Italian Tradition will be in the front row at the 71st Taormina Film Fest, ready to tell every moment of an edition that promises to be among the most exciting of recent years. Today, in exclusive preview, we reveal some of the highlights that will animate the famous Festival in the heart of Sicily:
Martin Scorsese’s guest of honor: for the first time in the history of the Festival, the great master will receive the Career Award on the stage of the Teatro Antico, where his masterpiece “Taxi Driver” (1976) will be screened.
Tiziana Rocca, artistic director of the Festival, said: “It is with great enthusiasm that, from the prestigious setting of the Cannes Film Festival, we present to the international press the 71st edition of the Taormina Film Fest, scheduled from 10 to 14 June in the extraordinary setting of the Ancient Theatre of Taormina.
An edition that celebrates cinema in all its forms, with an open, contemporary look deeply connected to the magic of the room and the visual narrative. In addition to the presence of Maestro Scorsese, for the first time in Taormina, who will receive the Career Award, we are honored to announce as godmother of this year Valeria Solarino, actress of rare elegance and intensity, symbolic face of Italian talent, who will accompany the audience on this journey between projections, encounters and visions.
Our international jury is made up of extraordinary personalities from the world of cinema: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Oscar-winning actress and president of the jury; Rupert Everett, refined and iconic interpreter of British cinema; the famous costume designer Sandy Powell, three times Oscar; Steven Gaydos, influential voice of global cinema journalism; and two protagonists of our cinema: Ilenia Pastorelli and Alessandra Mastronardi. Each one brings a unique and original vision. To open the Festival will be one of the most anticipated previews of the season:
Ballerina by Len Wiseman, a thriller that promises spectacular action and a powerful and charismatic female protagonist. The first film in competition that we announce is instead Warfare – Time of war, a beautiful film that takes us back to the shocking reality of modern conflicts. The Taormina Film Fest continues to be a crossroads of cultures, stories and talents. We are ready to celebrate cinema in one of the most evocative places in the world, and to welcome spectators, artists and dreamers to share together the universal language of emotions”.
Martin Scorsese, one of the greatest and most influential directors in the history of world cinema, will be a guest at the Festival for the first time and will receive the Career Award in the timeless setting of the Ancient Theatre of Taormina. In his honour, one of the films that have marked the history of the seventh art will be screened: the psychological thriller Taxi Driver (1976), starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster and Harvey Keitel, is now considered an absolute cornerstone of world cinematography.
Elvira Amata, Councillor for Tourism, Sport and Entertainment of the Sicilian Region, said: “We are proud to present a new edition of the Taormina Film Fest, one of the most prestigious cultural events not only in Sicily, but in the entire international cinema scene. This Festival is a bridge between our identity and the world, a showcase of excellence that celebrates cinema in its artistic, social and spectacular dimension.
With the Ancient Theatre as a unique setting and with an extraordinary jury, this year we strengthen the link between culture, territory and tourism, demonstrating once again how Sicily is land of beauty, creativity and vision. Taormina Film Fest is not just an event, it’s a symbol: of rebirth, pride and talent”
Sergio Bonomo, special commissioner of the Taormina Arte Sicilia Foundation, said: “The Taormina Film Festival is dressed in new light for the 71st edition, under the wise and competent guidance of Tiziana Rocca, already appreciated, to have successfully directed the prestigious event at the beginning of 2000.
The film competition, the side events, the young campus, conferences, meetings, many prestigious guests, in short, the Taormina Film Fest wants to make a leap up, a role that competes with an event that – second in Italy for history – has the right cards to return in the international Olympus of film festivals. Thank you in particular. Elvira Amata, Councillor for Tourism, Sport and Entertainment of the Sicilian Region, for the support and convinced collaboration, aimed at the development of the festival and cinematography in Sicily”.
The godmother of this edition of the Festival will be Valeria Solarino, one of the most refined performers of cinema and contemporary Italian theater. From his film debut in the early 2000s to more mature performances, his acting is always driven by authenticity, sensitivity and emotional depth. A true ambassador of Italian female talent.
The jury of this year’s Taormina Film Fest is made up of prominent personalities from the international film scene, each one with a unique and authoritative perspective. It is presided over by Oscar-winning actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph, acclaimed for her intensity and charisma on the big screen. At his side is Rupert Everett, an icon of British cinema, known for his elegance and a career rich in iconic roles between theatre and film.
Legendary costume designer Sandy Powell, three-time Oscar winner, adds her refined vision and flawless taste in image to the jury. Steven Gaydos, vice president of Variety, is one of the most influential voices in film journalism. To represent Italian cinema, Ilenia Pastorelli, a Roman actress with an authentic and provocative style, and Alessandra Mastronardi, a talented interpreter also appreciated abroad. A jury full of personalities, ready to award the best of contemporary cinema.
On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, the poster 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: the International Feature Film Competition, the Out of Competition and the Special Events at the Teatro Antico.
Opening the Festival, in the Out of Competition section, will be one of the most anticipated previews of the season: Ballerina by Len Wiseman, an action thriller set in the narrative universe of the famous John Wick saga. The film promises spectacular action sequences and stars Ana de Armas. It will be presented to the public by director Len Wiseman and actor Norman Reedus.
The first film announced in the competition is Warfare – Time of War, based on a true story, an immersive and visceral film that takes us to the heart of the shocking reality of modern conflicts. Written and directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, starring some of the most interesting young talents in Hollywood, such as Joseph Quinn, Kit Connor, Will Poulter,
Cosmo Jarvis, Charles Melton and Michael Gandolfini. Produced by A24, Warfare – Tempo di guerra will be released in Italy with I Wonder Pictures on 21 August 2025.
Another film to be presented in the Out of Competition section is Come fratelli, directed by Antonio Padovan and starring Francesco Centorame, Pierpaolo Spollon, Ludovica Martino, Paola Buratto, Mariana Lancellotti, Simonetta Guarino, Alfonso Santagata, Alessio Praticò, Roberto Citran and the friendly participation of Giuseppe Battiston. The comedy, which tackles the themes of friendship and family with delicacy but at the same time stimulates deep reflections on the meaning of life, is produced by Pepito Produzioni with Rai Cinema and will be released in cinemas on June 26 distributed by 01 Distribution.
Stay with us for all the news that will arrive from Taormina between 10 and 14 June: Italian Tradition will accompany you inside and behind the scenes, among international stars, special projects and the timeless magic of cinema under the sky of Sicily.
Cover : Unsplash