Rome, the Italian capital, has introduced a new heat-relief program providing free movie screenings at 11 air-conditioned cinemas amid a severe summer heatwave. This initiative, named after the 1983 American film “Il Grande Freddo” (“The Big Chill”), will run from Thursday through August 4, complementing an existing network of cooling centers that includes public libraries and museums.
Mayor Roberto Gualtieri announced the plan on Wednesday, highlighting that residents can enjoy films, including recent releases, in a cool environment during the hottest parts of the day. Screenings will take place daily from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with admission granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
The inaugural film will be the 2023 Italian comedy-drama “C’è Ancora Domani” (“There’s Still Tomorrow”). Each participating cinema will feature a different movie every day, offering relief especially to those without air conditioning at home.
Temperatures in Rome reached as high as 36 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, with forecasts predicting around 35 degrees Celsius for Thursday and Friday. This heatwave is part of a broader pattern of intense summer heat affecting much of Europe.
