As the sun sets over the ancient town of Pisticci (Matera), a different kind of magic takes hold. For almost a week each year, this corner of Basilicata transforms into a cinematic wonderland, hosting the Lucania Film Festival (LFF). This year, under a canopy of twinkling stars, the festival celebrated its silver jubilee - 25 years of weaving cinematic dreams into the fabric of this land they call Lucania, the "eastern land" or "land from which there is light."
BY LF ITALY
October, 2024
Wandering through the narrow streets, now corridors of creativity, we found ourselves swept up in the magic. This year, the Lucania Film Festival, presented by Filippo Solibello and Fabio Morici, brought together an impressive array of talent and film enthusiasts from around the world. The Sala Grande and Sala Piccola, nestled in the centro storico, welcomed award-winning Italian actors Valerio Mastandrea and Rocco Papaleo, Moustapha Fall (protagonist of Oscar-nominated “Io Capitano”), celebrated actress Ambra Angiolini, singer-songwriter Dente, and Iranian filmmakers Hana and Mohsen Makhmalbaf. All these talents graced the festival, adding to the electric yet romantic atmosphere.. Amidst this intoxicating environment, we sat down with Rocco Calandriello, the festival's visionary director.
His eyes sparkled with the same passion that has fueled this endeavor for a quarter-century. "We started this festival with a simple intention," he reminisced. "We wanted to bring the world to our region and showcase our region to the world through the universal language of cinema."
This mission hasn't been without challenges. Basilicata, despite its rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes, has long been overshadowed by more popular Italian destinations. Yet, it's precisely this underdog status that gives the LFF its unique flavor. "We've had to be creative," Calandriello admitted with a smile. "We don't have the glamour of Venice or the star power of Rome, but what we do have is authenticity and a deep connection to our land and people." Indeed, what sets the LFF apart is its seamless integration with the local community and landscape.
Screenings take place not just in traditional theaters, but in cornfields, on terraces, and in Pisticci's main squares. It's an immersive experience that goes beyond mere film watching, offering a true taste of Lucanian life.
Over 25 years, the LFF has grown from a small, local event to an international platform receiving over 5,000 submissions annually. “But more importantly,” Calandriello emphasized, “we’ve stayed true to our roots. Our editorial line may evolve, but our core subject - celebrating and preserving our cultural heritage while fostering new talent - remains constant.” The festival’s impact extends far beyond Pisticci.
“Over these 25 years,” Calandriello said proudly, “we’ve seen something remarkable happen. Our festival has sparked a sense of emulation, inspiring others to create their own cultural events.” He explained, “It’s as if people watched us and thought, ‘Se lo fanno loro qui, lo posso fare anche io’ - If they can do it here, I can do it too. This is the real magic of the LFF - it shows what’s possible when you combine passion with perseverance.”
As we listened, we couldn’t help but smile at the irony. We’ve all heard, “If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere.” Yet here in Basilicata, they’ve flipped that notion on its head. The unspoken motto of the LFF could well be, “If you can make it here, in the heart of Lucania, you can make it anywhere!”
The LFF has become an informal incubator for other festivals. Calandriello shared examples like the Toko Film Festival and the Lago Film Fest, both inspired by the LFF’s success. “These events are generating economic benefits for their regions, creating a virtuous cycle of culture and development,” he noted.
This ripple effect is perhaps the LFF’s most profound achievement. In nurturing not just films and filmmakers, but entire cultural ecosystems, the festival has become a beacon of possibility, showing that even in regions facing economic challenges, culture can be a powerful driver of growth and community pride.
As our conversation turned towards the future, Calandriello’s response was surprisingly candid. “My primary goal every single year is simply to make the festival happen again. Period. I assure you, it’s not as straightforward as it might seem. Each year, we start over – not from zero exactly, but in a sense, yes, we do.”
This admission struck us. Despite 25 years of success, they still approach each festival with the hunger and uncertainty of a newcomer. It’s a powerful reminder of the dedication required to keep cultural initiatives alive, especially in challenging regions.
As we left the interview, stepping back into the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, we saw the magic of what the LFF team has created with new eyes. More than just an annual event, it’s a way to prove cinema’s power to transform a place and its people. In bringing the world to Basilicata and Basilicata to the world, the Lucania Film Festival has created something truly unique - a celebration of art, culture, and community that resonates far beyond the rolling hills of this beautiful region.
Under the starlit sky of Pisticci, with the hum of excited voices and the flicker of films in the background, it’s clear that the Lucania Film Festival isn’t just showcasing the magic of cinema - it’s creating a magic all its own.