Monica Bellucci kicked off the 2nd edition of the Rome Film Festival which runs from October 18th to the 27th.  The festival will screen 140 films from 40 countries including the first one from Francis Ford Coppola in 10 years called Youth without Youth.  The star power will be bright with Sofia Loren set to achieve a lifetime achievement award and actors like Cate Blanchett, Tom Cruise, Keira Knightley, Halle Berry, Sharon Stone, Robert Redford, Tom Cruise, and Sean Penn expected to attend.  Rome is expecting 150,000 people to view the 640 screenings that will be shown all over the city.  With this mega-star power there will be plenty of paparazzi action. If you are into star gazing / stalking and want a chance of getting a picture with a movie star then try passing by the Hassler Roma, Villa Di Medici. This site in the past has been where Tom Cruise stayed with then girlfriend Penelope Cruz. We have word that there will be a swag point, where celebrities will be showered with gifts, at the Hotel De Russie.  However, if you just want to view some films and experience something unique then be on the lookout for screenings that will take place in uber-historic landmarks such as Castle Sant’ Angelo and Piazza Del Popolo among other locations.

Happy Travels