Messina to host seventh Cineclub dei Piccoli film festival

Messina will host the seventh edition of the Cineclub dei Piccoli film festival from October 15 to 18. Directed by Francesco Torre and promoted by the Arknoah Association, the event is dedicated to children and focuses on the theme “The origins of cinema and pre-cinema.”

The festival aims to introduce new generations to the history of early entertainment through screenings, workshops, and meetings. A highlight of the program is the screening of the 1946 animated film “Andersen – L’acciarino magico” (Fyrtøjet), directed by Svend Methling.

The film copy, held by the Messina Municipal Film Archive (Cineteca comunale di Messina), was restored by Maurilio Forestieri and Isabella La Fauci of the Cineteca dello Stretto. This restoration is part of a broader effort to revitalize the municipal film archive, which has been returned to public use at Palacultura following years of neglect. Culture Assessor Enzo Caruso noted that the restoration is a result of synergy between various local cultural institutions and represents a step toward uncovering the city's cultural memory.