BIF&ST 2026 Showcases Powerful Short Films, Honors Late Director Nico Cirasola
Bari, Italy – The 17th edition of the Bif&st – Bari International Film&Tv Festival kicked off on March 21, 2026, with a spotlight on impactful short films and a heartfelt tribute to director Nico Cirasola, who passed away in April 2023.
“Sarò Breve” Competition Highlights Societal Issues
The “Sarò Breve” (I’ll be brief) section, dedicated to short film competition, presented nine works exploring complex themes in contemporary society. Films addressed topics ranging from transsexuality in sports to sisterhood during wartime and the challenges of identity formation.
Featured Films in Competition
- The Premiere Marche by Oliver Wright
- Twentyseven: sister portrait by Sara Schiavone
- Fine people by Irene Girotti
- Nowhere by Andrea Arcangeli
- I’m in charge by Pierdomenico Minafra
- The stranger by Federica Corti
- The Saint by Carlo D’Ursi
- One foot in the grave by Josef Gjura
- Sakura – Land of Symphony by Paolo Doppieri
Tribute to Nico Cirasola with “Dear Stallone”
A particularly moving moment of the festival was the out-of-competition screening of Dear Stallone
, a documentary dedicated to the memory of Nico Cirasola. The film honors Cirasola’s visionary gaze
and his significant contribution to Apulian and national cinema.
The documentary reconstructs the journey of the Stallone family as they left Gioia del Colle to pursue opportunities in America. It contrasts life in early 20th-century Southern Italy – marked by poverty and agricultural labor – with the difficulties faced upon arriving in the United States, including language barriers, cultural adjustments, and discrimination.
The narrative connects this past to the present through the figure of Sylvester Stallone, symbol of an extraordinary individual and collective trajectory
.
Origins of “Dear Stallone”
The idea for Dear Stallone
originated several years ago, even before Sylvester Stallone visited Gioia del Colle in September 2023. Luca Pastore spearheaded the project, collaborating with Nicola Roppo on the screenplay and entrusting the direction to Nico Cirasola.
Gioia del Colle.info – “The short film was dedicated to Nino Cerasola to honor his memory and professionalism.”
The film was nearly completed before Cirasola’s death, and the premiere took place at the Multicinema Galleria in Bari as part of the Bif&st festival.
“La Premiere Marche” Sparks Debate
Oliver Wright’s La Premiere Marche
garnered particular attention. The film depicts a national judo final where Victoria, a transsexual athlete, competes against Sonia. The film raises questions about fairness and inclusion in sports, reflecting the ongoing debate surrounding trans athletes in competitive settings.
FAQ
What is Bif&st?
Bif&st is the Bari International Film&Tv Festival, an annual event showcasing a variety of films and television productions.
Who was Nico Cirasola?
Nico Cirasola was a director whose work left an indelible mark
on Apulian and national cinema. He recently passed away in April 2023.
What is “Dear Stallone” about?
“Dear Stallone” is a documentary that explores the origins of Sylvester Stallone’s family and their journey from Italy to America.
The Bif&st 2026 continues to highlight the power of cinema to provoke thought, inspire dialogue, and honor the legacies of those who shape the art form.