The 22nd edition of the Monte Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie, the event conceived and chaired by Ezio Greggio, is underway and will take place from November 12 to 15, 2025, in the Principality of Monaco. The Monte Carlo Film Festival, the most important international festival entirely dedicated to comedy, will once again take place at the prestigious Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo . The various theaters will host screenings and discussions with the most beloved stars of international cinema: Hollywood, Italian, and French, culminating with the customary " Awards Gala" on Saturday, November 15 at the Grimaldi Forum.

This year, too, all the films screened in and out of competition at the Monte Carlo Film Festival will be judged by an international jury composed of the President of the Jury, Claudia Gerini , the renowned Italian actress and director, winner of the David di Donatello Award for Best Supporting Actress for Ammore e Malavita ; Franco Nero , honorary president of the Festival, an icon of Italian and international cinema, known for films such as Django, Django Unchained, and John Wick: Chapter 2 ; and Teresa Riott , a Spanish actress and international star thanks to the Netflix series Valeria . The American director and producer Daniel McVicar , famous for his role as Clarke Garrison in the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful , will be at the Festival as President of the short film selection in competition.

THE GUESTS, THE GALA EVENING AND THE AWARD WINNERS

The Festival will conclude with a gala evening on Saturday, November 15th , hosted by Ezio Greggio , President and creator of the event, who will lead the awards ceremony for the competing films alongside friends and colleagues from the world of cinema and television. The twenty-second edition of the festival in the Principality of Monaco will feature Italian and international stars, gathered to celebrate the best of audiovisual production. Among the evening's special guests are well-known and beloved faces from Italian and international cinema and television. Madalina Ghenea (Youth, Dom Hemingway, Zoolander 2) , an icon of elegance and talent, will bring her refined presence to the stage, while Gabriele Mainetti (They Call Me Jeeg, Freaks Out, Tiger Boy, The Forbidden City) , a charismatic producer, director, and actor who won the David di Donatello Award for Best Producer for Freaks Out , will enrich the evening with his experience and passion for auteur cinema. Two other giants of Italian cinema will also be present at the Gala: screenwriter, director, and author Paolo Genovese (Immaturi, The Place, Follemente ), winner of the David di Donatello for Best Film and Best Screenplay for Perfect Strangers , who will receive the MCFF Special Award for the huge success with audiences and critics of his latest film , Follemente; and screenwriter, director, and radio host Giovanni Veronesi (For Love Only for Love, What Will Become of Us, Manuale D'Amore, Moschettieri del Re) , winner of a David di Donatello for the screenplay of For Love Only for Love. Furthermore, Franco Nero will receive the MCFF "Mito del Cinema - Legend Award" for lifetime achievement, a highly significant recognition both in Italy and internationally. There will be no shortage of laughter with three great protagonists of Italian comedy: Lino Banfi , the famous grandfather Libero from Un Medico in Famiglia and the unforgettable face of films such as L'allenatore nel Pallone, Vola Sciusciù and Il Commissario Zagaria , who will receive the prestigious MCFF Legend Award ; Massimo Boldi (A spasso nel tempo, Festival, Olè, Vacanze di Natale 2000) , actor, comedian and film producer, winner of the David di Donatello Speciale in 2000 , also known to the general public by the nickname Cipollino, linked to his famous character Max Cipollino.

Joining them will be actor, comedian, playwright, director, and screenwriter Vincenzo Salemme , best known for his stage and film comedies, including L'amico del Cuore, Amore a Prima Sight , and Ho visto le stelle . It will be a moment of pure lightheartedness and fun, in which the three artists will deliver jokes and performances that will bring laughter and lightheartedness to all in attendance. Their contribution underscores the importance of comedy in the cinematic landscape, celebrated in this festive evening that unites art, culture, and entertainment. Finally, Gerry Scotti will receive the MCFF Exploit Award , a special recognition for his significant contribution to Italian television entertainment, where he has established himself as one of the most beloved and popular faces thanks to his long career as a host of quiz shows and highly successful programs, captivating audiences with his charm, professionalism, and unique charisma. High expectations are high for Gipsy's Kings way by Pablo Reyes , a founding member of the original band. He will bring the energy and passion of the flamenco tradition to the stage, reinterpreting the band's most famous songs with freshness and mastery, taking the audience on an emotional journey through engaging rhythms and unmistakable melodies. During the gala evening, a Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Pablo Reyes, a recognition that underscores the value and importance of his long musical career and his legacy in keeping the musical spirit of the Gipsy Kings alive.

THE PROGRAM

The 7 films in COMPETITION this year are :

LEAVE A DAY (98', France)

Directed by Amélie Bonnin

With Juliette Armanet, Bastien Bouillon, François Rollin

LA PETITE CUISINE DE MEHDI (104', France/Algeria)

Directed by Amine Adjina

With Younès Boucif, Clara Bretheau, Hiam Abbass

THE DINNER (106', Spain)

Directed by Manuel Gómez Pereira

With Alberto San Juan, Mario Casas, Asier Etxeandia

THE LAST VIKING (116', Denmark)

Directed by Anders Thomas Jensen

With Mads Mikkelsen

HOMO ARGENTUM (98', Argentina)

Directed by Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat

With Guillermo Francella, Aurora Quattrocchi

COMMANDER FRITZ (106', Germany/Cuba)

Directed by Pavel Giroud

With Yany Prado, Dennis Mojen, Alexis Valdés

HOW YOU MOVE, YOU MAKE WRONG (97', Italy)

Directed by Gianni Di Gregorio

With Gianni Di Gregorio, Iaia Forte, Greta Scarano

SHORT FILMS IN COMPETITION:

TÊTES D'ENTERREMENT (15'29', Belgium)

Directed by Nicolas Galoux

AQUELE ABRAÇO (18'06', Portugal')

Directed by Michael Joaquim Matias

SATURN IN VENUS (5', Georgia)

Directed by Alla Eliseeva

ANDROMEDA (15', Russia)

Directed by Anna Melykian

The event, in collaboration with EFG Bank (Monaco) and Marlù Gioielli, has always been held under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Italian Embassy. Like last year, Radio Monte Carlo is the official radio station of the Festival. Like every year, Marlù Gioielli participates in the festival and this year with a Marlù social award " Your words can make a difference" . With this award, Marlù wants to recognize the role of words as a means of amplifying social issues and messages dear to the community and strengthen the voices of those who help young people grow and dream because each of us, even with a single word, can help make the lives of many different and better. Furthermore, Damiani, as in past years, will present the Legend Awards to the talents.