Homage to "A City in Cinema": The Festival that Lit Up L'Aquila
A City on Film it was the the world's first international festival dedicated to cinema crafts, with a focus on cinematography, editing, production design, and costumes. From 1981 to 1990, turned L'Aquila in an open-air film set, attracting 150,000 spectators and masters from 26 nations.
History of the "A City in Cinema" Festival in L'Aquila
Designed by Gabriele Lucci e Luciano Tovoli, the event was held for 10 consecutive editions under the aegis of the’“La Lanterna Magica” Film Institute”. Its unique formula encouraged professionals to work in Squares and streets of L'Aquila's historic centre, making the city a living protagonist of cinema.
Organised annually, the festival has enjoyed extraordinary success, with distinguished guests such as Vittorio Storaro (three-time Oscar winner), Nestor Almendros, John Bailey (future president of the Academy) and many other industry luminaries.
Location and Main Editions
All editions have taken place in Historic centre of L'Aquila, amongst iconic squares such as Duomo Square and medieval alleys. From 1981 to 1990, the town hosted screenings, workshops, and live demonstrations every summer.
Among the memorable moments:
First edition (1981)Launch with Tovoli and Lucci, focus on cinematographic photography.
Central editionsParticipation of Oscar winners and international delegates.
Latest edition (1990)Culminating with 150,000 total attendees.
Distinguished Guests and International Impacts
The cast of “A City in Cinema L'Aquila” included:
Vittorio Storaro, the legendary cinematographer.
Luciano Tovoli, co-founder.
John Bailey, ASC.
Nestor Almendros, due Oscar.
And dozens of experts from the USA, France, Italy, and beyond.
Even Jack Lang, the French Minister of Culture, sent official praise. The event has put L'Aquila on the global map of technical cinema.
L'Aquila Film Festival Legacy
“Una Città in Cinema” has brought to life the’Academy of the Image, to MuMAC (Museum of Cinema) and inspired the contemporary L'Aquila Film Festival. Today, it celebrates the legacy of a festival that united cinema and territory.
Find out more about History of cinema in L'Aquila and visit the historic centre to relive the magical atmosphere of those editions.