The 30th Lessinia Film Festival: Nature, Culture, and Cinema!

The Lessinia Film Festival, an annual event dedicated to films about mountain life, nature, and human coexistence with the environment, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year from August 23 – September 1. Held in the absolutely beautiful region of Lessinia in Northern Italy, the festival has grown from a small local event to an internationally recognized film fest, attracting filmmakers, environmentalists, and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Lessinia Film Festival History

Founded in 1995, the Lessinia Film Festival was initially a small celebration of the local culture and the unique landscapes of the Lessinia region. Over the years, it’s expanded its scope and influence, and become an imoprtant platform for documentaries, feature films, and short films that highlight the beauty and challenges of mountain life. The festival wants to grow a deeper understanding of the relationship between humans and nature, and tries to promote sustainability, cultural heritage, and environmental conservation.

2024 Lessenia Film Festival

This year, the Lessinia Film Festival will be held in Bosco Chiesanuova (Verona) from 23 August to 1 September. The 30th edition will be a milestone event, featuring 97 films from 48 countries, including 31 Italian premieres. The festival opens on 23 August at the Teatro Vittoria, preceded by a special event on 22 August in the town’s main square, “Pedalando per il Pianeta Terra” (Pedalling for Planet Earth), where attendees will generate the electricity needed for the projection of six short films on environmental themes by pedaling bicycles.

Interactive Experiences

On top of the film screenings, the festival offers a variety of interactive experiences designed to engage and educate attendees. For ten days, the festival will feature literary presentations and meetings through “Parole Alte,” workshops, excursions, exhibitions, concerts, and food and wine offers focusing on sustainability and local production. The festival also has a renewed commitment to social issues, involving three Prison Houses in the Veneto Region.

A key feature of this year’s festival is the “Mountain Market,” where local artisans and producers showcase their products, ranging from handmade crafts to organic foods. This market not only supports the local economy but also highlights the importance of preserving traditional skills and knowledge.

Awards and Recognition

The Lessinia Film Festival is renowned for its prestigious awards, which recognize excellence in filmmaking and storytelling. The “Lessinia Gold” is awarded to the best film in the competition, while other categories include best documentary, best short film, and audience choice. The awards ceremony, held on the final night of the festival, celebrates talent and creativity, drawing filmmakers and attendees into a shared appreciation of the art of cinema.

Community Impact

The festival’s impact extends beyond the week-long event. The Lessinia Film Festival has inspired numerous other festivals and initiatives worldwide, contributing to a global movement that values and protects mountain environments and cultures.

The 30th edition also introduces two novelties in the film industry: the first edition of FFDLpro, realized with the four Triveneto film commissions, and the presentation of the H.A.D.A.MO. project (Hub and Digital Audiovisual Archive of the Mountains), which will bring together over 1,400 works presented by the festival over three decades.

More Information

For more information about the 30th Lessinia Film Festival, see the following: