Rome on collision course with AFM

Rome, which has an increasingly robust industry profile through its Business Street and New Cinema Network, has been forced to shift the dates of its festival to late October. It will now take place from October 28-November 5, overlapping with the AFM which runs November 3-10.

Speaking in Berlin this weekend, Business Street director Roberto Cicutto sought to allay fears Rome will tread on AFM’s toes. He said Rome’s industry events would take place in the first half of the festival — 28 October-1 November — which should allow delegates time to travel to Los Angeles.

Rome has changed its dates due to a clash with other events at its main venue, Auditorium Parco della Musica.

“It’s not a war against anyone,” Cicutto said. “I don’t think it will be damaging for anyone else.”