Tiziana Rocca: Building Global Bridges Through Cinema
The visionary force connecting Italian storytelling with the world’s most influential film stages
In a film industry still shaped largely by male leadership, Tiziana Rocca stands as one of the rare female film festival directors operating at the highest international level. Her career is defined by vision, cultural diplomacy, and an unwavering commitment to elevating Italian cinema on the global stage.
Rocca is the founder of Filming Italy Los Angeles, Filming Italy Sardegna, and the Filming Italy Venice Award, three platforms that have redefined how Italian cinema engages with international audiences. Through these initiatives, she has created a powerful bridge between Italy and the United States, bringing together celebrated authors, directors, actors, and industry leaders in meaningful cultural exchange.
The Filming Italy Los Angeles festival, now entering its 11th edition, will take place in Los Angeles from February 10 to 14. Over the years, the festival has grown into a respected institution that celebrates Italian creativity while fostering dialogue with Hollywood. Its impact is tangible and historic, including the securing of three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Giancarlo Giannini, Gina Lollobrigida, and Franco Nero. These honors stand as lasting symbols of Italy’s artistic legacy in the heart of the American film industry.
Beyond red carpets and awards, Rocca’s work has played a key role in promoting Italy itself. Through cinema, she has showcased the richness of Italian art, culture, and identity to international audiences, positioning film as both an artistic and cultural ambassador.
As Artistic Director of the Taormina Film Festival, Rocca reached another historic milestone. Now in its 72nd edition, Taormina is one of the world’s most renowned cinematic events, and Rocca is the first European woman to ever hold this prestigious role. Her leadership reflects years of experience in event organization, industry strategy, and high level relationship building.
Known for embracing complex challenges, Rocca has built a reputation for transforming ambitious ideas into globally respected productions. Her work with Filming Italy Sardegna and other international initiatives has given her a rare mastery of the film festival ecosystem. That expertise was clearly reflected in the caliber of talent welcomed at the most recent Taormina Film Festival, with guests including Martin Scorsese, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Geoffrey Rush, Helen Hunt, Monica Bellucci, Olivia Wilde, Billy Zane, Alison Brie, Henry Cavill, Edgar Ramírez, Will Poulter, Norman Reedus, Alex Garland, and Rupert Everett.
Tiziana Rocca’s influence extends far beyond individual festivals. She represents a modern model of cultural leadership, one rooted in vision, resilience, and global collaboration. Through her work, Italian cinema continues to travel, evolve, and inspire, not only on screens, but across borders, industries, and generations.
