by InTrieste
The 36th Trieste Film Festival continues to captivate audiences with a vibrant lineup of films and cultural events that highlight international cinema and its ability to bridge cultures and histories.
A Cinematic Kickoff
The third day of the festival opened with Elf Mal Morgen: Berlinale Meets Fußball (“Eleven Tomorrow: Berlinale Meets Football”), a collaborative project celebrating the intersection of cinema and soccer. Directed by a team of students from Munich’s University of Television and Film, the omnibus film features 11 short documentaries spotlighting the unifying power of soccer among youth teams across diverse backgrounds. Commissioned for Germany’s 2024 European Football Championship cultural program, it debuted at the Berlinale 2024.
Spotlight on the Balkans
The “Wild Roses: Serbia” section offered poignant explorations of identity and history:
- Domovine (“Homelands”) by Jelena Maksimović revisits a mountain village on the North Macedonia-Greece border, where the protagonist confronts family legacies from the Greek Civil War. The film debuted at FID Marseille and previously competed at Trieste in 2021.
- Kelti (“Celts”) by Milica Tomović portrays 1993 Belgrade through the lens of a chaotic birthday party, exploring societal tensions and personal yearnings. Premiered at Berlinale’s Panorama section, it garnered acclaim at the Sarajevo Film Festival.
- 78 Dana (“78 Days”) by Emilija Gašić captures the resilience of two sisters documenting life during NATO’s 1999 bombing of Serbia. Shot in Hi8, the film premiered at the Rotterdam International Film Festival and has been featured at over 30 festivals worldwide.
Beyond the Screen
Engaging discussions enriched the festival’s offerings. Immaginando i Balcani (“Imagining the Balkans”) examined cultural production in the post-Yugoslav region, featuring insights from authors and scholars like Elvira Mujčić and Marina Lalović.
Local Icons
Trieste’s own history came to life with the documentary C’era un comico di nome Cecchelin (“There Was a Comedian Named Cecchelin”), directed by Alessio Bozzer. The film celebrates Angelo Cecchelin, a humorist who satirized authority across political regimes, paying a heavy price for his boldness.
Queer Visions
The “Visioni Queer” section spotlighted Avant-Drag! Radical Performers Re-Imagine Athens, a poetic documentary by Fil Ieropoulos that delves into Athens’ drag scene as a sanctuary for marginalized communities. It was followed by The Garden Cadences, documenting the final days of a queer-feminist collective in Berlin facing eviction.
Family-Friendly Features
For younger audiences, Hungarian Stop Motion Magic offered whimsical stop-motion animations, while workshops like “Build Your Own Chamber of Wonders” introduced children to the art of storytelling through light and shadows.
Cultural Walks and Tastings
Trieste itself became a stage with cinematic walking tours, such as Il Mondo in una Città (“The World in a City”), exploring the city’s Cold War-era intrigue. Visitors also enjoyed a Serbian wine tasting at Antico Caffè San Marco, featuring local varietals like Crna Tamjanika and Sauvignon.
The Festival’s Essence
With its eclectic program, the Trieste Film Festival underscores the enduring power of cinema to reflect diverse narratives and foster cultural connections. From poignant Balkan stories to avant-garde queer expressions, this year’s edition reaffirms Trieste’s place as a crossroads of creativity and heritage.
Upcoming Events:
- Piccole Azioni Partecipative (“Small Participatory Actions”): A multisensory exhibit blending sound, touch, and embodied knowledge (January 18-19).
- Serbia a Trieste walking tour: Discover the historical and cultural ties between Trieste and the Balkans (January 19).
For tickets and information, visit Trieste Film Festival’s website.
