SIMON MESSNER — AUS DEM SCHATTEN

July started with a World Premiere to celebrate!

SIMON MESSNER – AUS DEM SCHATTEN, directed by our member Veronika Kaserer, had its World Premiere on July 2 at Filmfest München — at the ASTOR Kino, followed by a Q&A.

Huge congratulations to the whole team, and especially to two other FAS members involved: Daniel Mazza — Director of Photography Matilde Ramini — Sound Recordist

The film also screened at the open-air event Kino, Mond und Sterne at the Seebühne in Westpark on July 5, before its theatrical release throughout Germany on July 7.

Synopsis: Eight months after the birth of his first child, Simon Messner set out to attempt the first ascent of an uncharted peak in Pakistan. Caught between a fear of heights, his new role as a father, and the legacy of his father, mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner, he found himself at a turning point: what does it mean to be both a mountaineer and a father, and why pursue something that could cost him everything?

IL ROSPO E IL DIAMANTE WINS AT CineMountain!

IL ROSPO E IL DIAMANTE, directed by our member Beniamino Casagrande, was screened on July 2 in Bolzano as part of the Stagione Estiva Don Bosco, an open-air event held in collaboration with the Bolzano Film Festival Bozen — at Piazza Don Bosco, area parrocchia S. Maria in Augia, 21:00.

Later in the month, the film travelled to Cervino CineMountain — Europe’s highest international mountain film festival, held at the foot of the Matterhorn. Now in its 29th edition, the festival ran from July 25 to August 1, conceived and promoted by the Municipality of Valtournenche and organized by the Monte Cervino Cultural Association as part of Valle d’Aosta’s summer cultural program. From there, the film brought back the PREMIO MONTAGNE D’ITALIA! Congrats to the whole team.

FAS members involved: Director: Beniamino Casagrande Producer: Massimiliano Giannotti / Cooperativa19 Editing: Marco Vitale Sound Design: Stefano Bernardi & Matilde Ramini Colorist: Marco Di Liello

The film was realized with the support of IDM Film & Music Commission Südtirol.

MY BOYFRIEND EL FASCISTA

MY BOYFRIEND EL FASCISTA, produced by our members at HELIOS sustainable films, was back on South Tyrolean screens in July.

It screened at Filmclub Merano/Ariston on July 4, 5, and 9, and also at the Filmtreff Kaltern on July 13.

A bold and timely political film that has been travelling the world since its release in April 2025 — and maybe more relevant than ever.

More FAS members involved: Producer: Martin Rattini Junior Producer: Daria Akimenko Colorist: Silvia Pozzi Sound Design: Stefano Bernardi & Matilde Ramini

Funded by the IDM Film & Music Commission Südtirol.

ZWEITLAND

ZWEITLAND, co-produced by our members from HELIOS sustainable films, was back on some screens in South Tyrol this July.

It had been a year since its premiere at Filmfest München, and a festival journey that reached as far as Kolkata, India, took the film around the world — with cinema releases in Austria, Germany, and Italy, and it was still touring venues around South Tyrol.

08/07 — Teis, Vereinshaus, 20:30

30/07 — Vahrn, Ruine Salern, 21:00

31/07 — Gummer, Haus der Dorfgemeinschaft, 20:00

FAS members contributing to this production: Martin Rattini — Co-Producer Eva Kuen — in the role of the “Köhlerwirtin” Stefano Bernardi — Sound Recordist Caterina Ferrari — 3rd AD Daria Akimenko — Assistant Production Manager Gabriella Cosmo — Production Manager Assistant Daniel Mahlknecht — Key Grip Beniamino Casagrande — Key Grip Caterina Albarella — 2nd Assistant Camera Marco Di Liello — Data Wrangler Hannes Hofer for Maierbros — Lighting Equipment Jonathan Rinn — Lighting Technician

Supported by IDM Film & Music Commission Südtirol.

TIAN

TIAN, produced by our members from TAKT Film — with Verena Ranzi as producer — was touring again.

This kaleidoscopic documentary follows various farmers in South Tyrol as they search for a more sustainable way of farming. Two screenings took place in July:

10/07 — Ulten, Museum Culten, 20:00, followed by a Q&A with Thomas Schäfer

24/07 — Auer, Aurora Filmdays, 19:30

On 24/07 at Aurora, a workshop on wild herb cooking with director and chef Thomas Schäfer took place before the screening, from 16:00 to 19:00.

