Roma Film Fest: Music, Movies, and Legends Converge

The Rome Film Festival’s vibrant program showcased a captivating blend of cinematic artistry and musical performances. The evening commenced with “The Magic Flute of Piazza Vittorio,” a multilingual musical film by Mario Tronco and Gianfranco Cabiddu. This innovative adaptation of Mozart’s masterpiece features the multi-ethnic Piazza Vittorio Orchestra reinterpreting the opera through their diverse cultural lenses, transforming the familiar narrative within the magical setting of Piazza Vittorio’s gardens. A notable departure from Mozart’s original, the film empowers female characters to reshape the story’s trajectory. Later, the documentary “We Are Afterhours” celebrated the thirty-year legacy of the iconic Italian rock band. Director Giorgio Testi’s film, inspired by their sold-out Assago Forum concert, chronicles their journey, from early English-language works to international tours and evolving lineups, through the intimate narrative voice of frontman Manuel Agnelli. Concert footage interweaves with archival material, taking viewers on a personal voyage through the band’s history— culminating in a post-screening electracoustic performance by the band themselves. The festival also hosted the world premiere of Fede Álvarez’s “The Girl in the Spider’s Web,” a screen adaptation of David Lagercrantz’s novel. Golden Globe winner Claire Foy (The Crown) stars as the iconic hacker, directed by the “Man in the Dark” filmmaker. The cast also includes Sverrir Gudnason (Borg McEnroe) as journalist Mikael Blomkvist and Sylvia Hoeks (Blade Runner 2049) as Lisbeth’s long-lost sister, Camilla. A tribute to the recently deceased Vittorio Taviani, Martin Scorsese presented Paolo and Vittorio Taviani’s “San Michele Had a Rooster,” a restored masterpiece showcasing the director’s enduring cinematic vision. In a separate screening, Jon S. Baird’s “Stan & Ollie” starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly, charted the bittersweet twilight years of the legendary comedy duo, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, as they embark on a 1953 UK tour, grappling with fading fame, health challenges, and the enduring power of their comedic legacy. Adding further star power, Sigourney Weaver engaged in a meet-and-greet with fans, sharing insights into her career, including hints about the upcoming “Alien” sequel. Viggo Mortensen presented Peter Farrely’s “Green Book,” a film exploring themes of friendship and racism in 1960s America, before its screening. Finally, the festival’s blend of film and music concluded with Daniele Barraco’s “Vero dal vivo: Francesco De Gregori,” a documentary capturing the renowned singer-songwriter’s unfiltered energy during his European and US tour. The film showcases De Gregori’s spontaneous performances, backstage moments, and travels, offering an intimate portrait of a music icon.