The 19th edition of the River Film Festival returns from June 4 to 21, 2025, in Padua, Italy, continuing its tradition of presenting original and thought-provoking short films from around the world. All screenings are free and take place in the picturesque location of Porta Portello, with additional virtual reality experiences at the Altinate San Gaetano Cultural Center.

After the presentation in Cannes at the Italian Pavilion at the Hotel Majestic, a press conference was held on June 29 at the Municipality of Padua with the participation of the main speakers and supporters of the event.

Emilio Della Chiesa, artistic director and founder of the festival, emphasized the importance of the River Film Festival as a laboratory for new technologies. Federico Grandesso, head of international relations, presented the
international collaborations with Hong Kong and Singapore. Marta Bruno, deputy director, presented the program and two world premiere films from China and Korea made with artificial intelligence, which will be screened during the festival. Tania Gallinaro, head of virtual reality, emphasized the importance of the Agorà market and the VR section. This year, the jury will also be composed of important figures from the international film industry, such as Daniela Weber (Berlinale), Desmond Hui (HS University Hong Kong), and Ben Seide, special effects expert and vice-chair at NTU Singapore.

The Festival is held in the picturesque Porta Portello district of Padua, with screenings on a floating screen on the Piovego River. The festival showcases emerging filmmakers and focuses on social and environmental issues.
Its diverse programme reflects the core values of creativity, freedom, dialogue, inclusivity and internationalism.

The 19th River Film Festival reaffirms its role as a vibrant platform for global and regional voices in independent cinema. With its unique setting on the banks of the Piovego River and a wide-ranging programme spanning film schools, virtual reality, animation, documentaries and socially engaged themes, the festival continues to promote creativity, inclusivity and innovation.

Through special events such as Veneto Agora Cinema and the southern extension River South Bank, the festival not only celebrates the art of filmmaking but also promotes dialogue on urgent global issues such as climate change, human rights and cultural heritage. By bringing together filmmakers, institutions and audiences from different regions and formats, the River Film Festival remains a dynamic crossroads of ideas, stories and collaborations in contemporary cinema.

RIVER SOUTH BANK – RIVA SUD

The Municipalities of Castelgrande – Muro Lucano Pescopagano – Rapone 1 – 8 August 2025 The 19th River Film Festival includes the third edition of River South Bank, a southern section held in north-western Basilicata. It presents films, documentaries, animations, science fiction and new media such as virtual reality, with a focus on climate change and human rights.
The event, which takes place in Castelgrande, Muro Lucano, Pescopagano and Rapone, combines film screenings, virtual reality experiences and educational conferences held by experts to explore the relationship between humans, the environment and social behaviour. The main venues include the town squares, the Orlando Foundation, the Astronomical Observatory, the Planetarium, the National Archaeological Museum and the ‘Paese delle Fiabe’ (Fairytale Village) in Rapone, where workshops on regional fairytales will also be held. The initiative aims to promote environmental awareness and regional culture through cinema.

Film Market – Altinate San Gaetano Cultural Centre / Padua River Port / 7 – 8
June 2025 ‘Veneto Agora – Film Market’

As the highlight of the 19th edition of the River Film Festival (2025), the special event ‘Veneto Agora – Film Market’ will offer two days of insights into the in the Veneto region. The programme will cover topics such as training, production, promotion and distribution, highlighting the cultural richness and entrepreneurial potential
of the region.
Four thematic panels — Training, Production, Promotion and Enhancement — will feature the participation of industry experts, filmmakers and local officials. A key element will be the first edition of the Audiovisual Market, which will bring production companies and regional festivals into contact with the public. The event also includes the international competition in the Virtual Reality section, reinforcing Veneto’s role as a dynamic hub for film innovation.