On January 6, 2025, Rome will embrace the spirit of laughter and fun with Comicittà, the first-ever festival dedicated entirely to Italian comedy. With the aim of filling the cultural void left by the lack of dedicated festivals, Comicittà is poised to transform the capital city, celebrating the art of comedy through various forms like cinema, live performances, literature, and comics.
This inaugural festival is the brainchild of Eur Culture and the Cultural Association Pantheon, with strong backing from Rome Capital and the Department of Culture. The event will take place simultaneously at the Palazzo dei Congressi and La Nuvola, drawing both families and comedy enthusiasts.
“Roma Capitale con l'assessore alla Cultura Massimiliano Smeriglio hanno creduto da subito a questo progetto che finalmente dà vita ad un luogo di conoscenza e passione,” said a spokesperson from the Rome City Council. The excitement is palpable as the city prepares for the festivities planned throughout the day.
The festival promises to kick off early with special performances. Starting at 10:30 am, audiences will be treated to an exclusive audio story narrated by the beloved Gigi Proietti, taken from his collection, Le favole nel sacco. This enchanting session is curated by Carlotta Proietti, presenting “Rosaspina,” the original version of Sleeping Beauty, setting a magical tone for the celebrations.
Later, at 11 am, renowned comedian Lino Banfi will take the stage for a talk titled “Le più belle scene di Lino Banfi,” moderated by comedy veterans Ezio Greggio and Mario Sesti. Attendees will enjoy classic clips from Banfi's illustrious career, selected by expert critics including Marco Giusti and Michele Riondino. Banfi himself expressed his excitement about the event. “Sapete che c'è uno studioso che ha scritto un libro di 451 pagine per spiegare 'l'uomo banfiota',” he stated, showcasing the depth and impact of his comedic legacy.
At 2 pm, the focus shifts to La Nuvola, where celebrated actor Carlo Verdone will engage with fans and fellow comedians. Verdone is set to receive the Pietro Germi Award for his exceptional contributions to comedy, highlighting his significant impact on the genre. Following the award ceremony, attendees will enjoy the screening of “Viaggi di nozze,” commemorated for its thirtieth anniversary since release.
The festival continues at 3:30 pm, with Maurizio Battista leading another engaging conversation alongside Greggio and Sesti, where exclusive scenes from Battista's film “Tu quoque” will be revealed. The atmosphere is expected to be lively, filled with laughter and camaraderie among fans of Italian comedy.
An exciting feature of Comicittà is its emphasis on celebrating female comedians. Acknowledging the role of women in comedy, the festival will present the first Stand Up Award named after Paolo Villaggio to Laura Formenti, a rising star known for her lively performances. A quote from Formenti reflects the challenge and honor of receiving such recognition: “Ricevere un premio che porta il suo nome è un’emozione tale che...mi si intrecciano i diti.”
Further discussions will take place focusing on “La commedia delle donne,” featuring notable actresses like Edwige Fenech, Paola Minaccioni, and Francesca Reggiani, moderated by Greggio and Caterina Taricano. Their insights and scenes will be highlighted, showcasing the evolution of female representation and humor within Italian comedy.
At 6:30 pm, Comicittà will take audiences back in time with the screening of Le ore dell’amore, directed by Luciano Salce and restored for the occasion, providing attendees with the chance to appreciate Italian comedic history anew. This setting promises to blend nostalgia with the delight of traditional comedy.
To cap off this extraordinary day, the event will highlight the legacy of one of Italy's greatest comedic icons, Paolo Villaggio, with tributes from celebrated figures like Saverio Raimondo and the Villaggio family members. Raimondo’s heartfelt tribute included, “Ricevere un premio intitolato a Paolo Villaggio mi fa ancora più piacere,” echoing the general sentiment of admiration within the festival.
The day will conclude with the iconic screening of Fantozzi, marking its fiftieth anniversary, giving fans another reason to celebrate the timeless significance of comedy. While entry to most events at Palazzo dei Congressi is free, tickets for special sessions at La Nuvola, including Verdone's talks and film screenings, can be purchased via Vivaticket.
Comicittà is not just another event; it's Rome's heartfelt celebration of laughter, connection, and the enduring power of comedy.
