Rome offers free cinema screenings to help residents escape extreme summer heat

ROME: The Italian capital Rome has launched a heat-relief initiative offering free movie screenings at 11 air-conditioned cinemas as the city faces a scorching summer spell.

The programme, titled after the 1983 American classic “Il Grande Freddo” (“The Big Chill”), will run from Thursday until August 4, adding cinemas to an existing network of cooling shelters that includes public libraries and museums.

Mayor Roberto Gualtieri announced the initiative on Wednesday, saying residents would be able to watch films, including recent releases, while staying in a cool environment during the hottest hours of the day.

The free screenings will be held between 1pm and 6.30pm, with entry available on a first-come, first-served basis. The first film to be screened will be the 2023 Italian comedy-drama “C’è Ancora Domani” (“There’s Still Tomorrow”).

Gualtieri said a different movie would be shown daily at each of the participating cinemas, providing relief for people who do not have access to air conditioning at home.

Rome recorded temperatures of up to 36 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, while forecasts predicted highs of around 35C for Thursday and Friday as much of Europe continues to experience intense summer heat.