The Taormina Film Festival will be a festival dedicated to all women with many illustrious female appearances, which returns from 10 to 14 June 2025 in the frame of the ancient theater of the town of Messina, with the artistic direction of Tiziana Rocca. An international importance festival, enriched by the presence of stars of the caliber of Martin Scorsese, Michael Douglas, Catherine Deneuve and Monica Bellucci. The presence of the Oscar winner announced Geoffrey Rush. An edition of the exhibition that proposes itself as a bridge between the Italian film tradition and the international panorama, and which aims to enhance the Sicilian territory and the “made in Italy”, with a rich calendar of events, important guests and large cinematographic previews.
Among the novelties, the return of the “in competition” section: ten films selected from all over the world that lead to Taormina, different voices, stories and sensitivity and which will also be flanked by the section of the “Out of competition” and events at the Antico Theater. «I am proud to announce the 71st edition of the Taormina Film Festival which – he says Elvira AmataRegional Councilor for Tourism, Sport and Entertainment – Year after year, in line with the contents of the programming of the Department, contributes, not only to strengthening such a strategic segment such as that of cinema, but to making the event an appointment increasingly awaited by the many enthusiasts of the sector and attractive for tourists, an extraordinary showcase of promoting our cultural, landscape, artistic, architectural heritage. An identity heritage for our region capable of masterfully combining cinema, culture and territory “.
“It is with great pride – says Tiziana Rocca, artistic director of the Festival – who announces this new edition of the Festival. A non -equal challenge is being demonstrated, but I am very happy with the goals we are reaching. First of all, having reported the section of the competition, with unpublished works selected and arrived from all over the world, and also the young campus, which returns to the festival after years, with the jury made up of children and students who will deliver the Cariddino d’oro. In this regard, I would like to address a heartfelt thanks to everyone, fromCouncilor Amata to Commissioner Bonomofor the trust granted to me, and of course to all the artists who will be present at the Festival, from the sacred monsters of cinema, such as Douglas, Scorsese and Deneuve, to our godmother, Valeria Solarino and all the members of the international jury ». The festival this year is dedicated to all women, a choice that records a predominant female presence starting from the guests present, actresses, directors and artists who will dialogue with the students and the public and will also take part in a masterclass and which FS has dedicated a train that will connect Rome with Sicily.
Many guests: from Martin Scorsese, guest of honor, who will receive the Career awarda recognition to his contribution to world cinema, to Michael Douglas, twice Oscar winner, who will be the opening guest, to Catherine Deneuve who will present his latest film. Monica Bellucci will also be present, who will receive the special international prize on an evening/event to be held at the Antico Theater in Taormina. The evening will be enriched by the special projection of Malèna, the masterpiece of Giuseppe Tornatore of 2000 who consecrated the actress as an icon of Italian cinema in the world. The film will be screened to celebrate 25 years from its release. There will be over 90 artists, including actors, actresses, directors, directors, Italians and internationals present during the five days of the Festival.
This year’s jury is made up of prominent personalities from the international film scene. To preside over it is Dàvine Joy RandolphOscar -winning actress, acclaimed for her intensity and charisma on the big screen. At his side, the costume designer Sandy Powellwinner of three Oscar prizes, Steven Gaydosvice -president of Variety, Ilenia Pastorelli, Roman actress of the authentic and provocative style and Alessandra Mastronardi, an interpreter of talent also appreciated abroad. The jury will assign i Prizes for the best film, best direction, best female interpretation and best male interpretation. A jury of the young campus will award the Cariddino d’Oro prize