Il rumore delle cose nuove, the new feature directed by Paolo Genovese, has been selected as the opening film of the 21st Rome Film Fest, which will take place at the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone from 14 to 25 October 2026. The film will screen in the Grand Public section during the opening ceremony, hosted by DJ and television and radio presenter Ema Stokholma.
Based on Paolo Genovese’s novel of the same name and adapted for the screen by the director together with Igor Artibani, the film follows the lives of three couples living in the same district of Milan, each from a different social background. Although they have never met, they all share emotional barriers that have kept them trapped in familiar routines. When an unexpected event brings their stories together, they are forced to reassess their relationships, confront long-buried feelings and reconsider the lives they have built.
Speaking at Ciné 2026 – Professional Cinema Days in Riccione, Genovese explained that the title reflects the dual nature of both “noise” and “newness.” Just as some sounds can be comforting while others are disturbing, new experiences may lead to either welcome or unwanted change. According to the director, the events experienced by the three couples will have different consequences, but each will be compelled to let go of what no longer belongs in their lives.
The ensemble cast features Emanuela Fanelli, Claudia Pandolfi, Vittoria Puccini, Stefano Accorsi, Lino Musella and Edoardo Pesce, with a special appearance by Claudio Santamaria. The film follows the success of FolleMente, which won two Nastri d’Argento awards in 2025 and became Italy’s second highest-grossing film of the year.
Actress Claudia Pandolfi described her character, Viola, as a woman whose life is only marginally touched by the central event at first, before gradually undergoing a profound inner transformation that ultimately unsettles her emotional balance and awakens a new awareness.
Il rumore delle cose nuove is produced by Lotus Production, a Leone Film Group company, together with Rai Cinema, in collaboration with Disney+ and in association with Vice Pictures. Produced by Raffaella Leone and Andrea Leone, with Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio serving as associate producer for Vice Pictures, the film was made with the support of the Italian Ministry of Culture’s Fund for the Development of Investments in Cinema and Audiovisual. It will be released in Italian cinemas on 12 November 2026 through 01 Distribution, while Rai Cinema International Distribution is handling international sales.
