a celebration of visionaries from across the globe whose redefine perspectives and illuminate the spirit of a new generation.

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VISIONOVA FILM FESTIVAL

VISIONOVA FILM FESTIVAL

UNCOVER OUR STORY.

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Visionova was born from a belief that cinema is more than entertainment, it is a language of connection, imagination, and change. Our festival was founded to give voice to a generation of filmmakers who dare to see differently, who capture the complexity of the world through bold and original perspectives.

Each of our four annual editions explores a distinct theme, reflecting the evolving pulse of global storytelling. From intimate human portraits to experimental forms and boundary-breaking visuals, Visionova is a platform where creativity thrives and conversations begin.

Rooted in Rome’s timeless spirit yet reaching audiences worldwide, we celebrate films that challenge conventions, spark dialogue, and embody the Gen X vision — an ethos of authenticity, rebellion, and renewal.

OUR HOME: ROME.

Baroque-style church interior with an ornate ceiling mural depicting angels and clouds, tall arched windows letting in light, and classical architectural details.
 

Whilst global in scope, Visionova can only have one home — the eternal city of Rome. Celebrated not only for its cinematic legacy, but as a living crossroads of culture and history, Rome has been connecting people and ideas for millennia.

Our screenings take place at the Centro Studi Americani, housed within the Palazzo Antici Mattei, a late-Renaissance palace designed by Carlo Maderno in the early 1600s. Once home to noble families and now to institutions of art, literature, and international dialogue, the building stands as a testament to Rome’s enduring spirit of creativity and exchange.

Join us in the heart of the city, where your work will be projected just a short walk from the Roman Forum and Capitoline Hill — amidst the same streets where history, art, and innovation have converged for centuries.

Book cover with a dark red background, featuring a black-and-yellow illustration of a woman smoking, a photo of a woman with glasses, and the title in bold yellow letters that reads "Abbaiare non è soltanto una cosa da cani."
A painting of a woman with dark hair, holding a fork with a piece of meat. She is sitting at a table with a plate of breakfast foods including eggs, sausage, baked beans, and bacon. The background appears to be a kitchen with a sink and faucet. The phrase "without her." is written at the bottom of the image.
A surreal painting of a woman with long brown hair and closed eyes, holding her face in her hands, with a blue alarm clock on her head emitting yellow lightning bolts. There are distorted faces painted on her hands and face, with one blue face appearing downward. The background is dark, and scattered objects like a broken clock, a toy car, an electric fan, and splattered red paint or blood are present. Red, jagged text at the top spells 'LA CULPA'.

across FOUR editions each year, each with its own unique theme that explores a different facet of contemporary creativity.

For every edition, our curatorial team carefully selects a lineup of officially nominated films. These works are screened at our event and awards ceremony held at our venue in the heart of Rome.

Each edition awards three prizes:

  • Best Film: recognizing outstanding storytelling and artistic achievement.

  • Best Acting: honouring exceptional performance and on-screen presence.

  • Best Visual Craft: celebrating excellence in cinematography, sound design and overall visual/technical artistry.

At the end of the year, all four editions’ winners compete for the Visionova Grand Award. The overall winner receives:

The Visionova Trophy, our official annual prize; a special screening at our partner event in Cambridge, UK and the recognition as the film that most powerfully embodies the Visionova ethos – a bold, authentic expression of the Gen X creative spirit.

Editions and past winners.

  • Journeys

    Best Film:

    Best Acting:

    Best Visual Craft:

  • Changes

    Best Film:

    Best Acting:

    Best Visual Craft:

  • The Weight of Memory

    Best Film:

    Best Acting:

    Best Visual Craft:

  • New Horizons

    Best Film:

    Best Acting:

    Best Visual Craft:

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FAQs.

How are films selected for Visionova?

It all begins with a submission. Filmmakers from around the world submit their work, each film carrying a unique voice and perspective. Our curatorial team carefully reviews every entry, looking for creativity, originality, and alignment with the theme of that edition. Only the films that truly capture the Visionova spirit are officially nominated and projected at our Rome screenings.

Who can attend the screenings and award ceremonies?

If you’re a filmmaker, student, industry professional, or simply a lover of stories, our festival welcomes everyone who wants to experience cutting-edge films in a historic setting. Every officially nominated film is showcased at our venue in the heart of Rome, giving audiences a chance to connect with the filmmakers and the stories behind the work.

Can I submit a film if I’m not a professional filmmaker?

Absolutely! Visionova celebrates all kinds of voices, whether you’re an emerging creator, a student, or a seasoned filmmaker. What matters most is your vision, your story, and the way you bring it to life on screen. If it resonates, it has a place at our festival.

What makes the Visionova Grand Award special?

The Grand Award isn’t just a trophy — it’s a recognition of a film that truly embodies the spirit of Visionova. Chosen from all the edition winners throughout the year, it represents creativity, innovation, and the Gen X ethos we champion. The winner also gets a special screening in Cambridge, UK, connecting their work to an international audience and cementing its place in our festival’s story.

Do films need to follow a specific genre or style?

Not at all. Visionova thrives on diversity and experimentation. From narrative features to documentaries, shorts, or experimental pieces, every film that tells a compelling story and pushes creative boundaries has a chance to be seen. We’re looking for vision, not formulas.

Where exactly are the screenings held in Rome?

Our festival takes place at the Centro Studi Americani, inside the historic Palazzo Antici Mattei. Just a short walk from the Roman Forum and Capitoline Hill, the venue offers a stunning backdrop where history meets modern cinema — giving every screening a sense of occasion and connection to the city’s rich cultural fabric.