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A story of extraordinary friendship and deep human connection: fate brings kindred souls together so they can support one another on a journey of growth that, at times, feels as though it was written long before it began. This is exactly what Barry & Me, competing in the Elements +10 section of the #GiffoniFilmFestival 2026, is about. It tells the story of a friendship that transcends language, built on trust and heartfelt emotions, set in the heart of the Swiss Alps at the end of the 18th century.
The film follows Georg, a young boy who finds himself stranded with a group of monks at the Great St. Bernard Pass after being abandoned at a mountain hospice. In this cold and silent place, Georg rescues a Saint Bernard puppy from certain death. He begins training the dog in secret, and an unbreakable bond soon develops between them. As time passes, the monks recognize Georg’s intelligence and give him the opportunity to study. But life is far from easy for the two friends: along their journey they will face obstacles and encounter people determined to tear them apart. Rather than relying on dramatic plot twists, the film aims to deliver genuine emotion, enhanced by breathtaking Alpine landscapes and cinematography that transforms the mountains into a constant, almost living presence.
The film deeply moved the #giffoners in the audience, who enthusiastically took part in the discussion with director Markus Welter and cinematographer Marco Barbieri.
“Where did you find the inspiration for the film?” Gianmarco asked. Welter replied: “The inspiration for the film was Barry himself, who is something of a national icon in Switzerland. We also wanted to tell not only Barry’s story, but the story of the children who crossed the Alps.”
“What breed is the dog? He seems incredibly intelligent,” Teresa asked. Welter revealed an interesting behind-the-scenes detail: “He’s a Saint Bernard but not just one! We actually worked with 22 different dogs throughout the production. The largest one weighed 95 kilograms.”
Matilde then asked: “How does this year’s Giffoni theme connect with your film?” Welter answered: “That’s a wonderful question. I think we see the impossible right from the very beginning. Georg and his brother are chasing what seems impossible: building a better life beyond Switzerland, which at the time was going through a very difficult period because of the war. They head to Italy knowing only that there’s the sea, the ocean, and fish. They don’t even speak the language. Yet in the end Georg is given the chance to become a teacher, a privilege reserved for the wealthy in those days even though he came from a poor family.”
Sofia then addressed a question to the cinematographer: “Does the director of photography only deal with photography, or do they also work on the filming alongside the director?” Barbieri explained: “I also take care of the lighting, which is just as important. Darkness, brighter light, softer light these are all essential details that shape the final result.”
The film touched the audience profoundly, and that emotional impact was reflected in the discussion that followed, which was heartfelt on both sides. Moving from beginning to end, Barry & Me celebrates the importance of friendship, elevating the very idea of human connection and highlighting the beauty of a bond capable of overcoming every obstacle.