Synopsis: Our food is losing its value, the soil its health, and the climate its stability. A designer with farming roots and a trained chef ask themselves how agriculture can have a future. In TIAN, they meet people who not only work their land, but reimagine it — navigating tradition, economic pressure, and a desire for new paths. What connects them is their closeness to the earth and a shared belief that change is possible. The film follows choices that unfold quietly, yet have the power to move something within us.

More FAS members involved: Andrea Costa — Consulting Director Stefano Bernardi & Matilde Ramini (Assistant) — Sound Design Luca Zontini — 2nd Camera

CONIGLI AL CIMITERO

CONIGLI AL CIMITERO, the second-year Zelig Film School student film completed in 2024, toured this July as part of Kinocaravan.

The short film screened at three stops across Italy: 9 Luglio — Pian del Cansiglio (BL), Rifugio Alpino Vallorch 18 Luglio — San Bonifacio (VR), Parco Praissola 28 Luglio — Moniga del Garda (BS), Castello di Moniga

Kinocaravan – Giovani Visioni Italiane is a touring cinema project built to bring authors, films, and local communities into direct contact — treating cinema as a collective experience and a tool for social reflection, at a time when watching films is increasingly solitary and fragmented. Each evening centered on four short films followed by a live conversation with the filmmakers present.

SOUVENIRS OF WAR

SOUVENIRS OF WAR, directed by our member Georg Zeller and produced by our members from HELIOS sustainable films, was touring again.

In the beautiful southern Italian city of Bari, the documentary was screened on July 10, on the eve of the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the Srebrenica Genocide (July 11). The screening started at 20:30 at Chiosco Mimmo Bucci.

The film was part of Sconfinatə, a political cinema series curated by Fridays for Future Bari, in collaboration with La Scatola Blu, and in partnership with Armata Brancaleone APS and OpenDDB.

ALKOHOL – DER GLOBALE RAUSCH

Here’s to a topic that never gets old!

ALKOHOL – DER GLOBALE RAUSCH / ALCOHOL – THE MAGIC POTION, directed by our member Andreas Pichler, aired on RAI Südtirol on July 10 at 20:20.

The documentary explores the global business of alcohol and its deeply rooted cultural dimensions. Released in 2019, it hadn’t lost any of its relevance.

Co-produced by our members from Miramonte Film, with Valerio B. Moser as producer and FAS member Martin Rattini as DOP.

More FAS members involved: Production Manager: Greta Mentzel Camera Assistant: Nikolaus Schlebrügge Drone Camera Operator: Alexander Fontana

DESPITE THE SCARS

On July 11, DESPITE THE SCARS, directed by our member Felix Rier and produced by our members from HELIOS sustainable films, ran in competition at the 21st edition of the Sole Luna Doc Film Festival in Palermo.

Having had its World Premiere at Biografilm in 2025 and its International Premiere this year at the Max Ophüls Preis Film Festival, the film continued its festival and screening journey.

Synopsis: After enduring the trauma of a brutal gang rape, young dancer Thea embarked on a profound journey of healing. Through her choreography, she confronted her pain step by step, gradually transforming her vulnerability into a quiet yet fierce bravery.

With the unwavering support of her partner Thiago and the unconditional love of their dog Mandinga, Thea discovered a safe space to begin piecing together her shattered world. The birth of her son further redefined her relationship with her body and sense of self.

We followed Thea’s most intimate struggles through her personal video diaries, intertwined with the tender lens of her childhood friend, filmmaker Felix, who uncovers the unspoken layers of her healing process.

DESPITE THE SCARS highlights the collective responsibility we share in supporting those who have endured trauma, reminding us of the vital roles of empathy, dignity and love in times of darkness.

AVERNO

The documentary short by Zelig Film School graduates Filippo Maria Pontiggia (directing/cinematography), Mara Godino (cinematography), and Giulia Epifani (editing) traveled to Piemonte to premiere at the 29th edition of Cinemambiente in Torino.

Made in Italy – Section 03/06 – 17:45 – Cinema Massimo, Torino

Synopsis: Pozzuoli lies at the center of the crater of the Phlegraean Fields, where the earth breathes, rising and falling in a continuous cycle. Here, where the boundary between the world of the living and that of the underworld has opened many times, the earth — with its vapors and fumes — holds ancient mysteries and a latent energy, about to awaken.

MEMENTO MURI

The second of three diploma films from Zelig Film School screened at the 29th Cinemambiente Film Festival was MEMENTO MURI, by Jonathan Bugiel (directing), Annieke Boer (cinematography), and Susanna Laruccia (editing).

