The 15th edition of the Festival del Cinema Città di Spello e dei Borghi Umbri, dedicated to the professions of cinema, is underway in Spello, Italy, from March 6th to March 15th, 2026. A key event within the festival will be an advance screening of the first episode of the second season of “Pompei – La Serie,” offering a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship behind the historical drama. The festival, which provides free admission until capacity is reached, showcases a diverse range of cinematic works, including feature films, short films, documentaries, and series, alongside discussions and awards.
Director Vincenzo Coccoli will be present at the Teatro Subasio in Spello on Tuesday, March 10th, for the national premiere of the “Pompei” episode. He will be joined by members of the cast, including Federica Santuccio, Ethan Riot, Rosario Terranova, Martina Delle Chiaie, and Massimiliano Massa, offering audiences a unique opportunity to engage with the creators of the series. The festival’s focus extends beyond the finished product, celebrating the vital roles of editors, costume designers, makeup artists, set designers, composers, and other behind-the-scenes professionals.
“Pompei – La Serie” and the Festival’s Focus on Cinematic Professions
The inclusion of “Pompei – La Serie” at the Spello festival underscores the event’s commitment to showcasing not only compelling narratives but also the skilled individuals who bring them to life. The series, which delves into the historical world of Pompeii, requires a significant collaborative effort from a wide range of cinematic professionals. The festival aims to highlight these contributions, recognizing that the magic of cinema is built upon the expertise of many. The festival program includes 24 feature films, 59 short films, 16 documentaries, 8 podcasts, 12 TV series, and 9 behind-the-scenes looks, demonstrating the breadth of the cinematic landscape it encompasses. The festival’s website provides a detailed schedule and list of events.
Awards and Recognitions at the 2026 Festival
The 2026 festival will present several prestigious awards recognizing excellence in cinematic artistry. Francesco Bruni, a celebrated director and screenwriter, will receive the Premio Eccellenza. A special award will also be established in memory of Stefano Amadio, a journalist and longtime collaborator with the festival, with his sister Silvia Amadio participating on the judging panel. Other awards include the Premio Carlo Savina, to be presented to Giuliano Taviani and Carmelo Travia for their musical contributions to film, the Premio Federico Savina, awarded to Stefano Campus, and the Testimonial Agenda 2030 awards, recognizing the commitment of Sofia D’Elia and Sara Ciocca. Federica De Benedettis and Alessandro Sperduti serve as the festival’s godmother and godfather, respectively.
The festival’s opening ceremony, held on March 6th at the Teatro Subasio, featured Veronica Pivetti, star of the TV series “Balene,” in conversation with journalist Simone Pinchiorri. Two exhibitions are also accompanying the film festival: “Arte nel cinema,” curated by Mara Roscini, which pays tribute to artists who have depicted cinema in their perform, and “Attraverso il nero,” curated by costume historian Luciano Lapadula and fashion designer Vito Antonio Lerario. The festival’s dedication to celebrating the artistry and technical skill involved in filmmaking positions it as a significant event for both industry professionals and film enthusiasts alike.
As the Festival del Cinema Città di Spello e dei Borghi Umbri continues through March 15th, it promises to be a vibrant celebration of cinematic artistry and the dedicated professionals who shape the stories we see on screen. The event’s commitment to free admission ensures accessibility, inviting a wide audience to engage with the world of film and appreciate the collaborative effort required to bring these narratives to life. The continued success of the festival will likely solidify Spello’s reputation as a key destination for film lovers and industry insiders.
Stay tuned for further updates and highlights from the festival as it unfolds. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
