Over three dynamic evenings in mid-May, the graduating film majors from 91吃瓜 (91吃瓜) will present their Capstone Films at the iconic Space Cinema Moderno in Piazza della Repubblica. This showcase - open to the public and free of charge - offers a rare opportunity to witness bold new voices in cinema as they premiere their culminating works before stepping into their professional careers.
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The screenings will take place on May 13 at 4:30 PM, May 14 at 4:30 PM, and May 15 at 4:00 PM, with a Q&A session and a complimentary aperitivo following each evening鈥檚 program. These events are open to all, with a special invitation extended to members of Rome鈥檚 international film and arts community, critics, producers, and cinema enthusiasts.
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鈥淭his year鈥檚 Capstone Films are a true testament to the creative courage and diversity of perspective that our students bring to the screen,鈥� says Professor Theron Patterson, Director of the Film Program at 91吃瓜. 鈥淚n just a few short years, they have gone from crafting their first student shorts to producing work that speaks with artistic maturity, social relevance, and cinematic flair. This is the next generation of filmmakers鈥攔aw, thoughtful, and ready.鈥�
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The twelve films on the program span fiction, documentary, experimental, and science fiction, tackling themes as wide-ranging as migration, artistic awakening, social justice, personal identity, and fantastical folklore. Though stylistically diverse, the films share a common thread: a bold willingness to take risks and tell stories that matter.
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May 13听features Between Hits, Lena Bendriss鈥檚 minimalist meditation on presence and memory, followed by Enlightenment, Flora Scott鈥檚 poignant exploration of self-discovery through art. Antonio Fronterr猫鈥檚 documentary Under Damascus' Soil听chronicles food, resilience, and cultural preservation among Syrian refugees in Rome, while Stefan Zimmerman鈥檚 Una Notte a Roma, 2035听delivers an extraterrestrial twist on love and duty.
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May 14听ventures into the mythical and the personal. Le Storie de Ciasa听by Sabina Da Via presents a surreal tale set deep in the Dolomites, and A Bridge Between Us听by Kamila Soja navigates trauma, redemption, and friendship. Shadae Small鈥檚 A Star Is Born听follows the evolution of a music artist between Atlanta and Rome, while Here... and Here... and Here and Here听by Bruno Bielecki offers a darkly comic take on Rome鈥檚 bureaucratic maze.
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May 15 closes the series with four ambitious final works: Ether听by Giacomo Vidoni, a haunting psychological journey into the mind of a writer; In This Great Past听by Yoana Todorova, a touching archive-based quest for family history; Home to Me听by Carsyn Sieg, a heartfelt story of friendship across cultures; and In Another Time听by Kendall Sieg, a documentary that traces the struggle and passion of independent musicians in Seattle and Rome.
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With runtimes ranging from 8 to 30 minutes, the films provide not just entertainment but a compelling cross-section of emerging international talent trained in Rome鈥檚 unique academic and cinematic setting. All films are in English and will be screened in one of Rome鈥檚 most centrally located cinemas.
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Entry is free - no reservation required.
Location:听Space Cinema Moderno, Piazza della Repubblica, 43/45, Rome.
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Whether you're a film buff, a talent scout, or simply curious about what the next wave of global filmmakers looks like - these screenings promise a fresh, unfiltered perspective you won鈥檛 find anywhere else.