The world as seen through the eyes of some of the most talented contemporary female directors, many of whom are making their first or second forays behind the camera, with a focus on the great masters of world cinema. A space for dialogue and exchange across cultures and generations of women.

Since 1979, many female directors have left their mark on the Festival with their unique perspectives and styles: Germaine Dulac, Maya Deren, Marguerite Duras, Chantal Akerman, Margarethe von Trotta, Agnes Varda, Liana Badr, Samia Halaby Ulrike Ottinger, Helke Sander, Jutta Brickner, Helma Sanders-Brahms, Deepa Metha, Jane Campion, Francesca and Cristina Comencini, Francesca Archibugi, Elisabetta Lodoli, Costanza Quatriglio, Nina di Majo, Wilma Labate, Antonietta De Lillo, Fiorella Infascelli.

Starting in 2023, the selection will be curated by the in-house team at the Casa del Cinema della Regione Toscana La Compagnia, under the artistic direction of Camilla Toschi and with project and continuity consulting by Maresa D’Arcangelo and Paola Paoli. A passing of the torch that has transformed the Festival’s image but not its mission, as it has embraced the dual legacy of feminism and cultural engagement, showcasing the best of international filmmaking by women and paying special attention to debut and second-feature films.

The Festival continues to host the world’s leading female filmmakers, with thematic sections dedicated to the great masters of cinema while also supporting new voices in female filmmaking—often making their directorial debuts—with the aim of highlighting the role of women in all stages of film production. Over the past three editions, the Festival has hosted leading female directors of contemporary cinema such as Céline Sciamma, Lea Todorov, Jasmine Trinca, Alba Rohrwacher, Julia Ducournau, Anna Cazenave Cambet…