Rossy De Palma and Sam Rockwell
The international film festival Ora! Fest, dedicated to the environment, sustainability, youth, and social justice, to host international celebrities on its new edition that will take place from September 25 to 29, in the Italian city of Trani. Among the expected stars are Oscar-winner Sam Rockwell, actresses Leslie Bibb and Rossy De Palma, and actor William Fichtner. The festival, supported by the Puglia Region and the City of Trani, is led by Giovanni De Blasio with artistic direction by Eva Basteiro-Bertolì and international curatorship by Silvia Bizio.
Other announced guests include James Marsden, Matt Dillon, Marisa Tomei, and Raoul Bova. The event will feature the European premiere of the documentary "A Look Through His Lens" about Philippe Rousselot, with Oscar-winning producers Kim Basinger and Lynne Littman, while Vinicio Marchioni will attend the festival with his debut novel “Tre Notti”.
The feature film jury will be chaired by Alfre Woodard, joined by Jaume Ripoll, David Petrarca, and Michael Nozik. The festival will also feature talks and masterclasses with renowned international cinema figures, including a conversation with Oscar-winner Mark Mangini.
Ora! Fest is also committed to environmental themes with educational and creative initiatives in collaboration with ScartOff Aps and the Sylva Foundation. Projects on recycling, reuse, and reforestation will be presented, involving local schools and artists.
A significant section of the festival will be dedicated to young talents with workshops and a jury composed of students from the DAMS program at the University of Bari. Screenings, free of charge until seats are filled, will be held at the Monastery of Santa Maria di Colonna, featuring a selection of Italian and international films in and out of competition.
The mayor of Trani has expressed enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the importance of cinema as a tool to reflect on environmental challenges and promote innovative solutions.