The 19th Rome Film Festival opened on 16 October in the Auditorium Parco della Musica, Rome with the Italian biographical drama film "The Great Ambition" by Andrea Segre. Earlier the pre-opening film of the festival, "Megalopolis", an American epic science fiction drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola, was screened on 14 October 2024, at the Cinecittà film studios. The event was streamed live to the Auditorium Parco della Musica's Sala Petrassi. Coppola was honoured at the screening and introduced the film in the presence of his granddaughter, Gia Coppola. Lino Guanciale an Italian actor hosted the opening ceremony. Viggo Mortensen and Johnny Depp were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Awards. In the festival, an international competition featuring 18 titles hailing from 29 countries were presented.
The official image of the event is dedicated to Marcello Mastroianni, on the occasion of his birth centenary, which is taken from his character Guido Anselmi in the 1964 film "8½" by Federico Fellini. Pablo Trapero, an Argentine film producer, editor, and director is serving as the jury president of the competition section. The presentation ceremony on 26 October 2024, was hosted by Geppi Cucciari, an Italian stand-up comedian, actress, radio host, and television presenter, marking her third time in a row as host. The jury awarded the best film award to "Bound in Heaven" a romantic crime drama by Huo Xin of China. "Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness" by Johnny Depp was the closing film of the festival run on 26 October. Johnny Depp received the Lifetime Achievement Award from festival director Paola Malanga and Riccardo Scamarcio before the screening of his film.
The festival formally closed on 27 October 2024, with the preview of four episodes of the third season of "Life of Carlo" by Carlo Verdone and Valerio Vestoso; a series of screenings for the History of Cinema section and the screenings of the award-winning films.
Events.
Pre-opening of the festival.
On 14 October 2024, Cinecittà Studios hosted the Italian premiere of the 2024 film "Megalopolis" by the Italian-American director Francis Ford Coppola, with a screening introduced by the director himself. The event was streamed live at the Auditorium Parco della Musica's Sala Petrassi as the pre-opening of the festival. During the evening a special tribute was paid to the director.
Felicitation of Marcello Mastroianni.
Festa del Cinema organized a large retrospective of films, some in restored versions, that saw him collaborate with directors such as Federico Fellini, Vittorio De Sica, Ettore Scola, Pietro Germi; documentaries on the life and works of the great interpreter; exhibitions and displays set up between the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone and the Casa del Cinema; and a meeting with the actress Chiara Mastroianni - daughter of the actor and Catherine Deneuve - to whom the Festa will dedicate a special tribute. He will also be the protagonist of the official image of the nineteenth edition.
Events relating to social issues.
In 2024, the film festival continued its dedication to social issues and environmental concerns. Events took place at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS with MediCinema Italia ETS, , the Rebibbia "Germana Stefanini" women's prison, the Latina prison, and the Casal del Marmo juvenile penal institute. 
Save the Children was the Social Partner for the nineteenth edition, showcasing a screening of its projects. 
During Pink October, which focuses on breast cancer awareness, Novartis presented the DISTANCES series: "Life always finds a way". 
A Charity Gala Dinner was organized to support the Italian Red Cross.
The Fondazione Cinema per Roma, in collaboration with Azienda Comunale Elettricità e Acque—Electricity and Water Municipal Utility (ACEA), launched the contest "I mille volti dell'acqua" (The Thousand Faces of Water) to explore the theme of water through the perspectives of young filmmakers and renowned directors. Additionally, the event included a retrospective section titled "Drops of Cinema", featuring seven films designed to raise public awareness about the importance of water as a resource.
Official sections.
Grand public.
The autonomous parallel section unfolding within Rome Film Fest dedicated to younger generations.
Special screenings.
The autonomous parallel section unfolding within Rome Film Fest dedicated to younger generations.
Special events.
Gian Maria Volonté, thirty years after his death.
Gian Maria Volonté, Italian actor and activist, who died on 6 December 1994.
Homage to Alain Delon.
Alain Delon, French actor, film producer, screenwriter, and singer who died on 18 August 2024.
Drops of cinema.
The Fondazione Cinema per Roma, in collaboration with Azienda Comunale Elettricità e Acque—Electricity and Water Municipal Utility (ACEA), is presenting a retrospective "Drops of cinema", dedicated to water. The section consists of seven films, aimed at increasing public awareness of the value of water resource.
Alice nella città.
The autonomous parallel section unfolding within Rome Film Fest dedicated to younger generations.