby Umbertide, including exclusive screenings for students at Leonardo da Vinci Campus and film aperitifs at venues such as Cantine Blasi, extending the festival’s reach across Alta Umbria.

Volledig programma

Feature previews and shorts: The program includes international movie previews, a short film competition with a jury of children, Umbriametraggi section dedicated to Umbrian directors or residents, exhibitions, debates, round tables, masterclasses and meetings. Every night offers a series of shorts for children followed by a feature preview.

Competitions and awards: Main competitions include international short films, Umbriametraggi for local filmmakers and children’s jury award. Prizes are awarded for best feature preview, best short and special mentions, with honorary citizenship often conferred to distinguished guests.

Masterclasses and workshops: Workshops, masterclasses and meetings with directors, actors and screenwriters provide educational opportunities for students and cinephiles, focusing on directing, acting and screenwriting.

Exhibitions and special events: Photo exhibitions, art installations and special events related to cinema history complement screenings, creating a rich cultural program that extends beyond projection.

Uitgelichte films & premières

International previews: Featured films include international movie previews that have screened at major festivals such as Cannes, with recent editions presenting films such as Master Cheng by Mika Kaurismäki, Bacurau by Kleber Mendonça Filho and Juliano Dornelles, Jury Prize winner at Cannes, and other European and international titles that have not yet been released in Italy.

Short film panorama: The short film selection includes previews of international short films, Umbrian shorts and animated works, with a focus on original storytelling and emerging talent. The program balances fiction, documentary and animation.

Children’s shorts: A dedicated section of shorts for children opens each evening, curated to introduce young audiences to diverse cinematic languages and cultures, with a children’s jury awarding its own prize.

Umbriametraggi: This section showcases works by Umbrian directors or filmmakers living in Umbria, supporting local creativity and providing a platform for regional stories to reach an international audience.

Regisseurs, acteurs & gasten

Honorary presidency of Terry Gilliam: American filmmaker Terry Gilliam, former Monty Python member and director of Brazil and The Fisher King, serves as honorary president, having edited and designed the festival logo. He regularly attends, participates in Q&As and has been made honorary citizen of Montone.

International guests: Guests have included renowned directors, actors and artists such as Michel Ocelot, Lone Scherfig, Emiliano Corapi and many others. The festival attracts an audience of international guests who engage directly with the public in the square.

Artistic and organizational direction: Artistic direction by Vanessa Strizzi and organizational direction by Marisa Berna and Chiara Montagnini ensure curatorial coherence and strong connections with both Italian and international film industry.

Direct dialogue: All screenings take place in the square, the perfect place for meetings and discussions by all – guests, public and participants – allowing everyone to discuss cinema with those who create cinema in an informal, accessible setting.

Vertoningsschema

Evening open-air schedule: Screenings begin in late afternoon with children’s shorts, followed by feature previews in prime evening slots. Each screening includes introduction by artistic direction and Q&A with guests present.

Matinee and educational screenings: Matinee with exclusive screening for students is organized in Umbertide and Montone, featuring films selected for educational value and followed by discussions with directors.

Awards and closing night: Final night includes awards ceremony, with prizes for best feature, best short, children’s jury award and Umbriametraggi winner, followed by closing film and celebration in the square.

Film aperitif: Early evening film aperitif with tasting of cocktails, wines and light dinner buffet provides informal networking opportunity before main screenings, with Q&As with guests such as Terry Gilliam.

Tickettypes & accreditatie

Gratis toegang: All shows are free and take place in the main square of the medieval Umbrian city of Montone, with free admission until seats are available. The free model, valued at $0.00 USD, is maintained through support from Comune di Montone, GAL Alta Umbria, Riverside Studios and sponsors, ensuring universal access.

No ticket required: No advance ticket purchase is required; seating is on first-come, first-served basis in Piazza Fortebraccio. For popular previews, early arrival is recommended to secure seats.

Professionele accreditatie: Filmmakers, press and industry professionals can request accreditation via info@umbriafilmfestival.com, providing proof of activity. Accreditation grants access to reserved seating area, press materials and interview scheduling.

