Ponza Film Festival – September 2025 Event Schedule
Sala Polifunzionale “Carlo Pisacane”
Via Roma, 3 – Ponza Porto
FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2025
18:00
FESTIVAL OPENING
Introduction by the Director and the entire team.
18:30
Macbeth – Black Heart
Directed by Paola Beatrice Ortolani
Italy – ⏱ 00:26:23
The documentary follows the rehearsals and staging of “Macbeth,” performed by a group of inmates from the “Gennaro De Angelis” prison in Arienzo and the supervising magistrate. Through the medium of theater, the protagonists reveal their personal stories.
19:00
Pettinicchi
Directed by Danilo Sergio
With: Pier Paolo Giannubilo, Dante Gentile Lorusso, Tommaso Evangelista, Augusto Massa, Silvia Valente, Michelangelo Janigro, Lorenzo Canova
Italy – ⏱ 01:00:00
Pettinicchi (2024), directed by Danilo Sergio, explores the life and work of the famous Molise painter Antonio Pettinicchi, renowned for his ability to represent the essence of the “last” through his canvases. Through interviews and unpublished images of the works and the artist, the film offers an intimate and in-depth look at his poetics, and his contribution to the art world. A story that unfolds through images and words, testimonies and stories of artists, critics and art historians who in various capacities came into contact with the famous artist born in Lucito in 1925: from Augusto Massa to Silvia Valente, from Tommaso Evangelista to Lorenzo Canova, from Dante Gentile Lorusso to Michelangelo Janigro up to the exclusive images from Gino Palladino’s personal archive.
20:05
Isola
Directed by Giulia Fo
With: Angela Palmas
Italy – ⏱ 00:11:16
Isola, now a widow, spends her time alone in the place Here she awaits the moment of her departure, at the mercy of the usual routine and the slow passage of time, hoping to be able to rejoin her beloved husband.
20:20
Dead Man’s Switch
Directed by Alejandro Gerber Bicecci
With: Adriana Paz, Noé Hernández
Mexico – ⏱ 01:47:00
Dalia (42), discovers that her husband has vanished without a trace. As her life and her job as a subway driver begin to collapse; the violent indifference of her environment engulfs her in a dark tunnel that seems to lead nowhere.
SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2025
18:30
Test Strike
Directed by Pavlo Karusenko
Kazakhstan – ⏱ 00:04:43
A short AI film exploring morals in medieval Japan.
18:40
Here Where The Sea Shines
Directed by Giuseppe A. Modica
Italy – ⏱ 00:17:09
A little dog named Rosy is the mascot of Marina Grande, a small port area in Sorrento. Today, Rosy turns 10 and helps her 60-year-old male owner work at the bar, socializing with the customers and watching the fishermen and the sea.
19:00
La ragazza d’argento
Directed by Alex Scarpa, Margherita Giusti Hazon
With: Paola Calliari, Filippo Santopietro
Italy – ⏱ 00:02:54
Alba is the protagonist of a silent black-and-white movie from the 1920s. Her monotonous and repetitive life changes when, thanks to a magic spell, she finds herself in the Milan of 2025, where she meets a disillusioned and resigned boy: will magic bring some color into their lives?
19:25
Un Talento Ingombrante
Directed by Melanja Palitta
With: Silvana Secchi
Italy – ⏱ 00:30:00
Initially conceived as a family interview, this 30-minute documentary evolved into a poignant exploration of Silvana Secchi’s life—my auntie’s journey. Gifted with numerous artistic talents, Silvana faced rejection from her father and the constraints of a patriarchal society. Through her personal narrative, archival footage, and the evocative landscapes of Sardinia, we delve into an intimate reality. Despite appearing dated, this story resonates with contemporary issues, revealing a cultural approach that, under the guise of protection, distorts the understanding and expression of emotions.
Silvana’s life story is one of denials, rebellion, and guilt, leading to profound challenges, including a deep period of depression. Yet, amidst the struggles, a turning point emerges, bringing a message of hope and inspiration.
20:00
Sacrebleu – Chapter 1
Directed by Clement Oberto
With: William Rozdilsky, Enzo Lopez, Alexandru Tomescu, Nikole Filatova, Sunny Baca
United States – ⏱ 00:05:00
This 1st chapter introduces Enzo — an individual born from the ocean with his head wrapped in a plastic bag, a symbol of human blindness and disconnection. Adrift in a world.
20:10
Recurve
Directed by Darren Philip Hoffman
With: Sam Lore
United States – ⏱ 00:09:15
This one-take, studio recorded performance, examines the confrontation of collaboration among music, dance and light. Moving through obstacles, time and turmoil, overcoming only to be met with new resistance, gaining strength.
20:25
Face To Face
Directed by Daniele Ippolito, Elijah Negasi
With: Daniele Ippolito, Giuseppe Granata, Samuel Lopez, Johnathan Ladino
United States – ⏱ 00:05:00
Face to Face is a darkwave music video The story follows a record shop worker who, after finishing his shift, embarks on a surreal journey home.
20:35
Viraha
Directed by Andrea de Santis
With: Roberto Evangelista, Roberta Crolle
Italy – ⏱ 01:04:00
VIRAHA — a Hindi word evoking nostalgia and the tension toward what has
been lost — tells the story of Marco and Elena, a couple in silent
crisis who choose to spend a relaxing weekend on the island that once
was their summer residence, abandoned now for many years.
SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2025
18:00
No Strings
Directed by Molly Lipson
With: Jessie Bedrossian, Joshua Akehurst
United Kingdom – ⏱ 00:10:31
Climate organiser Milly is preparing for her first live TV interview when her sort-of boyfriend drops a bombshell about why she’s been chosen as the movement’s spokesperson.
18:15
Prayer of the Sea
Directed by Martin Gerigk
Germany – ⏱ 00:06:30
A composer recounts a dream from his youth The dream, depicting a peaceful dissolution into the sea and wind, symbolized his future death.
18:25
Signora
Directed by Alfio D’Agata
With: Elena Russo, Antonio Catania
Italy – ⏱ 00:11:00
A special day for a woman who finds herself facing adverse situations, with a society that seems to give her an expiration date. It’s all seen as if from another planet. But never underestimate a Lady…