The sixth edition of the "Venti d'Essai" festival, dedicated to Sardinian and international auteur cinema, kicks off today at the Cinema Arena Odeon in Santa Teresa Gallura. From September 10th to 17th, nine films by directors from Sardinia, Germany, Taiwan, France, the USA, Great Britain, and Spain, winners of awards at major national and international festivals, will be screened. Screenings begin at 9:00 PM with free admission.
Organized by the Dietro le Quinte association with artistic direction by Alberto Pisu, the festival is divided into two sections. "Sardegna" presents some of the most interesting works of contemporary Sardinian cinema, exploring social and civic themes, identity, territory, and memory. The "Internazionale" section explores diverse histories and sensibilities, addressing war, family ties, work, personal choices, equality, and women's rights. The screenings will be accompanied by meetings with directors, discussions with the public, and initiatives dedicated to exploring the region, including tastings and visits to historic sites.
The festival opens on Thursday, September 10th with the documentary "Nella colonia penale" (Italy, 2024, 82'), directed by Gaetano Crivaro, Silvia Perra, Ferruccio Goia, and Alberto Diana, about Europe's last penal colonies, including Isili, Mamone, and Is Arenas in Sardinia. Director Gaetano Crivaro will be present. Tomorrow, September 11th, "Abele," Italy 2025, 77', by Fabian Volti. A journey between Sardinia and Palestine, it explores contemporary pastoralism in two territories that, though geographically distant, share a millennia-old history of pastoral culture and its forms of resistance in the face of today's geopolitical contradictions. "Venti d'Essai" continues until September 17th with further screenings.
