The Ligurian capital is about to host the fifth edition of FLIGHT – Mostra Internazionale del Cinema di Genova, showcasing an impressive programme of 65 films, 40 of which are competing for various awards. From 15-19 October, more than 30 international directors will be in attendance, adding a unique dimension to this festival that has grown into a prominent celebration of global cinema.

This year’s guest of honour is Oscar-winning Hungarian director István Szabó, who will be celebrated with a retrospective featuring some of his iconic films, including Mephisto and Colonel Redl. Szabo will also participate in a public interview on 18 October at the Doge's Palace, giving festival-goers a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from the legendary filmmaker.

The selected works span the animation, short, feature and video-art categories, and were chosen from over 300 submissions representing 41 countries. Notably, 42% of the selected filmmakers are women, reflecting the festival's commitment to inclusivity and diverse perspectives. Among the female directors, Lebanese filmmaker May Kassem (also a jury member) will present her movie For Palestine and Freedom out of competition, alongside British filmmaker Jill Daniels with her documentary 1948 What We Knew.

The festival will kick off on 15 October with the presentation of the fourth “Ligurian Artisan of Cinema” Award to La Spezia filmmaker Sara Fgaier (whose first feature, Weightless [+lire aussi :
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interview : Sara Fgaier
fiche film], was presented in competition at this year’s Locarno Film Festival), honouring her significant contributions to regional cinema. Additionally, for the first time, FLIGHT will expand beyond Genoa, screening select films in Savona in collaboration with the Nuovo Filmstudio film club.

The closing ceremony on 19 October will feature the Pigeon Flying Grand Prix, awarded by a distinguished jury including May Kassem, Fulvio Baglivi (TV critic and author), Oana Ghera (artistic director of the Bucharest International Experimental Film Festival), Turin-based director Massimiliano De Serio, and gallery owner and cultural organiser Virginia Monteverde.

Screenings will take place across Genoa's iconic venues, such as the Cineclub Nickelodeon, TIQU Theater and the newly opened Ad Astra Cinema. For additional details and the complete schedule, visit the festival’s website or follow FLIGHT on social media.