Submission and participation: Filmmakers submit works through official channels, with no rental fees for selected films. The festival covers organizational costs through public support, maintaining free public access.

Industrie & professionele toegang

Riverside Studios collaboration: The fruitful collaboration between Associazione Umbria Film Festival, Comune di Montone and London’s Riverside Studios creates an ideal cultural and physical environment for flourishing of original ideas, connecting Umbrian village with international film production hub.

Professioneel netwerken: The intimate village setting facilitates direct networking between directors, actors, producers and audience, with discussions continuing in bars and restaurants after screenings.

Educational partnerships: Partnerships with schools such as Leonardo da Vinci Campus in Umbertide provide educational screenings and masterclasses for students, fostering next generation of filmmakers and cinephiles.

Funding and support: Support from GAL Alta Umbria and other regional bodies provides funding for organizational costs, awards and guest hospitality, allowing festival to remain free while maintaining high curatorial standards.

Rode loper & speciale evenementen

Village red carpet: Instead of traditional red carpet, the festival’s red carpet is the stone-paved Piazza Fortebraccio, where guests walk among audience members, creating a democratic and intimate atmosphere where everyone can approach filmmakers.

Honorary citizenship ceremony: Special events include conferral of honorary citizenship of Montone to distinguished guests such as Terry Gilliam and Lone Scherfig, celebrating their contribution to cinema and to the festival.

Opening and closing ceremonies: Opening night includes presentation of program, jury and guests, followed by first feature preview. Closing night features awards ceremony, with prizes announced in the square and closing film screened under stars.

Photo exhibitions and special events: Special events include photo exhibitions dedicated to cinema history, conferences on film preservation and meetings of directors with public, often held in Chiesa Museo di San Francesco.

Festivalregels

Free admission until seats: All screenings are free with free admission until seats are available. Audience must respect seating order, avoid reserving seats with personal items and follow staff instructions for safety in historic square.

Conduct and respect: Mobile phones must be silenced during screenings, photography and recording may be restricted for certain previews, and participants are expected to respect medieval village surroundings, avoid littering and respect curfew for noise in residential area.

Age recommendations: Children’s shorts are suitable for all ages, while feature previews may have age recommendations. Children must be accompanied by adults for evening screenings, and organizers reserve right to refuse access if recommendations are not respected.

Legal jurisdiction: Any legal disputes fall under jurisdiction of Perugia court. Festival reserves right to decide on matters not specified. Contact for rules is info@umbriafilmfestival.com and PEC umbria.filmfestival@pec.it.

Hoe kom je daar

Per trein: Nearest railway stations are Perugia and Città di Castello, served by regional trains from Florence, Rome and Arezzo. From stations, local buses and taxis connect to Montone in approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Per bus: BusItalia Umbria operates extra-urban lines connecting Perugia, Umbertide and Montone, with frequent services during festival period. Special shuttle services are sometimes organized from Umbertide to Montone for matinee and evening screenings.

Met de auto: Montone is accessible via E45 highway with exit at Umbertide and Montone, with scenic roads through oak and olive groves. Parking areas are available outside historic center, with shuttle or short walk to Piazza Fortebraccio.

Per vliegtuig: Nearest airports are Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi, Florence Peretola and Rome Fiumicino, all offering bus and train connections to Perugia and then to Montone.

Openbaar vervoer & parkeren

Local public transport: BusItalia Umbria buses provide coverage of Montone and surrounding Alta Umbria, with tickets available at automatic machines, tobacco shops and via mobility apps. Festival period sees increased frequency to handle visitors.

Parking facilities: Public parking near Montone includes outdoor lots outside historic walls, with reserved spaces for visitors with reduced mobility near entrances to historic centre. Parking is free and managed by Comune during festival.

Sustainable mobility: Organizers encourage use of public transport, bicycles and walking, especially for historic centre where vehicle access is limited. The village is fully walkable once inside walls, with all venues within short walking distance.

Information points: Festival information points at Piazza Fortebraccio provide maps and assistance for navigating between venues, with clear signage and volunteer support during screening hours.

