The Rome Film Fest is backing a new initiative to promote cinema to kids in Rome's public schools by bringing films, actors, directors and film critics to the classroom.

To kick off the initiative, entitled Waiting for the festa,actor Sergio Castellito, who portrays King Miraz in Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, will screen 20 minutes of the film to classrooms in March courtesy of Warner Bros. in advance of its August release. He will also talk about his acting experiences.

Piera Detassis, artistic director of the Premiere section of the Rome Fest, told ScreenDaily.com she is in advanced talks with Jodi Foster for a second appointment in April when the actress would hold a Q&A with150 children at Rome's Ara Pacis. The actress will be in Rome to promote her new film Nim's Island.

Other prominent directors and actors to present their favorite works to the school kids, including Giovanni Veronesi who will bring out Charlie Chaplain's The Great Dictator. Local stars Alessandro Gassman, Claudia Gerini, up and coming actors Luisa Ranieri and Claudio Santamaria as well as prominent critics Laura delle Colli and Alessandra de Luca will also give classes.

The project was presented by Piera Detassis, Gianluca Giannelli, artistic director of Rome's Alice in the City section who are promoting the program along with Ciak film magazine and the Rome school board.

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