After screenings at the Bolzano Film Festival and DOK.fest Munich, the documentary short came to the big screen in Torino:

Made in Italy – Section 03/06 – 17:45 – Cinema Massimo, Torino

Cinemambiente, Italy’s most important event dedicated to environmental cinema, is organized by the Museo Nazionale del Cinema and ran in Torino from June 3 to 7, 2026, with its main venue at Cinema Massimo — the Museo Nazionale del Cinema itself. The festival’s program spanned 69 films from 30 countries, divided between international competitions, thematic focuses, national premieres, and special screenings.

GIRO GIRO TONDO

From the Dolomites to the Swiss Alps!

GIRO GIRO TONDO, edited by our member Gabriele Borghi, with sound design and mix by our member Stefano Bernardi and color correction by Silvia Pozzi, headed to its Swiss premiere at the Bergwelten Filmfestival in Stans. Now in its fourth edition, the festival presented films from around the world on the themes of mountain & valley and nature & environment.

After its Italian premiere at the Trento Film Festival in April, the film screened twice in Stans:

Wednesday, June 3 — 17:45 | Theater Stans Thursday, June 4 — 14:00 | Aula Kollegium St. Fidelis

Synopsis: An alpine valley in the Dolomites welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists each winter. Yet what happens before the season begins remains largely hidden from visitors. Every year, a complex organizational system is set in motion, involving countless people working to prepare and maintain the infrastructure and businesses that make the destination possible.

ELON MUSK UNVEILED — The Tesla Experiment

Our member Andreas Pichler’s ELON MUSK UNVEILED — The Tesla Experiment continued its screening tour, touching down at three major documentary festivals across three continents.

First stop: Encounters — Africa’s premier documentary festival, running June 4–14, 2026 in Cape Town and Johannesburg — with two screenings on June 5 and 12.

Then to the UK for Sheffield DocFest, the 33rd edition of which ran June 10–15, 2026 in Sheffield, with two screenings on June 10 and 12.

And later in the month, at DOK.Village in Stuttgart on June 18 — the annual industry gathering organized by Haus des Dokumentarfilms, this year under the theme “Democracy Under Pressure — Is Our Civil Society at the End?” — a fitting context for a film about one of the most influential and polarizing figures shaping democracy today.

What a strong festival run!

TORNERANNO I LUPI (The Wolves Will Return)

The third Zelig Film School graduation film at Cinemambiente in Torino was TORNERANNO I LUPI (The Wolves Will Return).

On an old road in Piedmont, three generations of women face the same wound: “In our family, we’ve all been disappointed by love.” Director Bianca, her mother and grandmother summon an ancient legend of sea, men and wolves to understand what seems doomed to repeat itself in their family.

After premiering at Visions du Réel, competing at ZagrebDox, and winning Best Film in the Gabbiano section at Bellaria Film Festival, the film came home to Torino.

Congratulations to director Bianca Vallino, cinematographer Esther Kreiner, editor Elisa Gabbai, and our members Stefano Bernardi and Matilde Ramini for Sound Design and Mix.

HOTEL PARADISO — TV Premiere

We announced the TV premiere of HOTEL PARADISO, a documentary created by our members at Korabi Film.

After its cinema premiere at Bolzano Film Festival 2024, the film about the legendary hotel designed by Gio Ponti aired in a revised, Italian-language version on:

Rai Alto Adige, channel 808 Sunday, 07.06.26 — 22:35

Built in 1935 at 2,160 metres against the backdrop of the Cevedale, Hotel Paradiso was designed to challenge the limits of tourism and nature in South Tyrol. Through architects, politicians, enthusiasts, and historians, the film retraces its troubled history — and reflects on the future of a building still searching for its place in the world.

FAS members involved: Directed & produced by Erald Dika DOP — Annachiara Gislimberti Editor — Gabriele Borghi

MOVING MOUNTAINS

We loved seeing films by our members keep traveling!

MOVING MOUNTAINS, the documentary short by our members at TAKT Film, was back on the road — with two screenings:

12/06 — Red Line Film Festival, Montalcino, in the presence of director Andrea Costa 19/06 — RESTA #4, Giornata Internazionale del Rifugiato, Capannori

FAS members involved in the film: Producer — Verena Ranzi Director — Andrea Costa Camera — Luca Zontini Co-editing — Beatrice Segolini

Happy to see this film still finding its audience.

MY BOYFRIEND EL FASCISTA

MY BOYFRIEND EL FASCISTA, produced by our members at HELIOS sustainable films, screened at Astra Brixen on Friday, June 19, with director Matthias Lintner and protagonist Sadiel González in attendance!

