Third day of reflection and irony: the power of cinema at the Social World Film Festival

The 15th edition of the Social World Film Festival in Vico Equense continues its week full of events, confirming its success in terms of participation and quality of content.

The third day of programming, which took place yesterday, June 24, was dedicated to great international cinema and Italian talent. Among the most significant moments, the masterclass at the Aequa cinema with the famous American director Abel Ferrara, on the occasion of the Italian preview of “Turn in the Wound”, awarded as the best social film of the year. Ferrara captured the attention of the participants by establishing an in-depth and authentic dialogue with them: questions, reflections and curiosities fueled an intense debate on the thematic heart of the screening, namely the drama of the war between Russia and Ukraine.

During the following press conference, the director took the opportunity to thank the kids, who with enthusiasm and attention did not hesitate to ask questions. An emotional involvement of the young audience that deeply impressed the author: “It’s powerful to be in a room with others and feel the emotional response of the audience. Young people want to know, they’re not afraid to ask questions. In moments like this it’s not just about moving from one place to another, it’s about learning, about growing.”

Abel Ferrara's film has transformed previously unseen images of the war into living memory. In fact, there are numerous shots taken by the soldiers themselves through cameras fixed to their helmets. A reality never seen before, born from a personal urgency of the director - that of not limiting himself to the narratives proposed by the media, but of going on site to  observe the conflict through the eyes of those who fight and those who suffer.

Recalling the Marines' motto “There are no problems, only opportunities”, Ferrara emphasized the mission of cinema, which he defines as essential: seek and tell the truth.

“Cinema can tell universal stories, but also human experiences that touch the heart of society. It is a powerful medium. Images speak to everyone, beyond any language barrier.”

The deep tones of the reflection on the present were then intertwined with the delicate lightness of the comedy and the verve of The Jackal. Through sincere testimonies, improvised jokes and real life stories, the group retraced the genesis and evolution of the series

e “Little Fish” - online at Prime Video -  now in its second season, but still leaving a message that is equally incisive and universal: “The stories that really touch us are the imperfect ones. We wrote this series to praise imperfection, to tell the journey of acceptance that everyone should have towards themselves.”

In the perspective of the The Jackal, Small Fish It is a praise of imperfection, in which the audience can easily recognize themselves. The narrative tone blends drama with the irony of everyday life, and the funniest details arise precisely from the observation of reality.

“Pesci Piccoli is a series that wants to tell who we really are: imperfect, contradictory, vulnerable. In an era in which only perfection is told, we wanted to do the opposite. Even the stories are 'imperfect': the characters take unexpected paths, often they don't get where you expect. But that's exactly what makes them human.”

During the press conference, Fabio and Ciro explained how the The Jackal were born from the inspiration of a group of friends passionate about cinema and comedy. Even today, the collective does not set a definitive goal, but continues to create with the aim of constantly raising the bar and progressively improving. For all of them, fun is the very engine of the creative process: settling would mean risking a setback in production.

“The group saves us, reflects us, keeps us faithful to our identity.”

The evening culminated with the usual red carpet and cinema lounge at the Fellini Arena, followed by the screening of the film Naples – New York di Gabriele Salvatores, introduced by the young and talented performers Antonio Guerra e Dea Lanzaro. Both, already present at the press conference, spoke with journalists about their experience with the iconic director and the charismatic — and very talented — Pierfrancesco Favino.

Il Social World Film Festival is preparing to welcome new great personalities of Italian cinema. In the next few days, Sergio Rubini, Cristina Donadio, Gianfranco Gallo and Casa Abis (June 26), Gina Amarante (June 25), and a stunning closing on June 28 with Claudio Giovannesi, Giovanni Esposito, Sebastiano Somma e Susie Del Giudice.

A rich calendar of screenings, meetings and masterclasses awaits the passionate cinema audience.