This year, for its 20th edition, RIFF presents its Films in Competition programm of international debuts films. From November 19th until November 26th, we are thrilled to present a strong and exciting selection dedicated to films that have not yet been showcased in Italian film festival circuit.

Each film is a first or second full-feature project by young directors. Among the selected films, we will present “Sam” a psycho-thriller by a young director Yan England, already Oscar nominated for his short film project. The film will be screened on Sunday 21st, at 20:30

RIFF proudly presents a Polish production “Dear Ones”, a second project by director Grzegorz Jaroszuk. The film was award-nominated at the Karlovy Vary festival this year. The director’s first full-length production “Kebab & Horoscope” received the RIFF award in 2014. The film will be presented as part of the Polish Event and will be preceded by the Kieslowski-life in motion programme on Monday 22nd at 19:00.

“Future is a Lonely Place”, first work by director duo Martin Hawie and Laura Harwarth, previously presented in Shanghai Film Festival, is a crime thriller that has been well-received by international public. The Saturday the 20th screening at 20:30 will be in presence of the both directors.

Another production we are very excited about is coming of age drama and a low-budget debut “I’M FINE (Thanks for asking)” by Kelley Kali and Angelique Molina, has been been praised by critics as it has been presented across US film festivals. The film also is a part of our special section Black Films Matter. The Wednesday the 24th at 20:15 screening will be in the presence of one the directors, Kelley Kali.

“Remains of a Man” is a Brazilian production, showcased at the 25th Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival this year and a winner of the Helen Ignez award at the 24th Mostra de Cinema de Tiradentes in Rio de Janeiro is a promising debut by Ana Johann. The screening will take place on Thursday 25th at 22:00.

At last, “Mia & Moi” by Borja de la Vega, a family drama and a film that is also part of our LGBTQ section. This touching debut has been selected for Transition International Queer & Minorities Film Festival Vienna 2021. The Tuesday 23rd screening at 22:00 will be attended by the director and filmmakers.

We wish you a wonderful celebration of independent cinema!