19/06 — 20:00h — Astra Brixen

More FAS members involved: Martin Rattini – Producer (HELIOS sustainable films) Daria Akimenko – Junior Producer Silvia Pozzi – Colorist Stefano Bernardi & Matilde Ramini – Sound Design

TRUFFA A REGOLA D’ARTE

Few things make us happier than seeing films — in which members of our Association contributed — hit the big screen! Because cinema is something else entirely: the image, the sound, the shared experience in a dark room. It gives the work a special kind of attention that we think it deserves.

TRUFFA A REGOLA D’ARTE had a theatrical release throughout Italy — starting in Florence, traveling to Turin, Naples, and many other cities, including Bolzano on June 25 at Filmclub Bozen!

Our members Nikolaus Schlebrügge (DoP), Greta Mentzel (Line Producer), Stefano Bernardi (Sound/Sound Design), Georg Zeller (Green Consultant), and Maierbros (Equipment) all contributed to this documentary about one of the biggest art frauds in European history. Congratulations to everyone involved!

June Screening Dates:

21 June Firenze, Cinema Astra — 15:15

22 June Torino, Cinema Centrale — 21:00 Cagliari, Cinema Greenwich — 20:30 Roma, Cinema Barberini — 14:30 & 19:30 Firenze, Cinema Astra — 19:00 Reggio Emilia, Cinema UCI — 19:40 Verona, Cinema UCI — 19:15 Orio al Serio (BG), Cinema UCI — 19:30 Ancona, Cinema Giometti — TBC Tolentino (MC), Cinema Giometti — TBC Prato, Cinema Giometti — TBC Porto Sant’Elpidio (FM), Cinema Giometti — TBC

23 June Torino, Cinema Centrale — 19:00 Milano, Cinema CityLife Anteo — 19:50 Seregno (MI), Cinema Moviestudio — 21:15 Orio al Serio (BG), Cinema UCI — 19:30 Roma, Cinema Barberini — 14:30 & 19:30 Verona, Cinema UCI — 19:15 Ancona, Cinema Giometti — TBC Tolentino (MC), Cinema Giometti — TBC Prato, Cinema Giometti — TBC Porto Sant’Elpidio (FM), Cinema Giometti — TBC Reggio Emilia, Cinema UCI — TBC

24 June Firenze, Cinema Astra — 17:15

25 June Bolzano, Cinema Filmclub — 20:00

29 June Napoli, Casa del Cinema — TBC

30 June Napoli, Casa del Cinema — TBC

14 July Cesena, Cinema Aladdin — TBC

MONICA VITTI — Die Königin des italienischen Films — TV Premiere

As our June Showcase came to an end, we announced the TV premiere of MONICA VITTI — Die Königin des italienischen Films!

Monica Vitti was one of Italy’s most influential and versatile actresses. In this documentary, she speaks for herself, through time, and recounts how she became famous as a brilliant interpreter of the dark social criticism of master director Michelangelo Antonioni — and how she later became the sole female protagonist in the best films of the “Commedia all’italiana” genre.

The film, co-produced by our members at HELIOS sustainable films together with German company Florianfilm, had its TV premiere on ARTE on June 29 at 22:15h.

And as part of our regular showcase, we highlighted the professional achievements and diverse roles our members played within the industry:

Martin Rattini — Producer & DoP Daria Akimenko — Production Assistant Alexander Fontana — Drone Pilot & Camera Assistant Stefano Bernardi — Sound Recordist Gabriele Borghi — Editor Marco Di Liello — Colorist Martine De Biasi — Archive Researcher

ZWEITLAND

by Michael Kofler opened the month at the 74. Trento Film Festival on May 1st, with director, actor Thomas Prenn and producer Martin Rattini present. The film’s journey through the region continues.

IL ROSPO E IL DIAMANTE

by our member Beniamino Casagrande travelled from its Biografilm premiere and sold-out BFFB screening to the Trento Film Festival (May 2), before returning to Bolzano for a Filmclub screening on May 18 — with director, producers and co-protagonists Giuseppe Cederna, Luciano Casagrande and Ram Kedar Negi Gawa present for a Q&A. Members involved: Massimiliano Gianotti (Producer), Marco Vitale (Editing), Stefano Bernardi & Matilde Ramini (Sound Design), Marco Di Liello (Colorist).

LISTEN!,

an immersive audio-visual project co-produced by our members Ekin Çalışır and Georg Zeller, was pitched at the Camp4Science pitch at the 61st AFO in Olomouc, Czech Republic on May 2nd — a reminder that the showcase follows work at every stage, not just finished films.

