by InTrieste
The acclaimed Italian cartoonist Michele Rech, better known by his pen name Zerocalcare, has unveiled the poster for the 2024 Trieste Science+Fiction Festival, an event that has become a major fixture in the world of speculative fiction. Scheduled to run from October 29 to November 3 in the northeastern Italian city, the festival is renowned for its celebration of science fiction and fantasy.
This year’s poster, created by Zerocalcare, reflects the complex interplay between technological innovation and societal change. The illustration is a thought-provoking commentary on the rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), a technology that has begun to make its presence felt in both artistic and practical domains. The artwork captures the profound impact AI is expected to have, drawing parallels with the Fourth Industrial Revolution—a transformative period marked by deep social and economic shifts.
The festival’s artistic director, Alan Jones, praised Zerocalcare’s work for its ability to encapsulate the contemporary fears and hopes surrounding AI. “The poster is a sophisticated blend of humor, political commentary, and social sensitivity,” Jones said. “It crystallizes global concerns about AI and sets the stage for the festival’s exploration of these themes.”
In his explanation, Zerocalcare reflected on the evolution of science fiction from his youth. “When I was younger, we imagined a future where machines would handle the menial and grueling jobs, freeing humans to engage in the arts. Today, AI’s capabilities suggest a dystopian twist where machines might replace us in creative fields, while people continue with their routine tasks,” he observed.
The Trieste Science+Fiction Festival, established in 2000, succeeded the historic Trieste International Science Fiction Film Festival, which ran from 1963 to 1982. The event has since grown into Italy’s premier festival dedicated to science fiction and fantasy, attracting both established and emerging voices in the genre. Previous guests have included notable figures such as Neil Gaiman, Terry Gilliam, and Dario Argento.
This year’s festival will feature a diverse array of films and events, including premieres and discussions on the intersection of science and fiction. Highlights include Mondofuturo, a series of talks with science communicators; IVIPRO Days, which explores video games as a storytelling medium; and the Fantastic Film Forum, aimed at industry professionals.
Additionally, the festival introduces the Mondofuturo Literary Prize, recognizing the best original science fiction book published in Italy in 2023. This new award, supported by the Area Science Park and the Centro Ricerche e Sperimentazioni Cinematografiche e Audiovisive “La Cappella Underground,” underscores the festival’s commitment to celebrating innovative and influential works in the genre.
As the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival continues to grow, its role in shaping discussions around science fiction and its impact on society becomes ever more significant. The 2024 edition promises to be a compelling exploration of the future, anchored by Zerocalcare’s striking and timely artwork.
For more information on the festival and its events, visit the official Trieste Science+Fiction Festival website.
