The enchanting city of Rome recently played host to the XXII edition of the Rome Independent Film Festival (RIFF Awards), a celebration of independent cinema that showcased 80 outstanding works in documentaries, feature films, and shorts. With premieres from around the globe, the festival, directed by the visionary Fabrizio Ferrari, highlighted the diversity and brilliance of contemporary independent filmmaking.

The esteemed jury, comprising actors Manuela Mandracchia, Ruben Maria Soriquez, and Antonio Folletto, alongside assistant director Alberto Mangiante, Luca Mezzaroma, Executive Producer of Lotus Production, Massimo di Rocco, producer of Bartlebyfilm, casting director Davide Zurolo, Viba Diba, architect and Product Manager, and Pegah Moshir Pour, Social Media Marketing, had the challenging task of evaluating the entries.

And the Winners Are...

The following are reflections and comments from the esteemed jury of the Rome Independent Film Festival (RIFF) Awards 2023. These insights, provided by industry professionals offer a unique perspective on the winning films showcased at the XXII edition of RIFF.

Best Italian Feature Film: "Ciurè" by Giampiero Pumo

"Ciurè" earned the title of Best Italian Feature Film, praised for its delicate and courageous storytelling. Giampiero Pumo, serving both as director and lead actor, skillfully crafted an independent film with the sophistication of a refined production. The movie weaves together two distant worlds, creating a fairy tale in reverse. Adding to its accolades, "Ciurè" was also honored with the "Mario Mieli" Special Award for the best LGBTQIA+ work. The film's nuanced approach to themes dear to the LGBTQ+ community, such as identity, gender expression, and non-traditional family structures, was lauded. The depth of character portrayal, avoiding stereotypes, and the remarkable artistic quality contributed to the emotional and compelling narrative.

 Best International Feature Film: "White Paradise" by Guillaume Renusson

Guillaume Renusson's "White Paradise" secured the Best International Feature Film award for its ability to evoke emotion within a familiar narrative framework. Despite exploring themes previously examined in other works, the film fearlessly captivated audiences with its skillful direction and a cast that delivered a poignant performance.

Best Italian Documentary: "Dino's Dark Room" by Corrado Rizza

"Dino's Dark Room" by Corrado Rizza won the Best Italian Documentary award, offering a touching and intriguing portrayal of Dino Pedriali's life and work. The film resonates not only for its firsthand accounts from those who knew or collaborated with Pedriali but also for its inevitable connection to the legacy of Pasolini.

Best International Documentary: "Light Falls Vertical" by Efthymia Zymvragaki

"Light Falls Vertical" received the Best International Documentary award, addressing the compelling theme of family violence. The film's choice to juxtapose two different yet interconnected experiences of anguish was commended. The director's commitment to a pure verismo style, creating a disconnected and painful visual experience, added depth to the narrative.

Best Italian Short Film: "Polvere" by Paolo Carboni

"Polvere" earned the title of Best Italian Short Film, skillfully narrating the 185 days of Aldo Scardella's wrongful imprisonment and tragic suicide. The film masterfully captured the historical period through its cinematography, set design, and costumes, delivering a powerful depiction of a forgotten piece of reality. Adding to its triumphs, "Polvere" also clinched the Rai Cinema Channel Award, valued at €3,000. This prestigious award includes the acquisition of web and free TV rights for the short film by Rai Cinema Channel.

 Best International Short Film: "Gift" by Xiaotong Jiang

The Best International Short Film award went to "Gift" by Xiaotong Jiang (China). The film's notable direction, writing, and performances endeared audiences to the characters, leaving them eager to discover what would unfold next. Throughout the entire short film, viewers felt like passengers in the back seat of that car, engaged and anticipating each twist in the narrative.

Best Animated Short Film: "Odd One Out" by Micky Wozny

"Odd One Out" by Micky Wozny (UK) was crowned the Best Animated Short Film. The film's simplicity in animation effectively conveyed the important message of not being afraid to be free and true to oneself, consistently eliciting smiles from its audience.

Best Short for Film Schools to Immortel.Le by Éléonore Bürki (Switzerland).

 Special Mentions and Recognitions

The festival also recognized outstanding contributions with special mentions:

 Ma·tri·mò·nio by Gaia Siria Meloni, acknowledging the profound bond between mother and daughter.

 Planet B by Pieter Van Ecke (Belgium), highlighting the active involvement of the new generation in environmental issues.

For Italian shorts, a special mention went to Ultraveloci by Davide Morando and Paolo Bonfadini.

Screenplays and Pitch Day Winners

In addition to film awards, the festival honored exceptional screenplays:

Cold Summer by Christian Pendered Zur received the Best Screenplay for a Feature Film.

L'ultimo reporter by Michele D'Anca won the Best Screenplay for a Short Film.

Aurora non dorme la notte by Virginia Bellizzi was recognized as the Best Subject for a Feature Film.

The FilmAmo Awards at the XXII Rome Independent Film Festival celebrated exceptional films, with "Planet B" by Pieter Van Ecke earning Best Documentary for its unique exploration of activism and environmental themes. Meanwhile, the Best Feature Film title went to "Tales of Babylon" by Pelayo de Lario, a self-ironic journey through London's criminal scene. These awards underscore the festival's commitment to recognizing and honoring diverse, thought-provoking narratives.

The Rome Independent Film Festival, organized by the Cultural Association RIFF, received support and patronage from the General Directorate of Cinema - Ministry of Culture and the Department of Culture, Youth Policies, and Family of the Lazio Region. The project, promoted by Roma Capitale - Department of Culture, is the winner of the biennial public notice "Culture in Motion 2023 - 2024," curated by the Department of Cultural Activities and realized in collaboration with SIAE.

The XXII RIFF Awards stand as a testament to the creativity, diversity, and innovation thriving in the world of independent cinema. As these exceptional filmmakers continue to push boundaries, we eagerly anticipate the future of storytelling through their lens.

For more information about the Rome Independent Film Festival and other noteworthy events, stay tuned to Milan Weekly Magazine at www.milanweekly.com.

Photos of the night by Alptekin Top

Film stills provided by RIFF Awards.