Tiziana Rocca: “Cinema Is Still One of the Most Powerful Ways to Bring People Together”

From June 25 to 28, Sardinia once again becomes a crossroads of international cinema with the ninth edition of the Filming Italy Sardegna Festival. Conceived and directed by Tiziana Rocca, the festival has evolved into one of Europe's most important platforms connecting film, television, culture, education, and emerging talent. This year's edition welcomes an impressive lineup of guests, including Harvey Keitel, Kate Beckinsale, Tim Roth, Sofia Carson, Katherine McNamara, Olga Kurylenko, Sam Levinson, Elsa Zylberstein, Franco Nero, and many more. With over 50 films, TV series, masterclasses, and special events, the festival continues to build bridges between Italy, Hollywood, and the next generation of storytellers.

We spoke with Tiziana Rocca about the festival's mission, its international vision, and why cinema remains more relevant than ever.

The Filming Italy Sardegna Festival has become much more than a film festival. What makes this ninth edition particularly special?

Tiziana Rocca: This edition represents an important milestone for us. Reaching the ninth year means that the vision we had from the beginning has grown into something concrete and internationally recognized. What makes this year special is the extraordinary combination of major international guests, a strong educational component, and a very rich program that includes more than fifty films and television productions.

We are honored to welcome Harvey Keitel as our honorary president, alongside guests such as Kate Beckinsale, Tim Roth, Sofia Carson, Katherine McNamara, Olga Kurylenko, Sam Levinson, Elsa Zylberstein, Franco Nero, Marina Foïs, Erin Moriarty, and many others. But beyond the stars, what truly matters is the opportunity these artists have to meet students and young filmmakers. That exchange is the soul of our festival.

This year's opening days are packed with screenings, masterclasses, and conversations. How important is direct interaction between artists and audiences?

Tiziana Rocca: It is essential. Cinema has always been about sharing experiences and creating connections. During the first two days alone, audiences will have the opportunity to attend masterclasses with Chiara Francini, Katherine McNamara, Sofia Carson, Harvey Keitel, and Sam Levinson, among others. These are unique moments where young people can hear firsthand about the creative process, challenges, and opportunities in the industry.

Festivals should not simply showcase films; they should create dialogue. That dialogue often inspires future careers and helps young talents understand that their dreams are achievable.

One of the festival's defining features is its commitment to young filmmakers. Why has that remained such a priority?

Tiziana Rocca: Because the future of cinema depends on them. Since its creation, Filming Italy Sardegna has aimed to build a bridge between established professionals and younger generations. Through Academy Cinema, the "In Corto" competition, student initiatives, and masterclasses, we offer concrete opportunities for emerging talents to showcase their work both in Italy and in the United States.

We believe cinema remains a powerful educational tool. It encourages critical thinking, cultural awareness, and creativity. Supporting young artists today means investing in the future of storytelling.

The festival also places strong emphasis on women in film. Why is that still such an important mission?

Tiziana Rocca: Because representation matters. Significant progress has been made, but there is still work to do in ensuring equal opportunities and visibility for women across every area of the industry.

We continue our collaboration with Women in Film, Television & Media Italia, presenting works by emerging female directors and celebrating women through awards and dedicated events. I believe diverse perspectives enrich cinema and allow audiences to experience stories through different lenses. Supporting women means supporting a stronger and more inclusive cultural landscape.

This year's program includes major studio productions alongside independent films and television projects. Why is that balance important?

Tiziana Rocca: Because audiences deserve variety. Cinema is incredibly rich, and a festival should reflect that diversity. This year we have highly anticipated productions such as Toy Story 5, Supergirl, Mortal Kombat II, and The Life List, alongside independent films, documentaries, and Italian productions that explore very different themes and artistic approaches.

A festival should be a place where audiences can discover something unexpected while also celebrating the films they have been waiting to see. That balance helps create a truly inclusive cultural experience.

You have spent years building bridges between Italy and Hollywood through Filming Italy Los Angeles and now Filming Italy Sardegna. What makes this cultural exchange so valuable?

Tiziana Rocca: Cinema is an international language. The relationship between Italy and the United States has always been strong, and I believe there is enormous value in continuing that dialogue. Italian cinema offers extraordinary storytelling traditions, while Hollywood provides a unique global perspective and industrial strength.

By bringing these worlds together, we create opportunities for collaboration, co-productions, and creative exchange. Most importantly, we allow artists and audiences to learn from one another.

What would you like audiences to take away from this year's festival?

Tiziana Rocca: I hope they leave inspired. Inspired by the films, by the conversations, by the artists, and by the beauty of Sardinia itself. Cinema remains one of the most powerful ways to bring people together, to encourage empathy, and to imagine new possibilities.

If audiences leave with a renewed curiosity about the world and a greater appreciation for the power of storytelling, then we have achieved our goal.

Filming Italy Sardegna Festival runs from June 25–28 in Cagliari and Forte Village, featuring international stars, world premieres, educational initiatives, and more than 50 titles celebrating the best of contemporary cinema and television.