LA CIMA,

edited by our member Gabriele Borghi, had its second screening at the Trento Film Festival on May 2nd in the Orizzonti Vicini section.

TORINO TORINO

by our member Bernadette Weber continued its tour through Mantova and Brescia. The film — about the first Italians to bike around the globe in the 1950s — premiered internationally at Hofer Filmtage 2025. Members involved: Gabriele Borghi (Editor), Marco Di Liello (Colorist).

ELON MUSK UNVEILED — The Tesla Experiment

by our member Andreas Pichler had a packed May: a special event at the Zeit-Stiftung Bucerius in Hamburg on May 4 with a panel including director Andreas Pichler, film protagonist Anja Oldenburg, media lawyer Christoph Fey and investigative journalist Sönke Iwersen — the same evening the film aired on ARD at primetime. It then screened twice at Millennium Docs Against Gravity in Warsaw (May 9 & 12) and had a Special Screening at DOK.fest München on May 15.

MY BOYFRIEND EL FASCISTA,

produced by our members at Helios Sustainable Films, opened in cinemas on May 7 at Filmclub Bolzano — with director Matthias Lintner, protagonist Sadiel Gonzalez and the producers in attendance. After Hot Docs, Docpoint, One World Prague and many more, the film finally reached home screens. Members involved: Martin Rattini (Producer), Daria Akimenko (Junior Producer), Silvia Pozzi (Colorist), Stefano Bernardi & Matilde Ramini (Sound Design).

TORNERANNO I LUPI,

the ZeLIG graduation film directed by Bianca Vallino, travelled to the Bellaria Film Festival in May — and won! The Gabbiano Competition prize caps a remarkable early run for the film, which had already premiered at Visions du Réel and screened at ZagrebDox. Members involved: Stefano Bernardi & Matilde Ramini (Sound Design & Mix).

MEMENTO MURI,

another ZeLIG diploma film directed by Jonathan Bugiel, was nominated for the Student Award at DOK.fest München and screened three times in the Dok.Shorts programme (May 8, 9 and 16).

DESPITE THE SCARS

by our member Felix Rier screened at the University of Bologna as part of the conference “Corpi, violenza, narrazioni e cura. Legami possibili. In ricordo di Emma Pezemo 2026”.

SENZA NOME,

the short film produced by Helios Sustainable Films and directed by Davide Grotta, screened at the IFF Integrazione Film Festival in Bergamo on May 15 and at Borgo Film Fest in Bisaquino, Sicily on May 29. A poetic documentary road movie tracing one man’s journey across Italy as an act of collective remembrance for the over 30,000 lives lost crossing the Mediterranean. Members involved: Martin Rattini (Producer), Daria Akimenko (Junior Producer), Gabriella Cosmo (Production Coordinator), Alexander Fontana (Cinematography), Gabriele Borghi (Editing), Stefano Bernardi (Sound Design), Marco Di Liello (Color Grading).

Elon Musk Unveiled: The Tesla Experiment opens the BFFB

This year’s Bolzano Film Festival Bozen opened with the most recent film by our member Andreas Pichler. Co-edited by Beatrice Segolini, Elon Musk Unveiled: The Tesla Experiment screened almost simultaneously across three screens of the Capitol Cinema on opening night. The investigative film, based on leaked data from whistleblower Lukasz Krupski, has been travelling Europe’s finest festivals since its IDFA premiere — through CPH:DOX, Fipadoc and many more — and arrived in Bolzano as something of a homecoming for the region. The festival audience agreed: the film won the Audience Award at BFFB.

The Guardian of Stories — Local Heroes

Our member Markus Steiner Ender co-directed and shot The Guardian of Stories, with editing by our member Cornelia Schöpf. The film follows Siphai Thammavong, a young storyteller from Luang Prabang, Laos, who sets out to find and record the last guardians of an oral tradition on the verge of disappearing — travelling deep into remote villages to listen to the last storytellers before they are gone. The film competed for the IDM Film & Music Commission Südtirol Award for Best Feature Film from the Euregio regions.

Toni, mio padre — Festival Special

Toni, mio padre screened as a festival Special, with our member Traudi Messini (Mediaart Coop) among its co-producers. The film follows Anna as she revisits Venice with her father Toni Negri — political scientist and former leader of the 1970s protest movement — shortly before his death, tracing years of exile, loss, and an unfinished conversation between a father and a daughter.