Eten & eten

Village dining: Restaurants, trattorias and osterias in Montone’s historic centre serve Umbrian cuisine, including truffles, pici, cinghiale and local wines, with many offering outdoor seating in the square during festival evenings, allowing diners to watch screenings while eating.

Festival aperitifs: Film aperitifs with tasting of cocktails such as Singapore Sling, wines and light dinner buffet are organized at venues like Cantine Blasi in Umbertide, providing informal networking opportunity before main screenings.

Quick bites and bars: Bars and cafes in Piazza Fortebraccio provide quick bites, coffee and aperitifs between screenings, with extended hours during festival period to accommodate evening crowds.

Accommodation dining: Agriturismi and hotels with restaurants offer breakfast and half-board options featuring local and organic products, convenient for attendees spending full days at festival.

Toegankelijkheid

Venue accessibility: Piazza Fortebraccio is an historic square with stone paving that may be uneven, but accessible viewing areas are designated near entrance with ground-level access and reserved spaces for wheelchair users. Staff are available to assist with entry and positioning.

Chiesa Museo di San Francesco: This venue is equipped with ground-floor access and accessible restrooms, though historic building constraints may limit elevator access. Staff can provide assistance and alternative viewing positions.

Inclusive access: Free admission ensures economic accessibility, with no ticket required and no reserved seating that would exclude latecomers. The festival provides free entry for carers accompanying visitors with disabilities.

Contact and support: Visitors requiring specific assistance are advised to contact organizers in advance via info@umbriafilmfestival.com or PEC umbria.filmfestival@pec.it to arrange support. Official website https://umbriafilmfestival.com/ provides detailed information.

Beste vertoningen om bij te wonen

Opening and closing previews: Opening night feature preview and closing night award-winning film offer best overview of festival’s curatorial taste and provide opportunity to see international previews before Italian release.

Children’s shorts and children’s jury: Early evening children’s shorts, followed by children’s jury deliberation, provide charming and educational experience, with young jurors awarding prize that often highlights most creative and accessible storytelling.

Umbriametraggi and local talent: Screenings of Umbriametraggi section showcase works by Umbrian directors, offering insight into regional creativity and providing platform for local stories to reach international audience.

Masterclasses and Q&As: Screenings followed by Q&As with Terry Gilliam or other international guests provide unique opportunity for direct dialogue, with anecdotes about filmmaking, Monty Python and independent cinema that extend beyond scheduled times.

Hoogtepunten van het voorgaande jaar

30th edition and international guests: The edition hosted in Montone celebrated almost thirty years of bringing best of Italian and international independent cinema to heart of Umbria, with international guests, panel discussions and masterclasses that filled Piazza Fortebraccio each night.

Free screenings in medieval square: All screenings taking place in historic centre created direct and spontaneous dialogue between viewers and key figures in contemporary cinema, with free admission allowing entire village to participate.

Matinee and aperitif innovation: Matinee with exclusive screening for students of film Quanto Basta directed by Francesco Falaschi and film aperitif with tasting of Singapore Sling cocktail, wines and light dinner buffet at Cantine Blasi added educational and gastronomic dimensions to festival.

Honorary citizenship and community: Conferral of honorary citizenship to distinguished directors and presence of Terry Gilliam as president reinforced festival’s community spirit, with village swelling when projectors and screens are set up for open-air theater of cinema.

Officiële tickets & accreditatie

Official channels: All shows are free, with no ticket required, valued at $0.00 USD. Official information is available at https://umbriafilmfestival.com/, via email info@umbriafilmfestival.com and PEC umbria.filmfestival@pec.it.

Free admission model: Free admission until seats available is maintained through support from Comune di Montone, GAL Alta Umbria, Riverside Studios and sponsors, ensuring universal access while preserving high-quality programming.

Professionele accreditatie: Filmmakers, press and industry professionals can request accreditation via official email, providing proof of activity. Approval is communicated via email with instructions for collecting badges at Piazza Fortebraccio.

Donations and support: While admission is free, donations to Associazione Umbria Film Festival are welcomed to support future editions and maintain free model for next thirty years.

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