Adnkronos Rome, 30 April – (Adnkronos) – The sixth edition of the Italia Green Film Festival (Igff), recognised by UNESCO and the European Parliament for its high cultural and educational value, opens today in the Chamber of the Parliamentary Groups of Montecitorio. Over 600 works from 62 countries around the world are coming to the Capital to tell powerful stories of environmentalism, human rights, social justice and the global challenges that involve us all.
The Igff is today one of the main international film events, combining cinema and social commitment in a mix that sparks debate on urgent issues. With the actor Franco Nero, Honorary President of the Festival, the jury is chaired by the writer and environmental activist Sergio Bambaren, supported by experts in the sector such as Alberto Ciarafoni and Roberto Ramazzotti.
Special guest: Ambassador of the Lakota Sioux, Alessandro Martire. The inaugural event will be attended by: Federico Mollicone, President of the Culture Commission of the Chamber; Luciano Crea, President of the Culture Commission of the Lazio Region; Massimiliano Smeriglio, Councilor for Culture of the Municipality of Rome; Daniele Diaco, Vice President of the Environment Commission of the Municipality of Rome; Francesca La Rovere, Representative of Unesco Italy and Francesco Marcone, Wwf Italy.
"We need powerful images that open our eyes and inspire action. This festival was created to create connections, spark debates, and educate. It is a space where cinema becomes a tool for transformation and collective commitment to the environment and rights. We are proud to welcome productions from all over the world and to bring these messages directly to young people, in schools and theaters," comments Pierluigi Marchionne, artistic director and president of the Festival.
Among the films competing for the Golden Leaf, 'Artemisia', produced by Silvia Armeni, and 'Bob and Weave' by Adelmo Togliani stand out, which will be screened today among the Official Selections. 'Artemisia' by Gabriel Cash tells the story of Emi, born without her left arm, and addresses the issues of bullying and inclusion with originality, with Anna Fusco and Giulio Schifi among the protagonists. 'Bob and Weave', directed by Togliani and starring Alessandro Benvenuti and Bianca Guaccero, explores resilience through the metaphor of boxing. Other selected titles include: 'Food for Profit' by Giulia Innocenzi, a documentary on the relationship between profit and food sustainability; 'La terra delle donne' by Marisa Vallone, a historical drama on the fight for women's emancipation in post-war Sardinia; 'Transumanza' by Luigi Diotaiuti Foundation, directed by Giuseppe Ielpo, a journey through agricultural traditions and Italian biodiversity.
Each film in competition, especially those scheduled during the month of May, is an invitation to act, to open our eyes and transform our way of seeing the world. The final gala evening, which will be held in June, will see the awarding of the Golden Leaf winners, a symbol of a collective commitment to a more sustainable and just future. The festival also dedicates a focus to the world of schools, with an educational program designed to involve students of all ages. Targeted screenings, meetings with authors and activists, free workshops and educational laboratories will accompany the festival's journey throughout the month of May.
Cinema, says the president of the Culture Commission of the Chamber Federico Mollicone, "has always been a widespread and popular artistic language that plays a strategic role in making new generations responsible for important ethical issues such as environmental and social ones. From this point of view, the Italia Green Film Festival has conveyed this message since its first edition, representing a unique example in the entire cultural panorama. Hosting the opening of this festival in an institutional place such as the Chamber of Deputies is proof of the institutions' closeness to artistic projects such as these, symbols of cultural transformation that integrates with sustainability and the great themes of contemporaneity".
And the Councilor for Culture of Rome Capital, Massimiliano Smeriglio adds: "The Planet in its entirety and complexity is one of the great themes of our era. Putting it at the center of a film festival means contributing, through one of the most powerful and direct languages, to the reflection that concerns the sustainability of our future, the fight against climate change, respect for the planet, our very existence. With these films, all of the highest quality, artists, productions, invite an awareness that can and must transform into collective action".
The festival will take place in various symbolic locations in Rome: Palazzo delle Esposizioni, Palazzo Valentini, the Sala Protomoteca del Campidoglio, partner cinemas and historic locations in the city. Among the special events, on May 7th the 'Marathon Ethical Fashion' will dedicate a day to sustainable fashion. The final gala and award ceremony will be held in June, with the delivery of the 12 Golden Leafs to the international winners.