HISTORY WAS MADE IN ROME

A Historic First: World Film Festivals United Under One International Vision

Rome witnessed a historic milestone in international cinema and cultural cooperation.
For the first time, film festivals from different parts of the world came together under a common international platform, united by a shared commitment to cultural dialogue, peace, solidarity, and sustainable cooperation.

Organized by CINETOUR - World Film Festivals Committee, the first World Film Festivals Congress was successfully held in Rome from October 27 to 30, 2026.

The event welcomed nearly 100 guests from 25 countries, including film festival directors, cinema professionals, academics, and cultural representatives.

Different countries, cultures, languages, and perspectives came together in the Eternal City with one common purpose: to build lasting bridges through the universal language of cinema.

What began as an ambitious vision became an international reality. History was made in Rome.

Campidoglio and RUFA Hosted Two Landmark Meetings

The international conference took place at the prestigious Sala del Carroccio in the Campidoglio, one of Rome's most important historical and institutional landmarks.
Festival directors and international cinema professionals gathered to discuss cultural diplomacy, the future of film festivals, sustainability, cultural tourism, and opportunities for international cooperation.

The historic setting of the Campidoglio gave special significance to this pioneering gathering.

Another important meeting was held at RUFA - Rome University of Fine Arts, where international cinema professionals exchanged experiences and perspectives on cinema, creativity, education, and cultural collaboration.

The academic gathering highlighted the importance of connecting professional film festivals with educational institutions and supporting young filmmakers and future generations.

Together, these two meetings represented an important achievement in CINETOUR's mission to strengthen international cooperation through cinema.

Different Cultures, One CINETOUR Family

The Rome Congress went beyond formal conferences and professional discussions.

Participants from different countries and cultural backgrounds shared experiences, established new friendships, and strengthened international relationships.

The gathering demonstrated that cultural diversity was a source of strength and that cinema could connect people beyond geographical, linguistic, and cultural boundaries.

Different countries. Different cultures. One common vision.

The spirit of friendship, mutual respect, and solidarity became one of the congress's most meaningful achievements.

CINETOUR - Building Cultural Bridges Among Nations

Founded in Istanbul in 2023 and headquartered in Rome, CINETOUR - World Film Festivals Committee developed into an international network bringing together approximately 120 film festivals from 68 countries.

Unlike traditional film festivals, CINETOUR was established to unite the festivals themselves within a permanent international platform.

Its mission focused on strengthening professional cooperation, cultural diplomacy, knowledge sharing, and sustainable partnerships among festivals worldwide.

Inspired by the principles of cultural diversity, international solidarity, and sustainable development promoted by UNESCO, the European Union, and the United Nations, CINETOUR positioned cinema as a powerful instrument of peace and cultural understanding.

The committee also placed importance on environmental responsibility, cultural tourism, equal opportunities, and the participation of women and young people in the cinema sector.

Film tourism was also highlighted as an important bridge between cinema, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism, demonstrating how film festivals and audiovisual productions could promote destinations, strengthen local economies, and create new opportunities for international cultural cooperation.

The successful Rome Congress transformed this international vision into a concrete collective achievement.

CINETOUR President Can Saraçoğlu: "We Made History Together"

Following the congress, CINETOUR President Can Saraçoğlu reflected on the significance of the historic gathering:

"Rome marked an unforgettable moment in our journey.

For the first time, film festivals from different parts of the world came together under one common international vision.

We did not gather simply to organize another conference. We came together to build something meaningful and lasting.

We brought different cultures, countries, and professional experiences together. We created friendships, shared knowledge, and demonstrated the extraordinary power of cinema to unite people.

With more than thirty years of experience in cinema and international cultural cooperation, I have always believed that real achievements require trust, determination, patience, and solidarity.

CINETOUR was created to be more than an organization. It was created to become an international family of professionals working together for a common purpose. I sincerely thank every member, institution, colleague, and friend who believed in this vision and contributed to its success.

We made history in Rome. And this achievement belongs to all of us."

Rome Was the First Step - A New International Chapter Began

The successful completion of the first World Film Festivals Congress marked a defining moment in CINETOUR's development.

The historic conference at the Campidoglio, the academic meeting at RUFA, and the participation of international representatives strengthened the foundations of a global network built on cultural dialogue and professional solidarity.

The congress created new opportunities for cooperation, strengthened international friendships, and established a shared vision for future initiatives.

Following Rome, Madrid, Tokyo, Berlin, and Lisbon emerged among the potential destinations for future CINETOUR gatherings.

The Rome Congress demonstrated what could be achieved when different countries, cultures, and professionals worked together toward a common goal.

A historic first was achieved. Cultural bridges were built. A new chapter for world film festivals began.

HISTORY WAS MADE IN ROME.

CINETOUR - WORLD FILM FESTIVALS COMMITTEE

CAN SARAÇOĞLU
President of CINETOUR

Building Cultural Bridges Among the Countries of the World Through Cinema.