Cremano Film Festival 2026: San Giorgio a Cremano, a showcase of cinema, artificial intelligence, and young talent

San Giorgio a Cremano is preparing to host the fourth edition of the Cremano Film Festival, scheduled from September 18th to November 8th, 2026. The festival, directed by Massimo De Matteo, confirms its position as a key event for emerging and innovative cinema, highlighting the relationship between traditional cinema and artificial intelligence (AI).

The festival thus renews its connection with the city's cinematic legacy, celebrated in particular with a tribute to Massimo Troisi in the evocative courtyard of Villa Vannucchi, where the opening night will take place. A plaque dedicated to the opening scene of "Ricomincio da tre" will be unveiled, and an event will be held featuring guests such as Lello Arena, Patrizio Rispo, and other longtime friends of the Neapolitan actor.

At the heart of the program is the theme of empathy, explored as a key to understanding the ongoing social and technological transformations. For the first time, the festival explores how AI is transforming the creative and production processes of film, with particular attention to the ethical implications and the role of human sensitivity.

A focal point will be the masterclass "Live Action vs AI?" aimed at young people aged 18 to 40, with places also reserved for high school students. This free training program, divided into three sessions from October 26th to 28th, will offer hands-on experience ranging from audiovisual creation with AI, through a hackathon led by Federico Luglio, to the production of a traditional short film with the support of the Pigrecoemme film school. The program will conclude with a panel discussion on traditional cinema and AI, followed by an awards ceremony for the best short films, chosen by direct vote of the young participants.

The festival also offers a series of free screenings of debut works, hosted at Villa Bruno between October 24th and November 7th, with the participation of directors and actors such as Fortunato Cerlino, Gino Rivieccio, Gabriele Berti, Giuseppe Miale di Mauro and Massimiliano Gallo.

The festival will conclude on November 8th at Villa Vannucchi with the final evening and the awards ceremony for the competing short films.

Mayor Michele Carbone emphasizes how the festival is a bridge between cinematic tradition and future challenges, while Deputy Mayor Pietro De Martino highlights the importance of an event capable of combining culture, education, and innovation. For Artistic Director Massimo De Matteo, AI is not an enemy but a tool to be understood and valued, with young people at the forefront of this dialogue.

The 2026 Cremano Film Festival is funded by the Campania Region and benefits from collaborations with major national and international film festivals, including the Giffoni Film Festival and the Procida Film Festival. Pepsi is the official technical sponsor.