The Role of the Trieste Film Festival in Promoting Regional Cinema: Exploring Its Dedication to Central and Eastern European Cinemas

This thesis investigates the role of the Trieste Film Festival in promoting and developing Central and Eastern European (CEE) cinema within the broader framework of cultural economics and arts management. While film festivals are increasingly recognized as platforms for cultural diplomacy and industry development, the specific mechanisms they support regional cinema remain underexplored. This research addresses that gap by analyzing the Trieste Film Festival's strategies, programs, and institutional collaborations to enhance CEE films' visibility, distribution, and cultural recognition. The study adopts a qualitative methodology, combining a literature review, theoretical analysis, and comparative case studies of other regional festivals. It also thoroughly examines Trieste's programming, outreach, and organizational structure. It draws on key theoretical frameworks such as soft power, cultural mediation, and regional identity to understand the festival's impact. The findings indicate that the Trieste Film Festival may play a role in supporting various aspects of regional cinema, including professional connections, emerging talent, and audience interaction. It offers a space where regional film cultures can intersect with broader international narratives, potentially contributing to conversations around cultural representation and cinematic exchange. By situating the festival within broader trends in festival management and cultural policy, this thesis offers practical recommendations for enhancing its impact and sustainability. It contributes to ongoing debates on the role of cultural events in promoting regional arts and highlights film festivals as dynamic agents of artistic expression and economic development.