From June 22nd to 27th, 2026, the Baarìa Film Festival (BAAFF) returns to Bagheria, the first Italian festival entirely dedicated to “island cinema.” The event, produced by the Kinema Cultural Association with the patronage of the Municipality of Bagheria and the artistic direction of Vanessa Tonnini and Andrea Di Quarto, offers two international competitive sections (the feature films “Maree” and the short films “Approdi”), special screenings, masterclasses, and meetings with the filmmakers.

🎬 Special Evenings & Previews

This year’s special evenings are dedicated to the theme of connections and origins:
-June 22nd (Capitol Cinema) – Opening Film: AVEMMARIA by Fortunato Cerlino. The director will be present to inaugurate the festival.
-June 23rd (Villa Cattolica): NEL TEPORE DEL BALLO by Pupi Avati. The film will be introduced by its star, Massimo Ghini.
-June 24 (Villa Cattolica): INDIVISIBILI by Edoardo De Angelis. A special screening to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the award-winning film, with the director in attendance.

🌍 “Maree” International Feature Film Competition

Films in competition that explore the imagination and stories of islands around the world:
-June 23 (Capitol Cinema): KIDNAPPING INC. by Bruno Mourral (Haiti) – Italian Premiere.
-June 24 (Capitol Cinema): BLUE HERON by Sophy Romvari (Vancouver Island).
-June 25 (Capitol Cinema): PHEASANT ISLAND by Asier Urbieta (Spain/France). The director will be present.
-June 26 (Capitol Cinema): SUKKWAN ISLAND by Vladimir de Fontenay (France/Norway). The director will be present.

🏆 The Juries & Awards

The festival awards are artistic reproductions of the “monsters” of Villa Palagonia. The winners will be chosen by a popular jury of students and a panel of professionals:
-Feature Film Jury: Chaired by Claudia Gerini (actress and director), supported by Mimmo Calopresti (director), Dino Abbrescia (actor), and Maria Vera Ratti (actress).
-Short Film Jury: Composed of Susy Laude (actress and director), Professor Francesco Lo Piparo (linguist), Orio Scaduto (actor), and Francesca La Mantia (documentary filmmaker).

📍 The Festival Venues

BAAFF will spread the magic of cinema in Bagheria’s iconic locations:
-Villa Cattolica: Open-air evening screenings (Home of the Renato Guttuso Museum).
-Palazzo Butera: Masterclasses and morning meetings.
-Villa Ramacca: Inaugural Gala.
-Capitol Cinema: Afternoon screenings in theaters.

🤝 Collaborations and Sponsors

-Cultural Partner: Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia (CSC) – Sicilian Branch, directed by Costanza Quatriglio, with a selection of short films out of competition.
-Media Partners: Rai Cultura, Rai Radio 3, Tele One, Radio IN, CinéMoi.
-Main Sponsors: Almaviva Blubit, Enel, Villa Ramacca.