Based at the legendary DETOUR Arthouse Cinema, in the heart of Rome since 1997, ON THE ROAD FILM FESTIVAL is devoted to contemporary independent cinema - fiction, documentary and experimental - presenting travelogues, urban and waste-land wanderings, real or imaginary topographies, unexpected detours, psycho-geographical drifts, migration and nomadism.
We look for films that develop, through linguistic and narrative skills, a critical and inventive approach to the subject guidelines of the Festival: a traveling mood with digressions from fixed paths, where the route is what matters, not the destination.
The Festival hosts screenings, master classes, meetings, art exhibitions, live performances and music, both at DETOUR Cinema and at a variety of cinema venues, film clubs, schools, public libraries and other unusual locations in Rome and and in its surrounding area.
The festival has gained recognition by international filmmakers over the years and has hosted masterclasses held by directors like Pedro Costa, Artur Aristakisian, Jonathan Nossiter.
Previous editions have included films by Werner Herzog, Alejandro Jodorowsky, Alex Gibney, Tariq Teguia, René Vautier, Jon Garaño, Jose Mari Goenaga, Fredrik Gertten, Pedro Costa, Jonathan Nossiter, Lutz Gregor.
OTRFF competition consists of two sections: THE ROAD (Features and Mid-length films =>30') and SHORT>CUTS (short films <30')
Features and Short Films in competition will be screened in late 2021 or in early 2022 at Detour Cinema in Rome, depending on the progress of the covid pandemic.
In respect of impediments resulting from the persistence of the pandemic emergency, the main festival events, the award ceremony and the screenings of the winning films could take place online in "virtual cinema" mode, or in other ways we deem to be most appropriate.
Awards & Prizes
- Jury Award for Best Feature Film (>30 min.): Cash Award of 1000€ + Detour Plaque Award + one or more possible scheduled screenings in agreement with the rights owners;
- Jury Award for Best Short Film (<30min.): Cash Award of 500€ + Digital Laurel Certificate + one or more possible scheduled screenings in agreement with the rights owners;
- Audience Award Best Feature Film: Digital Laurel certificate + one or more possible scheduled screenings during the 2021-22 programming season at Detour Cinema in agreement with the rights owners;
- Audience Award Best Short Film: Digital Laurel certificate + one or more possible scheduled screenings during the 2021-22 programming season at Detour Cinema in agreement with the rights owners;
- Selected films may receive additional awards, special mentions or other recognition at the discretion of the Jury, or by our partners and sponsors.