Il Rospo e il Diamante comes home

After premiering at Biografilm and winning the audience award in the Italian Competition, Il Rospo e il Diamante by member Beniamino Casagrande returned to Bolzano, competing in the Local Heroes section. A reflection on spiritual friendship, a haunting past, and a journey in the Himalayas — the kind of quiet film that tends to stay with you. Members involved: Massimiliano Gianotti (Producer, Cooperativa19), Marco Vitale (Editing), Stefano Bernardi and Matilde Ramini (Sound Design), Marco Di Liello (Colorist). The film will be part of the Trento Film Festival in May as well.

Two ZeLIG diploma films in Local Heroes

Our long-standing member ZeLIG Film School had two films from its three-year course graduates in the Bolzano programme.

Far Finte Che, directed by Anna Ciju, competed for the IDM Award for Best Short Film from the Euregio regions — and won! The film is also a lovely example of how connections across generations endure: sound design was handled by Stefano Bernardi (ZeLIG 1994–1997) and Matilde Ramini (ZeLIG 2019–2022). Members involved: Emanuele Vernillo (Production & Festivals), Silvano Gazziero (Technical Supervision).

Memento Muri, directed by Jonathan Bugiel, also screened in the Local Heroes selection. “Amidst the crumbling remnants of the Atlantic Wall a journey unfolds. Echoes of life and death reverberate from shore to shore.” Members involved: Emanuele Vernillo (Production & Festivals), Silvano Gazziero (Technical Supervision).

Rage Rage Against the Dying of the Light — in development

While we love celebrating finished films, it is always a pleasure to follow a project from the inside. Rage Rage Against the Dying of the Light — formerly Grand Popo — participated in the Nord/Est/Doc/Camp lab at the festival, with further stations in Pordenone and at the Euganea Film Festival. The project dives into the struggles of the Grand-Popo region in Benin. Members involved: Nuno Escudeiro (Director), Daria Akimenko and Martin Rattini (Co-Producers, Helios Sustainable Films), Nikolaus Schlebrügge (Co-Cinematography).

My Boyfriend El Fascista — Brussels and coming home to Bolzano

My Boyfriend El Fascista continues its journey this month at the One World Festival in Brussels, where ten films from the One World programme are screening in the capital of the European institutions — a fitting context for a film about politics, love and ideological fracture. And for those in Bolzano: after competing at last year’s festival, the film begins its cinema release at Filmclub Bolzano on May 7. Spread the word. Members involved: Martin Rattini (Producer, Helios Sustainable Films), Daria Akimenko (Junior Producer), Silvia Pozzi (Colorist), Stefano Bernardi and Matilde Ramini (Sound Design).

Despite the Scars — Rome and Berlin

Despite the Scars, directed by our member Felix Rier, screened at the Nuovo Sacher in Rome and headed to the achtung berlin Filmfestival for two screenings in the city where most of the film was shot. Members involved: Martin Rattini (Producer, Helios Sustainable Films), Daria Akimenko (Production Assistant), Stefano Bernardi and Matilde Ramini (Sound Design), Silvia Pozzi (Colour Correction), Martine De Biasi (Consultant).

Zweitland — continuing its journey

Zweitland keeps travelling. Michael Kofler’s “anti-Heimat film that dares to look into the blind spot of picture-postcard idyll” is heading to the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, with screenings still running across South Tyrol in April — and on May 1st it screens at the 74. Trento Film Festival. Members involved: Martin Rattini (Co-Producer), Eva Kuen (actor), Stefano Bernardi (Sound Recordist), Caterina Ferrari (3rd AD), Daria Akimenko (Assistant Production Manager), Gabriella Cosmo (Production Manager Assistant), Daniel Mahlknecht and Beniamino Casagrande (Key Grip), Caterina Albarella (2nd Assistant Camera), Marco Di Liello (Data Wrangler), Jonathan Rinn (Lighting Technician).

Torneranno i Lupi — world premiere at Visions du Réel

Torneranno i Lupi, the latest diploma film from ZeLIG’s 2022–2025 graduates, is celebrating its world premiere at Visions du Réel in Nyon, competing in the International Medium Length & Short Film Competition. Almost simultaneously, the film travels to ZagrebDox, screening in the Teen Dox section — “designed for young audiences, but ultimately speaks to everyone willing to see the world openly again.” Directed by Bianca Vallino, with cinematography by Esther Kreiner and editing by Elisa Cabbai. Members involved: Emanuele Vernillo (Production & Festivals), Stefano Bernardi and Matilde Ramini (Sound Design & Mix), Silvano Gazziero (Technical Supervision).

We wish the whole team a wonderful experience in Nyon and Zagreb.

Giro Giro Tondo and La Cima at the Trento Film Festival

A fitting close for a mountain-shaped month. Two films edited by our member Gabriele Borghi are screening at the Trento Film Festival at the end of April.

