An exceptional and unparalleled occasion: the consortium of D.B.Y. project, in partnership with Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia – Sicilian HQ, celebrated the world of cinema and documentaries through the Italian festival of the project on January 19, 2024. This date held significance, as it marked International Italian Cinema Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Federico Fellini, a globally renowned director.
The venue for this remarkable event was the enchanting Cantieri Culturali alla Zisa, a distinguished cultural space in the Sicilian capital. Specifically, the festival (which is also the Italian event of the project) took place in the pristine confines of the experimental film center, nestled within the Cantieri Culturali. The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from citizens of varying ages and backgrounds, who were immediately immersed in the experience as films created by the young participants during the preceding workshop phase were unveiled to the public for the first time.
The event was a convergence of captivating speeches, engaging discussions on matters of civic importance, and a plethora of artistic expressions – an ideal amalgamation. Attendees were treated to the films crafted with dedication and expertise by the young participants. Moreover, they had the opportunity to contemplate several politically and socially relevant issues, including catcalling and gender violence, brain drain, and the current status of same-sex families in Italy.
This project, co-funded by the European Union’s CERV programme, strives to spark democratic discourse among young Europeans through participatory documentary filmmaking. It stands as a unique platform for such endeavors.
The entire consortium of the project wants to express gratitude to the director of Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia – Sicilian HQ, Ivan Scinardo, and the whole staff of the national film school for creating a welcoming and homely atmosphere for everyone involved!