Torino Film Festival 2025 – Italy

Background and History

The Torino Film Festival (TFF), established in 1982 as the International Youth Film Festival by film critic Gianni Rondolino and Ansano Giannarelli, is Italy’s second-largest film festival, renowned for its focus on independent and innovative cinema. Held in Turin, a cinematic hub, the 43rd edition in 2025 continues its legacy of championing emerging filmmakers, first and second works, documentaries, and experimental films. Directed by Giulio Base, the festival has a rich history of showcasing talents like Jane Campion, Pablo Larraín, and Paolo Sorrentino, alongside retrospectives honoring auteurs such as John Carpenter, Wim Wenders, and, in 2025, Paul Newman. Organized by the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, TFF combines critical inquiry with audience engagement, fostering a vibrant community of filmmakers and cinephiles.

Event Highlights

The 43rd Torino Film Festival, running from November 21 to November 29, 2025, offers a diverse program across competitive and non-competitive sections, hosted by Laura Chiatti for the opening and closing ceremonies. Key highlights include:

• Competitive Sections:
  • International Feature Films Competition: Showcases films completed after September 1, 2024, with world or international premieres. Awards include Best Film (€18,000), Special Jury Award (€7,000), Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Screenplay.
  • International Documentaries Competition: Features documentaries (minimum 52 minutes) with prizes of €10,000 (Best Film) and a Special Jury Award.
  • International Short Films Competition: Includes shorts (up to 30 minutes) with awards of €2,000 (Best Film) and a Special Jury Award.
• Non-Competitive Sections:
  • Out-of-Competition: Highlights major films of 2025.
  • Zibaldone: A free-form section with diverse titles, no restrictions on format or duration.
  • Special Screenings (Retrospective): A tribute to Paul Newman, featuring his iconic films and the festival’s official poster.
• Masterclasses and Events: Free masterclasses with filmmakers and industry professionals, subject to availability. Special events include discussions and screenings at venues like Cinema Massimo.
• Cultural Focus: Emphasis on emerging cinemas, young filmmakers, and stylistic innovation, with a commitment to gender equality via the 5050×2020 Initiative.

Dates and Duration

• Dates: November 21 – November 29, 2025
• Duration: 9 days

Venues and Locations

The festival takes place across Turin’s cinematic venues, centered around the historic Mole Antonelliana, home of the Museo Nazionale del Cinema:

• Multisala Cinema Massimo: Via Giuseppe Verdi, 18, 10124 Torino TO, Italy. Main festival hub for screenings and ticket sales.
• Multisala Greenwich Village: Via Po, 30, 10124 Torino TO, Italy. Additional screening venue.
• Cinema Romano: Piazza Castello, 10122 Torino TO, Italy. Hosts screenings and ticket sales.
• Museo Nazionale del Cinema: Via Montebello, 20, 10124 Torino TO, Italy. Offers discounted access for ticket holders and hosts special events.

Contact Information

• Address: Museo Nazionale del Cinema, Via Cagliari, 34/c, 10153 Torino TO, Italy
• Phone: +39 011 8138811
• Email: info.tff@museocinema.it (general inquiries), programmazione.tff@museocinema.it (film submissions)
• Website: www.torinofilmfest.org
• President: Carlo Chatrian
• Artistic Director: Giulio Base
• Tourist Info: www.turismotorino.org

Ticket Information

• Pricing:
  • Full Ticket: €7.50 (~$8.25)
  • Reduced Ticket: €5.50 (~$6.05). Available for Aiace Card holders, Abbonamento Musei Torino Piemonte, Torino+Piemonte Card holders, Teatro Regio ticket/pass holders, under 26, and over 65.
  • 5-Ticket Carnet: €27.50 (~$30.25)
  • 10-Ticket Carnet: €55.00 (~$60.50)
  • Online Transaction Fee: €0.50 (~$0.55) per ticket
• How to Purchase:
  • Online: Available from November 10, 2025, via www.torinofilmfest.org, up to 30 minutes before screenings.
  • In-Person: From November 17, 2025, at Multisala Cinema Massimo, Multisala Greenwich Village, and Cinema Romano (hours vary, typically 10 AM–8 PM). Reduced tickets require qualifying documentation in person.
  • Remaining Tickets: Available 45 minutes before screenings at venue box offices, subject to availability.
• Discounts and Special Offers:
  • Reduced pricing for eligible groups (listed above) at physical box offices.
  • Ticket or carnet holders receive discounted admission to the Museo Nazionale del Cinema during and after the festival.
  • Accessibility accommodations, including complimentary tickets for wheelchair users, are available upon request (contact info.tff@museocinema.it).
• Masterclasses: Free, subject to availability, no ticket required.
• Note: Programs and venues may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Check www.torinofilmfest.org for updates.

