When in Rome, do as the locals do and attend the city’s annual film festival, which kicks off this Thursday, October 18th, 2007. The opening night will be celebrated with a screening of Second Wind, a wild French film about bank robbers. We’re there.

You can snag screening passes for the 10-day event online or in person, with most tickets going for between €3 and €10. Dozens of screenings happen daily—with 11 premieres lined up—and are presented around town in fabulous venues. We took special note of both the temporary space erected by IKEA and the Byzantine-style Parco della Musica, which can seat one gazillion spectators.

This year’s film fest also celebrates Indian and German culture through series of special programs, screenings, and break-out discussions. Check out the festival’s official website for more information.

We always wanted to see Brad Pitt in lederhosen. We’d take him in a sari too.