A Landmark Milestone for Georgian Cultural Diplomacy: First World Film Festivals Congress Held in Rome 

The Eternal City of Rome hosted the inaugural World Film Festivals Congress, convened at the prestigious Sala del Carroccio in the Campidoglio and the Rome University of Fine Arts (RUFA). CINETOUR – World Film Festivals Committee, a global organization uniting approximately 120 leading film festivals across 68 countries, is led by Georgian filmmaker and producer Irina Khangoshvili, who serves as its General Secretary and member of the Board of Directors.

Held from October 27 to 30, 2026, the Congress brought together nearly 100 delegates from 25 countries, including film festival directors, cinema professionals, academics, and diplomatic representatives. The primary objectives of the forum included establishing a permanent international coordination platform for film festivals, advancing cultural diplomacy, fostering co-productions, and promoting screen tourism worldwide.

Irina Khangoshvili’s International Leadership and Georgia’s Strategic Positioning

Having a Georgian representative at the executive helm of this global organization marks a major institutional breakthrough for Georgia’s cinema and creative industries. Irina Khangoshvili—documentary filmmaker, international media producer, and President of the Georgia-based Art & Travel International Film Festival (ATIFF)—has long been an active and influential figure on the global film circuit.

As an established jury member at prestigious international film festivals worldwide (including honors in France, Spain, Portugal, and South Africa), Khangoshvili brings extensive international networks and professional credibility that served as a catalyst for expanding CINETOUR’s global reach. Her international projects have consistently showcased Georgia’s regional cultural heritage, winemaking traditions, and gastronomy on global broadcasting networks and festival screens.

"The CINETOUR platform is far more than a formal alliance—it is a functional mechanism that places Georgia at the epicenter of international cinema processes. By engaging directly with top global festivals, we open concrete pathways to promote Georgian cinema abroad, empower emerging filmmakers, and attract high-impact international co-productions to our country," noted Irina Khangoshvili.

Strategic Opportunities Unlocked for Georgia

The outcomes of the Rome Congress present decisive advantages for Georgia’s cultural and creative sectors:

Direct Access to 120 Global Film Festivals: Provides Georgian filmmakers and producers with direct submission, networking, and distribution channels, bypassing conventional gatekeepers.

International Co-Productions and Financing: Established multilateral frameworks with European and Asian production companies for new joint film initiatives.

Screen Tourism and Economic Growth: The congress placed major emphasis on destination branding through film. Integrating Georgia’s unique landscapes and cultural heritage into global screen tourism routes will generate measurable economic benefits for local hospitality and tourism.

Educational Initiatives for Young Talent: Agreements reached at RUFA will facilitate international masterclasses, creative workshops, and academic exchange programs for emerging Georgian filmmakers.

International Acclaim and Future Outlook

CINETOUR President Can Saraçoğlu highlighted the collective effort and leadership behind the congress:

"In Rome, we demonstrated that cinema remains the most powerful instrument for peace, solidarity, and cultural dialogue. With Irina Khangoshvili’s leadership, organizational drive, and international standing, CINETOUR succeeded in uniting dozens of nations in record time. This is a historic achievement that will shape the future landscape of world film festivals."

Following the successful launch in Rome, host candidates under review for upcoming CINETOUR global congresses and working sessions include Madrid, Tokyo, Berlin, and Lisbon. Concurrently, Tbilisi is being positioned as a key regional hub for Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.