Giro Giro Tondo, directed by Paolo Vinati, follows the vast human machinery behind a winter ski season in an alpine valley — the repetitive yet ever-changing rhythm of a cycle that returns each year. Its Italian premiere takes place on April 26 and 28. Also involved: Silvia Pozzi (Colorist), Stefano Bernardi (Sound).

La Cima, directed by Simone Cargnoni, is a more intimate journey: within the walls of the Dolomites, climbing becomes a metaphor for an inner journey where surpassing limits is not an achievement but an act of deep sharing. The film celebrates its world premiere on April 28, with a further screening on May 2.

My Boyfriend El Fascista in Stockholm and Prague

My Boyfriend El Fascista, produced by Helios Sustainable Films, continues its festival tour with screenings in Stockholm and Prague. The film, which celebrated its international premiere at Hot Docs in Toronto last year, was heading to the Tempo Festival in Stockholm and One World / Jedensvetcz in Prague, the largest human rights film festival in the world.

The film also received an Honorable mention in Stockholm with the following jury statement: “With well crafted compositions this film positions one man’s struggle for the freedom of his country and people within the frame of a couple relationship. Intimacy and world politics collide, in a way seldom seen. The film avoids cliché and instead allows for arguments of fascism, communism and modern right wing extremism to be fought over angrily eaten casserole. Though ending on a good note, we are left with the feeling of having shared some of the tragedies – political as well as personal – of our time.”

Several FAS members were involved in the production: Martin Rattini (Producer), Daria Akimenko (Junior Producer), Stefano Bernardi and Matilde Ramini (Sound Design), and Silvia Pozzi (Colorist).

Elon Musk Unveiled: The Tesla Experiment Across Europe

Directed by Andreas Pichler and co-edited by Beatrice Segolini, Elon Musk Unveiled: The Tesla Experiment is screening extensively across Europe. The investigative film, based on leaked data from whistleblower Lukasz Krupski, traces Musk’s rise and the safety controversies surrounding Tesla’s autopilot function.

March screenings included:

• Oslo: Three screenings at the HumanIDFF.
• Germany: Cinema release on March 12.
• Copenhagen: Four screenings at CPH:DOX.
• Prague: Two screenings at Jedensvetcz/One World.
• Czech Republic: Cinema release on March 15.
• Leuven: Three screenings at Docville.

Additionally, the film will open the Bolzano Film Festival Bozen in April for viewers in the Trentino-South Tyrol region.

Despite the Scars in Merano

Despite the Scars, directed by Felix Rier, was screened on March 6 at Ostwestclub Estovest in Merano. The screening was followed by a Q&A with the director and the protagonist, Thea Malfertheiner, moderated by Thomas Kobler.

The production involved several FAS members: Helios Sustainable Films (Production Company), Martin Rattini (Producer), Daria Akimenko (Production Assistant), Stefano Bernardi and Matilde Ramini (Sound Design), and Silvia Pozzi (Colorist).

Personale in Merano

Personale, directed by Carmen Trocker and produced by Bagarre Film (Carmen and Ronny Trocker), premiered in the Luminous Section at IDFF 2024 and was screened in March at Docu.emme in Merano. The film follows the housekeeping team of a hotel in the Italian Dolomites, tracing their work through laundry rooms and corridors. By inverting the gaze, the film looks with the workers, revealing the hidden side of the tourist experience.

Nótos at Sguardi Altrove

Nótos by Simona Palmieri, a diploma film from the ZeLIG Film School, competed in the Italian competition at the Sguardi Altrove Women’s International Film Festival in Milan. The film follows a young woman returning to her childhood home to investigate a silent family history and reconnect with her father.

Grand Popo at Nord/Est/Doc/Camp

While we often celebrate finished films, we also highlight the development work behind projects. Grand Popo (working title), directed by Nuno Escudeiro and co-produced by Daria Akimenko and Martin Rattini of Helios Sustainable Films (alongside Solent Production and Bam Bam Cinema), participated in the Nord/Est/Doc/Camp lab.

The first workshop phase took place in Pordenone on March 12–13. The lab, co-organized by the Bolzano, Euganea, and Pordenone film festivals, offers feedback and training on editing, post-production, festival strategy, and distribution. The initiative is supported by the IDM Film & Music Commission, Trentino, Veneto, and Friuli Venezia Giulia Film Commissions, and the Fondo Audiovisivo FVG.

Our member Nikolaus Schleebrügge served as one of the film’s cinematographers.

