ROME INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL XXIII EDITIONRIFF AWARDS
With the announcement of the winners, the 23rd edition of the RIFF – Rome Independent Film Festival, directed by Fabrizio Ferrari, comes to a close. Held at the Nuovo Cinema Aquila in Rome from November 13 to 22, the festival featured over 80 works, many premiering for the first time in Italy, Europe, or worldwide. These works were divided into 13 national and international sections, showcasing first and second feature films, documentaries, short films, experimental films, animations, scripts, and screenplays noted for their originality and innovation in content and technique.
Winners of the 23rd Edition Announced
"Tre regole infallibili" by Marco Gianfreda
Best Italian Feature Film"Salli" by Lien Chien Hung
Best International Feature Film"Non chiudete quella porta" by Francesco Banesta & Matteo Vicentini Orgnani
Best Italian Documentary"After the Odyssey" by Helen Doyle
Best International DocumentaryRai Cinema Channel Award for Best Italian Short Film
"Sommersi" by Gian Marco Pezzoli"Un lavoretto facile facile" by Giovanni Boscolo
Best Italian Short Film"Transformation" by Marcel Barsotti
Best International Short Film"Better so" by Jaakko Ylitalo
Best Student Short Film"The Strange Case of the Human Cannonball" by Roberto Valencia
Best Animated Short Film
An overview of the logos and catalogs for RIFF 2024, designed by Nerina Fernández, showcasing a blend of creativity and innovation that perfectly embodies the spirit of the festival. Photo by Raimondo Rossi.
Jury and Awards
The jury included Cristian Casella, media and communication expert; Sophie Chiarello, Franco-Italian director; producer and production inspector Sonia Cilia; director, playwright, and actor Pietro De Silva; Delegate Producer Emma Esposito; VFX supervisor Francesco Grisi; production supervisor Carolina Iorio; journalists Antonia Matarrese and Miriam Mauti; Executive Producer Andrea Passalacqua; and VFX expert Nicola Sganga. They awarded the following:
Feature Film - Best Italian Feature Film:
"Tre regole infallibili" by Marco Gianfreda:
“For its delicate depiction of the fragility and enigma of love. It explores the experience of a teenager discovering first love without parental guidance, alongside a mother learning to embrace an unknown emotion. Together, they navigate the complexities of relationships, both sentimental and familial, highlighting their fragility and strength. Nature offers a liberating beauty, a refuge where they can 'pretend not to be poor.’”
Marco Gianfreda
Feature Film - Best International Feature Film:
"Salli" by Lien Chien Hung:
“For its portrayal of a woman's discovery of her identity and place in the world, offering a fresh perspective on Taiwanese society's rural traditions disrupted by modern technology. A reflection on love and cultural exchange, Salli returns with newfound self-awareness.”
National Documentary - Best Italian Documentary:
"Non chiudete quella porta" by Francesco Banesta & Matteo Vicentini Orgnani:
“A portrait of eternal faces and a universal reflection on societal change. Featuring Rome's Porta Portese, the film advocates for preserving cultural treasures like this iconic marketplace.”
"Non chiudete quella porta" by Francesco Banesta & Matteo Vicentini Orgnani
Special Mention for National Documentary:
"Renzo Chiesa, Chiesa Renzo" by Paolo Boriani:
“For its elegant aesthetic and intimate storytelling, intertwining photography and an evolving Italy.”
School students eagerly wait to enter the screening of a film or a conference at the new Cinema L’Aquila. Photo by Raimondo Rossi.
International Documentary - Best International Documentary:
"After the Odyssey" by Helen Doyle:
“Featuring diverse women’s perspectives, the film provides a poetic yet raw exploration of tragic realities.”
Special Mention for International Documentary:
"Memories of a Burning Body" by Antonella Sudasassi Furniss:
“Winner of the Berlin Audience Award, this hybrid of documentary and fiction conveys female experiences across generations, addressing taboos with insight and emotion.”
Special LGBTQIA+ Awards:
Two awards, assigned by Mario Colamarino and Giordano Serratore, went to:
Short Film: "Made of Love" by Clèmence Dirmeikis
Feature Film: "Underground Orange" by Michael Taylor Jackson
Rai Cinema Channel Award - Best Italian Short Film:
"Sommersi" by Gian Marco Pezzoli:
“A powerful story of innocence lost in an instant, skillfully delivered by its young protagonists.” The award includes a €3,000 contract for web and TV rights.
Best Italian Short Film:
"Un lavoretto facile facile" by Giovanni Boscolo:
“A refreshing comedy with clear character dynamics, evolving relationships, and a surprising twist.”
One of the RIFF halls opens up and begins preparing for a film screening. Photo by Raimondo Rossi.
Special Mention for Italian Shorts:
"L’ultimo sogno" by Davide Maria Marucci:
“A socially impactful, emotionally resonant film addressing class struggle and generational conflict.”
Best International Short Film:
"Transformation" by Marcel Barsotti:
“A visionary masterpiece with innovative storytelling and design, challenging traditional norms.”
"Transformation" by Marcel Barsotti
Special Mention for International Shorts:
"6.21" by Sergei Ramz:
“A compelling, rhythmically intense narrative with a striking architectural setting.”
Best Animated Short Film:
"The Strange Case of the Human Cannonball" by Roberto Valencia:
“An engaging animation with exceptional scriptwriting, direction, and technical execution.”
Best Student Short Film:
"Better so" by Jaakko Ylitalo:
“A poignant narrative of loss and self-discovery with a bittersweet resolution.”
Best Feature Film Screenplay:
"All’ombra del suo corpo" by Marco Minicangeli:
“An intense narrative blending crime and societal marginalization.”
Best Short Film Screenplay:
"Oh boi!" by Sara Mancini:
“A lighthearted exploration of adolescent fantasies and self-discovery.”
Best Feature Film Subject:
"Il burattinaio" by Laura Nuti:
“A thrilling story intertwined with subtle horror elements, examining societal perversions.”
The festival, curated by the Cultural Association RIFF, was supported by the Ministry of Culture and the Lazio Region, with contributions from Rome Capital and other partners.
