Everything is ready for the 71st edition of the Taormina Film Festival Which begins today until June 14, 2025, organized and produced by the Taormina Arte Sicilia Foundation, directly promoted by the Department of Tourism, Sport and Entertainment of the Sicilian Region, with the support of the Mic, Ministry of Culture – Directorate General cinema and audiovisual, with the artistic direction of Tiziana Rocca.
The godmother of this edition of the Festival will be Valeria Solarinoone of the most refined interpreters of contemporary Italian cinema and theater. From debut in the cinema in the early 2000s to the most mature interpretations, his acting is always led by authenticity, sensitivity and emotional depth. A real ambassador of Italian women’s talent.
Michael Douglas, legendary figure of world cinema, will be the opening guest of the 71st edition. The actor and producer, winner of two Oscar prizes and among the greatest protagonists of the Hollywood scene, will receive the prestigious Taormina Excellence Achievement Award in the suggestive setting of the ancient theater of Taormina, tomorrow evening. The event represents an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate Douglas’ inimitable career, which for over fifty years has embodied the great American cinematographic tradition with charisma, talent and commitment. For the occasion, the masterpiece will be screened, someone flew on the cuckoo’s nest (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), produced by Douglas in 1975 and winner of five Oscar prizes, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of its release.
The Jury of the Taormina Film Festival this year consists of prominent personalities of the international film scene, each bearer of a unique and authoritative look. To preside over it is Da’vine Joy RandolphOscar -winning actress, acclaimed for her intensity and charisma on the big screen. At his side, the legendary costume designer Sandy Powellwinner of three Oscar prizes, with her refined vision and her impeccable taste for the image. Steven Gaydosvice -president of Variety, is one of the most authoritative voices in the world of cinematographic journalism. To represent Italian cinema, Ilenia PastorelliRoman actress with an authentic and provocative style, e Alessandra Mastronarditalented interpreter also appreciated abroad.
On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, the manifesto of this edition is dedicated to one of the most iconic films of contemporary Italian cinema, The film by Giuseppe Tornatore, Malèna starring Monica Bellucci.
The festival this year will be divided into three sections
10 films in the international feature film competition
13 films in the off -competition
8 films among special events at the Antico Theater
To open the festival, in the out of competition section, will be one of the most awaited previews of the season: Len Wiseman danceraction thriller set in the narrative universe of the famous John Wick saga. The film promises spectacular action sequences and features Ana de Armas. The director Len Wiseman and the actor Norman Reedus will present it to the public. The closing film, always in the out of competition section, will be the Italian comedy Love is fine on everything by Giampaolo Morelli, with Giampaolo Morelli, Max Tortora, Claudia Gerini, Paolo Calabresi, Ilenia Pastorelli, Monica Guerritore and with Gian Marco Tognazzi. Produced by Fulvio and Federica Lucisano for IIF and Piper Film, three stories are intertwined in the film, between misunderstandings, old wounds and new discoveries, revealing how love – in all its forms – can surprise, heal and profoundly transform our lives.
A panel is also scheduled, Wednesday 11 June at 12:15, entitled: “Women, not the different ones – female identity between strength and truth”. After the initial greetings from Sergio Bonomo, extraordinary commissioner of the Taormina Arte Sicilia Foundation and the honorable Elvira Amata, councilor for tourism, sport and show, Tiziana Rocca and Gianluca Pisacane will modulate the meeting with Sarah Felberbaum, Donatella Finocchiaro, Iris Knobloch, Lucrezia Guidone, Alessandra Mastronardi, Ilenia Pastorelli, Giulia Perulli, Sandy Powell, D’vine Joy Randolph, Chiara Sbarigia, Valeria Solarino and Nina Zilli.
The FS Group, the Festival main sponsor, dedicates a special intercity, personalized with the faces of the great women of cinema, at the Taormina Film Festival, entitled, “women, not the different ones”. The train will connect Rome and Sicily from 5 June until September. On board, the interiors of the wagons are decorated with further shots of the actresses and with the colors and graphics of the festival, creating an immersive experience for passengers. As main sponsor, the American fashion brand Guess strengthens its link with the world of cinema and culture, bringing its unmistakable style in the heart of one of the most important cinematographic events in Italy.
All the prizes for the Festival are made exclusively by the goldsmith master Gerardo Sacco, with the inspiration and the unique style that distinguish it. The Taormina Arte Sicilia Foundation, always attentive to the promotion and enhancement of the territory where it operates, on the occasion of the 71st edition of the Taormina Film Festival, organizes and promotes the second edition of “A showcase for cinema”. Through this competition we want to tell, with the preparation of windows, bars, restaurants and commercial activities in general, what cinema has told of Sicily and Taormina in particular. The best windows will be awarded during one of the evenings of the Festival by the actress Ester Pantano.