Cultural projects highlight Mediterranean identity through short films in Italy

Two distinct audiovisual projects are being presented in Italy to explore regional identity and collective memory through cinema.

In Campania, the short film ‘Atti di ricordi’ will premiere at the Regional Council on October 27, 2026. Produced by the L’Iride ETS cultural association as part of the ‘Borghi in scena’ initiative, the mockumentary explores the living memory of small villages such as Baselice, Tora, Piccilli, Tortorella, and Zungoli. The project aims to preserve the collective memory of internal communities as they face depopulation.

In Basilicata, the short film ‘Come una balena con le ali’ will be screened in Matera on October 26, 2026. Directed by Michele Puddu Roca as part of the IN-LAND artistic residency, the film is a result of the ‘Terre Immerse – Comunità Creative Euromediterranee’ program. This initiative supports Matera’s role as the 2026 Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue, focusing on Mediterranean identity and community-based cinema.