Rome to open with Last Night; Japanese cinema showcased

Massy Tadjedin’s drama about betrayal and jealousy stars Keira Knightley, Eva Mendes, Sam Worthington and Guillaume Canet.

The film will screen in competition in Rome; its world premiere is as closing night film in Toronto.

Rome has announced that its Official Selection will also include John Cameron Mitchell’s Rabbit Hole, starring Nicole Kidman, Dianne Wiest and Aaron Eckhart in the story of a troubled couple mourning the loss of their only child.

Rome’s Duetto conversation series continues this year with Margherita Buy and Silvio Orlando.

The youth section Alice In The City will include the premiere of the first Italian 3D film, Winx Club 3D – Magica Avventura, directed by Iginio Straffi.

Rome’s Focus this year will be on Japanese cinema, dedicating a special event (including a screening of restored Rashomon) to Akira Kurosawa in honour of the centenary of his birth; as well as a tribute to Satoshi Kon who died yesterday.

Another special programme will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the death of actor Ugo Tognazzi. Rome will show Maria Sole Tognazzi’s documentary Ritratto di mio padre, as well as showing a montage of Tognazzi’s performances before each film in competition.

The festival runs Oct 28-Nov 5.