50 Days of Cinema in Florence 2025
Starting October 7, nine international festivals are scheduled, featuring films, talks, performances, conferences, and exhibitions
From October 7 to December 11, Florence reaffirms itself as an international stage for the big screen with the new edition of 50 Giorni di Cinema, the showcase that brings together nine festivals in a single, citywide program. The heart of the event will once again be Cinema La Compagnia, but screenings and initiatives will also take place in other cultural venues across the city. Conceived and coordinated by the Cinema Area of Fondazione Sistema Toscana, the showcase is made possible thanks to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Florence, the Tuscany Region, Fondazione CR Firenze, and the Florence Chamber of Commerce.
The program features nine international festivals whose cultural offerings open a window onto the world - its artistic, political, and social issues. They tell stories of human experiences that are distant yet remarkably close; they introduce audiences to different peoples and traditions; and they present premieres ranging from documentaries to short films to feature-length works, all in the name of promoting film culture and art.
A Sad and Beautiful World by Cyril ArisThe international festivals of the 50 Days of Cinema in Florence
Middle East Now - Film and contemporary culture festival on the Middle East (October 7–12)
Middle East Now 2025, the opening festival of “50 Giorni di Cinema a Firenze”, dedicates its 16th edition to the theme Radical Imagination, inviting audiences to envision new perspectives beyond wars and injustices. The festival will open with Yalla Parkour by Areeb Zuaiter, which portrays Gaza before the conflict through the story of a group of young people. The program features 35 film premieres, spanning from Morocco to Afghanistan, with a special focus on Palestine and Lebanon. Highlights include A Sad and Beautiful World by Cyril Aris, winner of the Audience Award at Venice’s Giornate degli Autori, and Kabul Between Prayers by Aboozar Amini. Alongside the screenings, the festival will host exhibitions, talks, and cultural events: from a solo show by Lebanese photographer Tanya Traboulsi (Beirut, Recurring Dream) to a food event with Palestinian chef Sami Tamimi, who will present his new book Boustany at the Cordon Bleu School.
FánHuā Chinese Film Festival (October 15–19)
The FánHuā Chinese Film Festival, now in its 5th edition, opens a window onto China, past and present, between tradition and modernity. The program offers a journey through the country’s rich cultural heritage, featuring classics by great masters, works by established directors, and new talents emerging from international festivals. The lineup also includes popular and entertaining titles, including animation—much loved by both adults and children.
Festival of Cinema and Women (October 22–26)
The 46th edition of the Festival of Cinema and Women (October 22–26, Cinema La Compagnia) opens with a tribute to Elvira Notari on the 150th anniversary of her birth. Returning this year is Cinema, the Other Story by Piera Detassis, dedicated to Ida Lupino, a pioneer of women’s cinema. The festival also continues with The Assembly, created with Jasmine Trinca, a space for dialogue and exchange among women professionals in the field. New for 2025 is the collaboration with the Gaza International Festival for Women’s Cinema, aimed at building a global network of female filmmakers.
France Odeon (October 30 – November 2, with a preview opening on October 29)
The France Odeon French Film Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary from October 30 to November 2, 2025 (with a pre-opening on October 29), at Cinema La Compagnia and the Institut Français Firenze, as part of the “50 Giorni di Cinema a Firenze” showcase. The program features films from Cannes, Venice, and exclusive premieres, along with book presentations, meetings with leading figures of French cinema, and the traditional Italy–France Conference. The pre-opening will mark the 130th anniversary of cinema with two documentaries: Louis Malle, le révolté by Claire Duguet, and Charles Pathé et Léon Gaumont, premiers géants du cinéma by Emmanuelle Nobécourt and Gaëlle Royer.
Festival dei Popoli. International Documentary Film Festival (November 3-9)
The Festival dei Popoli, Italy’s most important documentary film festival and the oldest in Europe, returns to Florence for its 66th edition from November 3 to 9 at Cinema La Compagnia. A special preview will take place on November 1 and 2 at PARC with Popoli for Kids and Teens, dedicated to young audiences and families. The program ranges from the creative waves of Florence’s 1980s new wave to today’s global issues: crises, wars, refugees, civil dissent, and the future of new generations. Alongside the international and Italian competitions, the festival will once again feature sections such as Let the Music Play (music), Habitat (environment and human rights), and the much-anticipated Doc Highlights.
A strong focus will be given to women in cinema, with:
a tribute to Sarah Maldoror, pioneer of African cinema, with 12 films presented by her daughter Annouchka de Andrade;
a spotlight on Marie Losier, known for her rock and underground portraits, who will attend the festival;
the return of the collective Feminist Frames, with screenings and workshops on inclusivity and gender discrimination.
New for 2025 is the expansion of the Future Campus, which will engage students and young European professionals in an intensive week of training and networking.
Lo Schermo dell’Arte. Film and contemporary art festival (November 12–16)
The 18th edition of Lo Schermo dell’Arte, the festival dedicated to cinema and contemporary art, returns to the “50 Giorni di Cinema a Firenze” with a selection of artist films and documentaries on contemporary art.
Opening Night: a live documentary by Mila Turajlic, specially produced for the festival.
Focus 2025: dedicated to Moroccan artist Randa Maroufi.
Exhibition at the Strozzina (Palazzo Strozzi): virtual reality works by Valentina Furian and Claudia Losi.
Italian premieres: films by Sammy Baloji, Khalil Joseph, Radu Jude, and a documentary by Matteo Frittelli on Massimo Bartolini’s project for the Italian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.
VISIO – European Programme on Artists’ Moving Images (14th edition): 8 artists under 35 selected from 156 applications across 54 countries.
VISIO Production Fund: screenings of new works by Valentin Noujaïm and Peng Zuqiang.
Florence Queer Festival (November 26–30)
Now in its 23rd edition, the Florence Queer Festival is dedicated to queer stories and culture. The program features international films, short films, talks, and masterclasses, with the aim of challenging stereotypes and showcasing the artistic and personal experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. The festival serves as a meeting point and space for dialogue, welcoming a diverse audience and fostering greater awareness among spectators.
River to River Florence Indian Film Festival (December 5–10)
From December 5 to 10 at Cinema La Compagnia in Florence, the festival presents a selection of the best Indian films, with the participation of directors and actors. To celebrate the anniversary, a special section dedicated to The River will feature films and documentaries by Indian, Italian, and international filmmakers. The program also includes side events such as photography exhibitions, cooking shows, and morning talks.
N.I.C.E Festival (December 11)
The winter edition dedicated to new Italian cinema, marking the annual conclusion of the activities of the N.I.C.E. association, which has been promoting Italian cinema worldwide for over 30 years.
