The Trieste Film Festival: Interview with Nicoletta Romeo.

This article provides a detailed overview of the Trieste Film Festival (TSFF), established in 1989 and dedicated to Central and Eastern European cinema, highlighting its integration into the cultural, economic, and ethnic fabric of the city of Trieste. The festival showcases auteur-driven films, including those in the "cinéma du réel" style, which blend documentary and narrative elements to explore historical and contemporary social issues, often underrepresented in Italy. TSFF has evolved to include an international co-production market called "When East Meets West," educational initiatives such as the TSFF Academy, and a focus on gender equality, notably through the Audentia Award supporting female European directors. The festival maintains a strong commitment to promoting lesser-known Eastern European cinema within Italy while fostering industry collaboration and academic engagement, and it has adapted to digital platforms to broaden its reach despite geo-blocking constraints.