Cinema in Piazza: Reviving Independent Film Culture in Rome

The Cinema America, a historic single-screen theater in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood, has evolved from a shuttered 1950s venue into a cultural foundation hosting over 100,000 annual festival attendees. Following a 1999 bankruptcy and subsequent years of abandonment, the site was revitalized by a collective that occupied the building to advocate for its preservation, eventually expanding the organization’s influence through the restoration of the Cinema Induno, now known as the Cinema Troisi.

Did You Know? The Cinema Troisi, formerly the Cinema Induno, earned the “Biglietto d’Oro” award for the highest number of admissions for a single-screen cinema in Italy, recording 60,000 visitors in its first year of operation.

The Transformation of Cinema America

Founded in the 1950s, the Cinema America served the local community for decades before declaring bankruptcy in 1999. According to the Foundation, the building faced potential conversion into rental apartments in 2002. Twelve years after its closure, a collective initiated an occupation of the theater. Valerio Carocci, president of the Foundation, stated the group hoped the space could “still reopen one day.”

Establishing a Cultural Landmark

The collective launched the “Cinema in Piazza” project in 2014, aiming to integrate cinema into the daily lives of local residents. The festival has since attracted high-profile figures, including Francis Ford Coppola, Wes Anderson, Spike Lee, and Paolo Sorrentino. This initiative serves as a model for community-led cultural preservation, proving that grassroots advocacy can successfully repurpose abandoned urban infrastructure for public use.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the transition from occupation to institutionalized cultural programming marks a significant shift in urban planning. By securing the Cinema Troisi as a 24-hour study and screening space, the Foundation has moved beyond temporary activism, creating a sustainable, high-traffic model that effectively bridges the gap between historical heritage and modern audience needs.

What May Happen Next

The Foundation’s reach is likely to continue expanding through international partnerships. Having already collaborated with entities such as A24, Letterboxd, and The Criterion Collection, the organization is poised to deepen its ties with the New York Film Forum. A possible next step for the 2026 season involves a special retrospective curated by Bruce Goldstein, who will serve as the guest of honor for the twelfth edition of the Cinema in Piazza.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What led to the initial closure of the Cinema America?
The theater declared bankruptcy in 1999, followed by a period of abandonment and a 2002 purchase intended for the development of rental apartments.

How successful is the Cinema in Piazza festival?
The festival draws over 100,000 spectators each summer and has hosted notable international directors and actors, including Bernardo Bertolucci, Ken Loach, and Viggo Mortensen.

What is the status of the Cinema Troisi?
The former Cinema Induno was restored and reopened as the Cinema Troisi in 2021. It operates 24 hours a day and includes a study hall.

How do you think the integration of 24-hour study spaces into historic cinemas influences the way younger generations engage with the film industry?