Zweitland in Berlin, Graz, and San Francisco 

Zweitland, directed by Michael Kofler and co-produced by Martin Rattini of Helios Sustainable Films, had again multiple screenings this month:

• Berlin: March 13 and 15 at Babylon Berlin, with Q&A featuring female lead Aenne Schwarz, editor Florian Miosge, and director Michael Kofler.
• San Francisco: March 22 at the Berlin&Beyond Film Festival.
• Graz: Part of the Diagonale – Festival of Austrian Film, March 18–23.

Moving Mountains on RAI and Beyond 

Almost a year after its premiere at the Bolzano Film Festival, where it won the IDM Film & Music Commission Award for Best Short Film of the Euregio, Moving Mountains by Andrea Costa continues its journey. Produced by Verena Ranzi of TaktFilm, the film was broadcast on RAI Alto Adige on March 14 at 22:30.

The documentary follows Moussa, a young man from Guinea, who finds a home on the farm of Rita, a farmer in South Tyrol. Through daily routines and shared challenges, the film explores belonging and the search for a new balance.

Additional FAS members involved include Luca Zontini (Cinematographer) and Beatrice Segolini (Editing Team).

La Realtà LGBTQIA+ in Alto Adige on RAI 

On March 29 at 9:00 AM, La Realtà LGBTQIA+ in Alto Adige by Caterina Ferrari was aired on RAI Alto Adige. The documentary explores the LGBTQIA+ community in South Tyrol through personal testimonies and expert voices, marking the occasion of the region’s first-ever Pride celebration last year. The film will be available in the mediathek for those unable to watch live.

As always, we look forward to seeing how our members’ work continues to reach new audiences and develop further in the coming weeks.

Souvenirs of War in Genova 

Souvenirs of War by Georg Zeller screened in Genova on February 5th at Cinemino Ad Astra at 9 PM. The production involved several FAS members: Martin Rattini (Producer), Daria Akimenko (Assistant Producer), Beatrice Segolini (Editor), Stefania Bona (Cinematographer), Stefano Bernardi (Sound Design), Valerio Moser (Sound Recordist), and Gabriele Borghi (Assistant Editor). The documentary, which premiered in Sarajevo in 2023, explores Bosnia 30 years after the peace agreement, examining the intersection of tourism and memory.

My Boyfriend El Fascista at Docpoint Helsinki 

My Boyfriend El Fascista, produced by Helios Sustainable Films with Martin Rattini (Producer) and Daria Akimenko (Junior Producer), was screened at the Docpoint festival in Helsinki on January 31 and February 1. The film also features colorist Silvia Pozzi and sound designers Stefano Bernardi and Mattilde Ramini.

Elon Musk Unveiled – The Tesla Experiment

Following its cinema tour through Germany, which concluded in Brühl earlier this month, Andreas Pichler’s Elon Musk Unveiled – The Tesla Experiment celebrated its Australian premiere at the Antenna Festival in Sydney on February 12. The investigative film examines the development of Tesla’s autopilot function and the subsequent legal battles regarding safety. The film was co-edited by our member Beatrice Segolini. 

Zweitland Tour Continues in South Tyrol 

Zweitland, co-produced by Helios Sustainable Films (Martin Rattini), Starhaus Filmproduktion, and KGP, continued its successful tour through South Tyrol with sold-out screenings. The film, which won the Award for Best Newcomer Director at the Bavarian Film Awards in Janaury, had the following screenings in February:

• 13/02: Weitental, Pfarrsaal, 19:00
• 13/02: Kaltern, Filmtreff, 17:30 (original with Italian subtitles)
• 14/02: Kaltern, Filmtreff, 17:30 (original with Italian subtitles)
• 15/02: Kaltern, Filmtreff, 20:00 (original with Italian subtitles)
• 17/02: Brunico, Cinema Odeon, 18:00 + 20:30 (original with Italian subtitles)
• 18/02: Bressanone, Cinema Stella, 18:00 + 19:30 (original with Italian subtitles)

More information on screenings is available at zweitland.it.

Cosi Com’è in Berlin 

Cosi Com’è, co-produced by our members of Albolina Film and featuring cinematography by Stefania Bona, was screened in Berlin. The film previously won the Main Award in the Gabbiano Section at the Bellaria Film Festival in May 2025. The story follows a mother visiting her estranged son in Germany amidst her husband’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Despite the Scars at Film Club Bozen

Despite the Scars, directed by Felix Rier and produced by Helios Sustainable Films, had additional screenings at Film Club Bozen on February 17 and 18. The film documents the journey of a dancer recovering from trauma through choreography and personal video diaries.