Tiziana Rocca: “This year's competition tells the story of the world through great stories”

Now in its 72nd year, the Taormina Film Festival has a new director, Tiziana Rocca. Since last year, under Tiziana Rocca's direction, it has reintroduced the film competition. We interviewed Rocca, who told us what drew her to the selection of films.

As artistic director of the Taormina Film Festival, what do you expect from the movies in competition, what is the cinematic essence you would like to see recognized for such a prestigious and historic setting as that of the Taormina Film Festival?

Tiziana Rocca. I wanted to reintroduce the competition last year, because it is important to give opportunities to movies that know how to tell reality in a new way, to enjoy a stage like this.

“La Calle Pura” brings an intense and authentic reality to the big screen. Why did you want to include it in the official selection?

Tiziana Rocca. Because it tells a universal story through a very specific context. Alfredo Chiarappa demonstrates great sensitivity in describing characters and social dynamics, offering the audience a sincere and engaging cinematic experience.

Gropiusstadt Supernova — Directed by Ben Voit comes from Germany: it addresses very strong generational and social themes. What is its strong point?

Tiziana Rocca. Its authenticity. Ben Voit manages to tell the world of young people with a direct and never banal gaze. It is a movie that speaks of identity, belonging and change, themes that resonate internationally.

“Erica” represents the horror-thriller genre within the competition. What convinced you about Taro Miyaoka’s proposal?

Tiziana Rocca. It is not only a genre movie. “Erica” uses suspense and tension to explore very deep psychological aspects. It is an elegant, disturbing and visually fascinating work, which testifies to the vitality of contemporary Japanese cinema.

“The Leader” arrives in Taormina accompanied by director Michael J. Gallagher and Tim Blake Nelson. What can the audience expect?

Tiziana Rocca. An intelligent and gripping thriller. The movie addresses the theme of leadership and power with great narrative tension. Moreover, the presence of artists like Tim Blake Nelson and Michael J. Gallagher represents an important opportunity for dialogue with the festival audience.

“Piccolo miracolo” brings to competition two much-loved performers like Marco D’Amore and Greta Scarano. What are the elements that won you over?

Tiziana Rocca. Guido Chiesa signs a delicate and deeply moving tale. The movie speaks of hope, relationships and rebirth with great sensitivity. The performances of Marco D’Amore and Greta Scarano contribute to giving strength and authenticity to a story that will touch the hearts of spectators.

Iranian cinema continues to distinguish itself in major international festivals. What does “Roya” represent for this edition?

Tiziana Rocca. “Roya” is a movie of great emotional intensity. Director Mahnaz Mohammadi addresses universal themes such as freedom, dignity and hope with a deeply human gaze. It is a work that leaves its mark and enriches the cultural profile of the festival.

“Animol”, the first of the movies in competition addresses very current themes through an original auteur gaze. What struck you most about this movie?

Tiziana Rocca. I was struck by Ashley Walters’ ability to tell a deeply human story with a contemporary and engaging language. It is a work that invites reflection without renouncing emotion and perfectly represents the international spirit of our competition.

Having an established director like Gore Verbinski in competition with Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die is certainly an added value. What makes this movie special?

Tiziana Rocca. Verbinski demonstrates once again his extraordinary ability to mix spectacle and content. It is a movie that surprises, entertains and at the same time poses important questions about our present and the future that awaits us.