Hot in the city? Free movies help Italians ‘chill’ in Rome | CNN

The city of Rome is launching “The Big Chill” initiative, named after the 1983 blockbuster movie, offering free movies in air-conditioned cinemas during the heat of the day in an exceptionally hot summer. Fewer than half of Italians have air conditioning in their homes, according to energy company Enel. In Rome, sweltering citizens are joining the “fan club” — as in the handheld kind — to find relief from oppressive heat. Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri announced the cool idea on Wednesday at a press conference and on social media, saying that it was designed to give people without air conditioning an opportunity to cool off, and to help combat isolation through socializing, recreation and cultural engagement. “Beautiful films including new releases will be screened,” Gualtieri said Wednesday. “Each day a different film will be shown, ​and people ​will be ⁠able to spend time there watching a movie in a cool ​environment, because not everyone has air conditioning.” The films include “There’s Still a Tomorrow,” by Paola Cortellesi, “Flaminia” by Michael Giraud, “Volare” by Margherita Buy, “One Step at a Time: Fabi Silvestri Gazzé” by France

Jul 23, 2026 → Aug 13, 2026