Paolo Strippoli (born 1 January 1993) is an Italian film director and screenwriter, best known for his works in the horror and thriller genres, such as A Classic Horror Story (2021), Flowing (2022), The Holy Boy (2025), and The Spiral (2026).
Life and career Born in Corato, Strippoli graduated in performing arts and sciences from Sapienza University of Rome and in film direction from Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia. He then directed several shorts, and served as assistant director for Gianni Amelio in Tenderness and for Daniele Luchetti in Io sono Tempesta. In 2019, he won the for best script with L'angelo infelice.
In 2021, Strippoli made his feature debut with A Classic Horror Story, co-written and co-directed with Roberto De Feo. For this film Strippoli and De Feo won the award for best direction at the Taormina Film Fest. In 2022, he directed his first solo feature, the horror film Flowing. His third film, The Holy Boy, premiered out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. For this film Strippoli won the Nastro d'Argento for best original story. In 2026, his film The Spiral was selected to compete for the Golden Lion at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.
Personal life Paolo Strippoli is openly gay.
Filmography
Feature films YearEnglish titleOriginal titleNotes2021A Classic Horror Storyco-directed with Roberto De Feo2022FlowingPiove2025The Holy BoyLa valle dei sorrisi2026The SpiralL'estranea
Accolades AwardYearCategory Nominated workResult Chicago International Film Festival2025Q-Hugo AwardThe Holy Boy Ciak d'oro 2021 Best First FeatureA Classic Horror Story Fantastic Fest 2025 Best Director - Next WaveThe Holy BoyAudience Award - Next Wave Lecce European Film Festival 2025 Centro Nazionale del Cortometraggio AwardNessun dormaPremio Augustus Color Nastri d'argento2026Best ScreenplayThe Holy Boy Venice International Film Festival 2026 Golden LionThe Spiral
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