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Lea Seydoux Leads Romes Il Cinema in Piazza Summer Series With Three Landmark Films
Rome’s Il Cinema in Piazza summer screenings series has recruited French actress Léa Seydoux to present three feature films as part of a Carte Blanche program. The three‑day marathon runs from June 27 to June 29, 2026, and includes the Italian premiere of Arthur Harari’s body‑swap psychodrama The Unknown, a screening of Louis Malle’s 1963 drama Le Feu follet, and Ursula Meier’s 2012 Berlin Silver Bear winner Sister.
The first event, on June 27, will take place at the Sala Troisi, an arthouse venue in Rome’s historic center. Seydoux will introduce the film’s Italian premiere, which is the first time The Unknown will be shown outside of its Cannes Competition debut. In a recent interview with Variety, Seydoux described her role in the film as “the best part I’ve ever played.”
The Unknown follows a man who swaps bodies with a woman after a chance encounter. The film, directed by Arthur Harari and co‑written with his brother Lucas Harari and Vincent Poymiro, is loosely inspired by the graphic novel Le cas David Zimmerman. The story explores identity and memory through a surreal narrative that has drawn comparisons to classic body‑swap thrillers.
On June 28, Seydoux will move to Rome’s Piazza San Cosimato to present Le Feu follet, a 1963 French drama directed by Louis Malle. The film follows a middle‑aged man who struggles with existential despair after the death of his wife. Malle’s work is regarded as a landmark of French cinema, and the screening will be the first public showing of the film in Rome.
The final day of the program, June 29, will be held at Monte Ciocci, an outdoor venue on the outskirts of the city. Seydoux will introduce Sister, a Swiss‑made drama directed by Ursula Meier that won the Berlin Silver Bear in 2012. The film centers on a young woman who cares for her little brother after their parents’ death; Seydoux plays the troubled sister who struggles to protect her sibling.
The Carte Blanche program is part of a larger initiative that offers 95 free screenings across three outdoor venues—Piazza San Cosimato, Parco della Cervelletta, and Monte Ciocci—as well as the indoor Cinema Troisi. The series is curated by Fondazione Piccolo America, a group of young film enthusiasts that organizes the event.
Valerio Carocci, president of Fondazione Piccolo America, said in a statement that Seydoux’s participation “provides the public with a chance to revisit Louis Malle with her, and she has chosen two films born from distinct moments in her career.” Carocci added that the program “features three titles that have shaped her imagination and artistic journey.”
The program’s focus on free, open‑air cinema reflects Rome’s broader strategy to promote cultural tourism during the summer months. By featuring a high‑profile actress and a selection of critically acclaimed films, the series aims to attract both local audiences and international visitors.
As the summer series progresses, the event will showcase Seydoux’s range—from her work in French arthouse cinema to her recent roles in Hollywood blockbusters. The screenings also highlight the enduring relevance of classic French cinema and contemporary European filmmaking, underscoring the city’s position as a hub for film culture.
The Il Cinema in Piazza program will continue to run through July, offering additional free screenings and special guest appearances. The series is expected to draw significant attendance, reinforcing Rome’s reputation as a destination for cinema lovers.
The first event, on June 27, will take place at the Sala Troisi, an arthouse venue in Rome’s historic center. Seydoux will introduce the film’s Italian premiere, which is the first time The Unknown will be shown outside of its Cannes Competition debut. In a recent interview with Variety, Seydoux described her role in the film as “the best part I’ve ever played.”
The Unknown follows a man who swaps bodies with a woman after a chance encounter. The film, directed by Arthur Harari and co‑written with his brother Lucas Harari and Vincent Poymiro, is loosely inspired by the graphic novel Le cas David Zimmerman. The story explores identity and memory through a surreal narrative that has drawn comparisons to classic body‑swap thrillers.
On June 28, Seydoux will move to Rome’s Piazza San Cosimato to present Le Feu follet, a 1963 French drama directed by Louis Malle. The film follows a middle‑aged man who struggles with existential despair after the death of his wife. Malle’s work is regarded as a landmark of French cinema, and the screening will be the first public showing of the film in Rome.
The final day of the program, June 29, will be held at Monte Ciocci, an outdoor venue on the outskirts of the city. Seydoux will introduce Sister, a Swiss‑made drama directed by Ursula Meier that won the Berlin Silver Bear in 2012. The film centers on a young woman who cares for her little brother after their parents’ death; Seydoux plays the troubled sister who struggles to protect her sibling.
The Carte Blanche program is part of a larger initiative that offers 95 free screenings across three outdoor venues—Piazza San Cosimato, Parco della Cervelletta, and Monte Ciocci—as well as the indoor Cinema Troisi. The series is curated by Fondazione Piccolo America, a group of young film enthusiasts that organizes the event.
Valerio Carocci, president of Fondazione Piccolo America, said in a statement that Seydoux’s participation “provides the public with a chance to revisit Louis Malle with her, and she has chosen two films born from distinct moments in her career.” Carocci added that the program “features three titles that have shaped her imagination and artistic journey.”
The program’s focus on free, open‑air cinema reflects Rome’s broader strategy to promote cultural tourism during the summer months. By featuring a high‑profile actress and a selection of critically acclaimed films, the series aims to attract both local audiences and international visitors.
As the summer series progresses, the event will showcase Seydoux’s range—from her work in French arthouse cinema to her recent roles in Hollywood blockbusters. The screenings also highlight the enduring relevance of classic French cinema and contemporary European filmmaking, underscoring the city’s position as a hub for film culture.
The Il Cinema in Piazza program will continue to run through July, offering additional free screenings and special guest appearances. The series is expected to draw significant attendance, reinforcing Rome’s reputation as a destination for cinema lovers.
