Last year, Tiziana Rocca, a notable figure in Italian marketing, resumed her role as artistic director of Italy’s Taormina Film Festival. She returned to the position eight years after stepping down due to political conflicts, following a successful five-year leadership. Known for her strong connections to Hollywood, Rocca revitalized the festival’s competitive segments and attracted renowned figures like Martin Scorsese to speak during her comeback year.
This year’s festival promises to be equally glamorous, featuring stars such as Helen Mirren, Russell Crowe, Clive Owen, Jane Campion, and Scott Eastwood, who are expected to visit the Sicilian town next week. In a conversation with Variety during the event’s preparations, Rocca expressed her aim to create a festival that “feels like it is for everybody.”
“Our incredible Greek theater, steeped in history, serves as a breathtaking venue for 6,000 people,” she remarks about the festival’s location, an impressive auditorium carved into a hillside above the Ionian Sea. “To fill this theater, we must ensure that the program is widely appealing. This year, we feature films from around the globe and aim to have many young people attending each evening. The festival’s energy is crucial.”
This year’s festival highlights include HBO’s “House of the Dragon,” which will open the festival, and the world premiere of Derrick Borte’s “Bear Country,” starring Crowe. The competitive section will feature standouts from Berlin like Gore Verbinski’s “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die,” Ashley Walters’ “Animol,” and Mahnaz Mohammadi’s “Roya,” alongside recent Cannes sensations such as Rafiki Fariala’s “Congo Boy.”
“When the theater is full and people are sharing an experience, it’s very emotional,” Rocca notes. One of her main goals is to keep ticket prices affordable so local families can attend. “I respect the public and the city, and I understand the sacrifices people make to come to the festival. I want everyone to feel they can be part of it.”
Providing opportunities for interaction with Italian and international talent is another focus for Rocca, who finds joy in facilitating learning experiences for aspiring filmmakers and young students.
“I always encourage actors and directors to visit Taormina and be generous on the red carpet,” she continues. “I advise them to take photos and sign autographs. Last year, Martin Scorsese was scheduled for a 30-minute masterclass but engaged with our students for an hour and a half. He generously advised them, ‘Don’t lose hope, follow your dreams.'”
Rocca acknowledges the “difficult times” young filmmakers face, with a prevailing “loss of hope” in an industry that seems perpetually on the brink of crisis. “Young people in film have lost some hope. It’s important for students to hear from those who succeeded and learn that their beginnings were also challenging.”
Rocca emphasizes her vision of Taormina as a “human festival.” “I don’t like artificial intelligence. It can’t replace anyone. It only copies; it doesn’t create. That’s why it’s essential to have a human touch at the festival, where people engage in real conversations. I advise students to disconnect from social media and keep their phones away during the festival.”
Regarding the festival’s opening with the Italian premiere of HBO’s “House of the Dragon” Season 3, Rocca believes it’s “natural” to feature series at the event. “When HBO suggested screening the series, I knew we were the right venue. Our beautiful theater is ideal for spectacular events, and ‘House of the Dragon’ fits that description.” Attendees for the opening night gala at Taormina’s Greek amphitheater will include Steve Toussaint, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, and Phoebe Campbell.
On the industry side, Rocca describes Taormina as a hub for interaction. “I want the festival to be a platform for people to meet and discuss creativity,” she explains. “These connections often lead to collaborations. We are a festival cherished by the public and the industry alike, offering a space for everyone. It’s a genuine inclusive festival.”
Finally, Rocca highlights the festival’s importance to the local economy: “The festival is crucial not only for the industry but also for the region, as it attracts numerous tourists. During the festival, everything is fully booked—no hotel rooms, packed restaurants—it’s an event of significant economic impact.”
