The AmiCorti Film Festival 2025, held in the idyllic town of Roccaraso, Italy, reaffirmed its status as one of the most multicultural and dynamic film festivals in Europe. With entries from over 70 countries, it showcased the power of cinema to bridge cultures and promote values of peace, collaboration, and creative coexistence.
Jury Members from various countries
This year’s program featured screenings of short and feature-length films, international workshops, academic panels focused on cinema, the environment, and public health, as well as masterclasses led by acclaimed creators.
Short Film Jury members: Professor Evangelos Protopapadakis (NKUA) and Communication Specialist Vicky Bafataki
Representing Greece on the Short Film Jury were:
-
Professor Evangelos Protopapadakis, Professor of Applied Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), who was honored for his contributions to philosophy, ethics, and the theoretical grounding of cinematic art.
-
Vicky Bafataki, communication specialist, academic researcher in bioethics, and member of the Applied Philosophy Research Laboratory of NKUA, with expertise in bioethics and science communication.
Awarding of Professor Evangelos Protopapadakis for his international contribution to Philosophy and Bioethics
During the award ceremony, in addition to the celebrated filmmakers, the following prominent figures were honored:
-
Paul Haggis, Oscar-winning director and screenwriter
-
Evgeny Afineevsky, two-time Academy Award-nominated documentary director
-
Darko Perić, Serbian actor best known for his role in the international television phenomenon La Casa de Papel
-
Carlos Mata, Venezuelan actor and singer
-
Enrique Torres, Argentine screenwriter and author
-
Emanuele Pavano, Italian composer and singer, recognized for his musical contributions and artistic integrity
Evangelos Protopapadakis (NKUA), Victor Gonzales (Mexico), Vicky Bafataki, and songwriter-singer Emanuele Pavano
A highlight of the evening was the premiere screening of the latest music video by Fariman, an Iranian singer known for his global artistic presence and socially engaged work.
Evangelos Protopapadakis, Artistic Director Drita Rossi, Mayor Francesco Di Donato, and Vicky Bafataki
The Artistic Direction of the festival was led by Drita Rossi, founder of the institution and lyricist, while Emanuele Pavano composed the festival’s musical identity. The song “Inno all’ Umanità” (“Hymn to Humanity”), with lyrics by Rossi and music by Pavano, became the unofficial anthem of this year’s edition.
Al Sapienza and Debora Renard
The closing ceremony culminated in a powerful concert by American performers Al Sapienza and Debora Renard, uniting high art with global friendship.
The international flavor of the festival was enriched by the presence of prominent jury members from around the world, including:
-
Victor González, Mexican actor
-
Carlos Mata, Venezuelan actor and singer
-
Enrique Torres and Anabella Del Boca, Argentine screenwriter and artist
-
Alessandro Vantini, Italian actor with a deep interest in ancient tragedy
-
Klaus Fuxjäger, Austrian director of photography
-
Saša Gedeon, Czech director
-
Rajniesh Duggal, Indian actor
-
Joshua Jones, young British filmmaker, actor, and screenwriter
Communication Specialist Vicky Bafataki with two-time Oscar-winning director and screenwriter Paul Haggis
The event was hosted by Daria Graziosi and Salvatore Sposito, with the Mayor of Roccaraso, Francesco Di Donato, Deputy Mayors, and numerous friends of the festival in attendance.