Cultural Experience

The Torino Film Festival is a cinematic celebration rooted in Turin’s vibrant cultural scene, blending independent filmmaking with critical exploration. The 2025 retrospective honoring Paul Newman showcases his legendary career, while competitive sections highlight bold new voices in global cinema. Screenings in historic venues like Cinema Massimo, coupled with masterclasses and filmmaker discussions, create an intimate, intellectual atmosphere. The festival’s commitment to diversity and innovation, supported by the 5050×2020 Initiative, ensures a rich, inclusive experience for cinephiles and professionals alike.

Food and Drinks

Turin’s culinary scene enhances the festival experience with Piedmontese flavors:

• Vitello Tonnato: Veal with tuna-flavored sauce (~$13.20). Try at Ristorante Consorzio (Via Monte di Pietà, 23, 10122 Torino TO).
• Agnolotti del Plin: Small meat-filled ravioli (~$11). Available at Trattoria Valenza (Via Borgo Dora, 39, 10152 Torino TO).
• Bagna Cauda: Warm anchovy-garlic dip with vegetables (~$8.80). Served at Osteria Antiche Sere (Via Cenischia, 9, 10139 Torino TO).
• Bicerin: Layered coffee, chocolate, and cream drink (~$6.60). Enjoy at Caffè Al Bicerin (Piazza della Consolata, 5, 10122 Torino TO).
• Piedmont Wines: Barolo or Barbera (~$5.50–$11/glass). Available at many restaurants near Cinema Massimo, like Enoteca Bordò (Via Giuseppe Luigi Lagrange, 29, 10123 Torino TO).

Family and Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: While primarily aimed at cinephiles, the festival offers free masterclasses suitable for older children and teens interested in film. Specific family programming is limited, but the nearby Museo Nazionale del Cinema provides interactive exhibits for all ages (discounted with festival tickets).
• Accessibility: Venues like Multisala Cinema Massimo are wheelchair-accessible. Complimentary tickets for wheelchair users and accommodations can be arranged by emailing info.tff@museocinema.it. Contact early to ensure availability.

Getting There

• By Air: Turin-Caselle Airport (TRN, 16 km, ~$27.50 taxi or $7.70 bus to Torino Porta Nuova).
• By Train: Torino Porta Nuova, served by Trenitalia, is 10–15 minutes from venues ($5.50 taxi or 15-minute walk to Cinema Massimo). High-speed trains from Milan (~1 hr, $16.50) or Rome (~4 hr, $55) connect to Turin.
• By Car: A4/A21 Motorway to Torino. Park near Piazza Castello (~$2.20–$5.50/day). Turin’s center is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), so check restrictions.
• On Foot: Venues are within a 10–20-minute walk from Torino Porta Nuova or Piazza Castello, making Turin highly walkable.

Program Overview

The festival’s 2025 program, while not fully announced, includes:

• Competitive Screenings: International Feature Films, Documentaries, and Short Films, showcasing world or international premieres (films completed after September 1, 2024). Up to four screenings per film.
• Retrospective: A tribute to Paul Newman, featuring his iconic films, curated to celebrate his cinematic legacy.
• Non-Competitive Sections: Out-of-Competition and Zibaldone present diverse, innovative films, with no restrictions on format or premiere status.
• Masterclasses and Talks: Free sessions with filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals, held at venues like Cinema Massimo.
• Awards Ceremony: Announced on November 29, 2025, with juries awarding prizes in competitive sections.
• Film Submissions: Open from March 6 to September 5, 2025, via FilmFreeway (fees: €15 for shorts, €20 for documentaries, €30 for features).

Notable Features

• Paul Newman Retrospective: A highlight of 2025, celebrating the legendary actor’s contributions to cinema.
• Emerging Talent: The festival’s focus on new directors and experimental works continues to spotlight future stars.
• Museo Nazionale del Cinema: Located in the Mole Antonelliana, it offers festival-goers discounted access to its vast cinematic collections and interactive exhibits.
• Community Engagement: TFF’s roots in Turin’s university and film club culture foster a collaborative, cinephile-driven atmosphere.

Accommodation Tips

• Hotel NH Torino Centro: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 104, 10121 Torino TO (~$88–$165/night). Near Torino Porta Nuova, a 15-minute walk to Cinema Massimo.
• Hotel Victoria: Via Nino Costa, 4, 10123 Torino TO (~$110–$220/night). Elegant option near Piazza Castello.
• B&B Casa Hollywood: Corso Regina Margherita, 183, 10145 Torino TO (~$66–$110/night). Budget-friendly, near festival venues. Book early, as Turin fills up during the festival. Check www.turismotorino.org for packages.