At the foot of the Basilica of Saccargia, in Codrongianos, the Liquida journalism and literature festival returns from July 30 to August 2. The eighth edition will explore numerous current topics regarding global affairs: from the complex geopolitical balance—with a focus on conflicts in the Middle East, not to mention China's role in the global landscape—to the crisis of democratic systems undermined by new autocracies, to a critical analysis of the flaws of contemporary capitalism. Ample space will also be dedicated to the defense of freedom of the press, issues of social inclusion, and the pervasive impact of technology on our lives, suspended between the grand illusions of the internet and our dependence on screens.
"Liquida confirms its position as a key hub for culture and journalistic communication in Sardinia and beyond, attracting a wide audience from across the island interested in understanding the dynamics of our present, which are not always easy to decipher," says Giovanni Scanu, Codrongianos City Councilor with responsibility for Culture and Liquida's creator.
Mayor Cristian Budroni was also pleased: "Liquida's success is based on proven, collaborative efforts. This achievement was made possible by the close collaboration between the Lìberos association, which oversees the festival's planning, the Codrongianos Municipality staff, the Comes cooperative, the Coros Figulinas library system, the Sardinian Press Association, the Pro Loco, and all the other partners."
The eighth edition will open at 8:00 PM with a panel of international standing: Israeli historian Ilan Pappé, with his book "The End of Israel" (Fazi), and Palestinian-American journalist Ramzy Baroud, author of "The Last Land" (Lebeg), will take the stage in Saccargia to discuss the fate of the Middle East and the paths to a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Romana Rubeo will moderate the panel. At 9:30 PM, the setting will change with a panel featuring journalist and innovation expert Riccardo Luna, joined by Serena Orizi, who will reflect on the broken promises, the consequences, and the real opportunities of the digital world, starting with his book "Something Went Wrong" (Solferino). The first evening will conclude at 10:30 pm with a panel featuring speeches by activist Maria Elena Delia—author of "Global Sumud Flotilla" (Ponte alle Grazie)—and journalist Emanuela Pala—whose book "Ostinata umanità" is forthcoming from Tlon—dedicating the stories of opposition and social and civil resilience of the Flotilla that set sail for Gaza in 2025. The second day, Friday, July 31, will begin at 8:00 pm with the usual round table discussion hosted by the Sardinian Press Association, entitled "Freedom of the Press Under Supervision." This will focus on the state of the journalism profession, the risks of censorship, and frivolous lawsuits, featuring journalist and essayist Giovanni Mari, author of "Fascistissima" (People), and Assostampa President Simonetta Selloni. At 9:00 pm, journalist and writer Carlo Verdelli—former editor of major national newspapers—will present, together with Pietro Masala, "The Devil in Your Pocket" (Einaudi), a sharp and disenchanted analysis of smartphone addiction and how small screens are cannibalizing time and human relationships. Closing the evening, at 10:00 pm, journalist and documentary filmmaker Laura Silvia Battaglia will discuss with Alberto Urgu her book "The Partisans of Allah" (Mondadori), an investigative journey into the dynamics of Islamic fundamentalism, the forgotten conflicts of the Middle East, and the discovery of new forms of civil resistance. The festival weekend, Saturday, August 1st, opens at 8:00 pm with a look to the East with the essay "China Explained to the West" (Fazi), by Pino Arlacchi. At 9:00 pm, integration, identity, and social change will be discussed with Victoria Karam, author of the essay "Italian Faces" (Castelvecchi). Saturday's evening will conclude with the panel "The Shadows of Power." Starting at 10:00 PM, journalists Sara Lucaroni and Pino Casamassima, moderated by Alberto Urgu, will delve into the mysteries and darkest workings of the corridors of American power, starting with their respective books "America Go Away" and "In Epstein's Net," both published by Compagnia Editoriale Aliberti. The final day, Sunday, August 2, will begin at 8:00 PM, addressing the global economy and climate crisis with Lorenzo Tecleme's essays "Stories of (Ordinary) Wild Capitalism" (Newton Compton Editori) and "A Quick Guide to the End of the World" (Castelvecchi), which the author will discuss with Cristina Nadotti. At 9:00 PM, journalist Goffredo Buccini will present his essay "Tyrannis" (Neri Pozza) on the Liquida stage. The eighth edition of Liquida will conclude at 10:00 PM with journalist Elena Testi, in conversation with Alberto Urgu, presenting "Genesis" (SEM), an essay reconstructing the far-right's disturbing rise to power in Israel. The event is organized in collaboration with the Liberevento and Dorian festivals.
