Apriti Cinema’s Free Outdoor Summer Screenings
Summer evenings in Florence are once again set to be filled with films under the stars as Apriti Cinema returns to Piazza de’ Pitti for its 15th edition. Running from June 15 through July 26, the festival transforms one of the city’s most iconic squares into an open-air movie theater. It offers 43 nights of free screenings in the heart of Florence.
Part of Estate Fiorentina 2026, Apriti Cinema is organized by Associazione dell’Alfieri, with programming curated by Cinema La Compagnia of Fondazione Sistema Toscana in collaboration with the Uffizi Galleries. After the success of last year’s edition, the festival returns to the same location. Audiences can enjoy films against the backdrop of Palazzo Pitti and the surrounding historic district.
Screenings begin each evening at 9:45 pm and include feature films, documentaries, and short films from around the world. Many movies are shown in their original language with subtitles, allowing both residents and international visitors to experience cinema in a unique setting.
Among the films that may appeal particularly to Florence’s international community are the Irish productions King Frankie and Dead Man’s Money, along with Steven Spielberg’s beloved classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Because the first week focuses largely on English-language films, international audiences can experience well-known stories in the unique setting of Piazza Pitti’s outdoor cinema.
A large part of this year’s program is connected to Florence’s “50 Days of Cinema” network. It brings together selections from some of the city’s most important film festivals. Participating organizations include Festival dei Popoli, Lo Schermo dell’Arte, Middle East Now, River to River Florence Indian Film Festival, Florence Queer Festival, Festival di Cinema e Donne, N.I.C.E Festival, Florence Korea Film Fest, France Odeon, and FánHuā Chinese Film Festival.
Several special themes and tributes are also included in the 2026 program. One series celebrates the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe, while others honor Academy Award-winning special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi and Italian director Florestano Vancini. The festival will also feature themed programs dedicated to cinema and contemporary art, films from the Middle East, and adaptations of literary works by authors ranging from Agatha Christie to Stephen King.
Beyond the films themselves, Apriti Cinema continues to highlight the role of public spaces in Florence’s cultural life. By turning Piazza Pitti into an accessible gathering place for cinema lovers, the festival offers residents and visitors the opportunity to experience international films in one of the city’s most recognizable settings.
With more than six weeks of free screenings, Apriti Cinema once again brings together culture, community, and the atmosphere of a Florentine summer night. (Maquinna Peglow)
Showings in English From June 15-21
Monday, June 15 – Some Like It Hot (1959)
Billy Wilder’s classic comedy starring Marilyn Monroe, presented as part of the Marilyn 100 tribute.
Tuesday, June 16 – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Steven Spielberg’s beloved science-fiction film, featured in the tribute to Oscar-winning special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi.
Wednesday, June 17 – It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley
A documentary celebrating the life and music of the acclaimed singer-songwriter.
Thursday, June 18 – Clouds of Sils Maria (2014)
Olivier Assayas’ drama starring Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart, and Chloë Grace Moretz.
Saturday, June 20 – Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
Sidney Lumet’s classic rendition of Agatha Christie’s murder mystery interpreted by Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Sean Connery and Vanessa Redgrave.
