Thursday, October 12, 2006

Cruising the Cinemafest Circuit

By Erin Kuschner

You’ve seen the signs everywhere: "Cinemafest di Roma, 2006". Just like the rest of Rome, you want in on the action. Yet between the movies, exhibitions and after-parties, how do you know which events are worth your time?

This concise, two-day guide will have you experiencing the Rome Cinemafest like a true movie buff.

Saturday, Oct. 14:

Opening weekend will be packed, so plan on getting to the Auditorium early. “The first days are very crowded,” says Roxana Rahimi, a Cinemafest official. “It is important to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance, even if you already have a ticket.”

Kick off the festival with a viewing of “The War Tapes” at 4 p.m. in the Metropolitan 1 theater. This 2006 documentary is the first war movie entirely filmed by soldiers, and captures the solidarity and terror of troops fighting in Iraq. Afterwards, check out the art exhibition next to the Auditorium’s bookstore, featuring works of art photography and photojournalism. Make it back in time to see “Finding Forrester” at 6:30 p.m. in the Metropolitan 3 theater. Starring Sean Connery and Rob Brown, this drama details the friendship between a writing prodigy and an isolated author. Grab a bite to eat at the Auditorium restaurant, and then it’s off to party like the stars! A quick cab ride away is Art Café, a chic club with great music that will have you feeling like an A-list celebrity.

Sunday, Oct. 15:

Start your afternoon at Villa Borghese, only a 30-minute walk from the Auditorium. A beautiful oasis in this busy city, the Borghese parks are a great way to get some fresh air before making your way to the cinema. Today’s highlight is a 7 p.m. showing of “The Departed”. Located in the Santa Cecilia theater, this 2006 film by Martin Scorsese is a thrilling drama about a rivalry between the Massachusetts police force and an Irish-American gang. By now it should be time to grab a late Italian dinner. Piazza Euclide, a 15 minute walk down Via Guidubaldo del Monte, boasts a number of low-key restaurants. To end the night on an Oscar-worthy note, try “Euclide” bar/restaurant across from S. Cuore Immacolato Church.

It is impossible to fit a week’s worth of festivities into 48 hours, but with this guide you’ll be sure to make the most of RomeFilmFest. After a weekend full of great movies, culture, and food, there is only one thing left to say – “That’s a wrap!”

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