The Umbria Film Festival celebrates the power of cinema to entertain, move, surprise, inspire, and connect people.
Born from the collaboration between visionary director and president Terry Gilliam, the Umbria Film Festival Association, the Municipality of Montone, and Riverside Studios, the festival has been an annual event since 1997, held in the picturesque setting of Montone, one of the 100 most beautiful villages in Italy. This event not only celebrates the best of independent cinema but also the timeless charm of a village that enchants and welcomes the audience with its historical and cultural heritage.
All screenings take place within the village, the beating heart of the festival, where the public, guests, and staff meet, creating an atmosphere of sharing and exchange. The audience is an integral part of the festival, with special guests and celebrities blending in, giving life to an international atmosphere of high quality, yet with an intimate and welcoming touch.
Every evening, screenings begin with a children’s short film program, followed by a feature film.
But the Umbria Film Festival doesn’t stop there: exhibitions, debates, round tables, masterclasses, concerts, and meetings take place both during the festival and throughout the year. A highlight of the festival is the delivery of the keys to the city to a distinguished guest by the Mayor of Montone, a tradition rooted in the medieval origins of the village.
Thanks to the artistic direction, the work of the volunteers, and the support of the Municipality, the event has offered consistent quality and a unique experience for many years. Over the course of its history, the festival has featured over 100 premieres, 500 short films, 50 side events (including seminars, courses, exhibitions, and concerts), and has hosted over 50 key figures in international cinema.
These events, alongside the screenings, create an immersive experience that goes beyond cinema itself, with encounters that continue to fuel the passion for film and culture throughout the year. The Umbria Film Festival awaits you in Montone to share this unforgettable experience.