A Cinematic Escape to Italy—No Passport Required

Whether you’re planning a summer escape to Italy or want to feel transported there, Open Roads: New Italian Cinema offers the perfect getaway—no passport required. The 24th edition, presented by Film at Lincoln Center and Cinecittà, runs May 29 through June 5, bringing a wide-ranging slate of contemporary Italian films to Lincoln Square. With screenings and filmmaker conversations throughout the week at the Walter Reade Theater (165 W 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue), it’s a rare chance to engage directly with Italy’s evolving film landscape.

This year’s Open Roads features 14 new films that highlight the vitality of Italian storytelling. The program blends works from returning, acclaimed directors with debut films by new, emerging talents. Audiences can expect films that engage with social and political issues in Italy and across the world, while embracing bold, unexpected approaches to style and substance.

Opening night features the New York premiere of The Time It Takes, the latest film from director Francesca Comencini. Blending the personal and the cinematic, it reflects on her relationship with her father, the celebrated filmmaker Luigi Comencini. The film has received six David di Donatello nominations, including Best Film and Best Director, with Fabrizio Gifuni, nominated for Best Actor, set to appear for a Q&A. Romana Maggiora Vergano, who portrays Francesca, won the Pasinetti Award for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival.

Tickets are on sale now, with general admission priced at $17, and discounted rates of $14 for students, seniors (62+), and persons with disabilities. Film at Lincoln Center members pay $12. Save more with the 3+ Film Package when purchasing three or more tickets, or opt for an All-Access Pass at $139 ($99 for students) to attend every film except the Opening Night screening.

For more than two decades, Open Roads has brought the most compelling new Italian films to New York. All screenings include English subtitles, making these captivating stories accessible to everyone. Explore the full lineup and get your tickets today—don’t miss this opportunity to experience Italy’s vibrant film culture on the big screen.

Image: The Time It Takes Courtesy of Film at Lincoln Center