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Dialogue between generations, listening to stories, and discussing the major issues shaping our time, from memory to sustainability, from rights to legality, from innovation to employment, from culture to music: this will once again be at the heart of IMPACT!, the ideas lab where young people meet leading figures from the worlds of culture, civil society, institutions, the arts, science, and entrepreneurship, both from Italy and abroad. It is the Festival’s most cross-disciplinary section, where traditional roles dissolve and the conventional format of a talk is completely reimagined. A space for free, critical, and constructive thinking. For the 2026 Giffoni Film Festival, the traditional awards presented to IMPACT guests have been created by the School of Medal Art of the Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute. The School has produced a commemorative medal, designed by advanced art student Francesca Tagliaferri and struck at the State Mint, depicting The Dream of Icarus, in keeping with this year’s Festival theme, “Impossible Things”.
Friday, July 17 opens with a rich programme devoted to literature, memory, and public engagement. The journey begins with Dacia Maraini, one of Italy’s most authoritative voices in fiction, poetry, and theatre, long committed to reflecting on women’s issues and the great social challenges of our time. Next comes Sabrine El Mayel, painter, author, and art communicator known on social media as Je suis Sabrine, who introduces young audiences to art through an engaging and accessible language. The programme continues with the Neil Armstrong Astronomical Centre, a Salerno-based institution founded out of a passion for astronomy and space exploration, boasting more than forty years of activity. During #Giffoni56, it will also present a series of fascinating astronomical evenings. The Regeni family and lawyer Alessandra Ballerini return to Giffoni to share their powerful testimony about the ongoing search for truth and justice. During the meeting, the audience will also watch the Fandango-produced documentary Giulio Regeni, tutto il male del mondo (“Giulio Regeni: all the evil in the world”), directed by Simone Manetti. Rounding out the opening day are journalist Francesca Schianchi, political correspondent for La Stampa and a familiar television commentator, and singer-songwriter Francesco Gabbani, one of Italy’s most beloved artists, renowned for combining wit, reflection, and depth in his music.
Saturday, July 18 the IMPACT! section comes fully to life with a wide range of voices and perspectives. The day opens with Imagine Foundation, an organisation dedicated to projects that promote the human and social development of communities. During the event, it will present the project “Parliamone” (Let’s talk about it), created in collaboration with Sky, with psychologist and Fondazione Soleterre President Damiano Rizzi in attendance. An institutional meeting with the Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute follows. Circular economy and environmental sustainability take centre stage with CONOU – National Consortium for Used Mineral Oils, represented by President Riccardo Piunti, together with Stefano Ciafani, National President of Legambiente, and environmental communicator Giorgia Pagliuca, widely recognised for her work on sustainability, food, and conscious consumption. The programme continues with acclaimed cartoonist and author Zerocalcare, criminal lawyer Giuseppe Di Palo, who has built a large social media following by explaining criminal law in simple terms, former anti-mafia prosecutor and President of the Senate Piero Grasso, and Giulio and Giovanni Napolitano. On this occasion, Giulio Napolitano will present his book Il mondo sulle spalle (“The world on the shoulders”), dedicated to his father, former President Giorgio Napolitano, remembered as a statesman of exceptional integrity and lifelong dedication to public service. The event will also commemorate President Napolitano’s memorable visit to Giffoni in 2010 during the Festival’s 40th anniversary. The day continues with a discussion on cinema, philosophy, mental health, and younger generations featuring Pietro Montani, Professor of Aesthetics, and Giulio Corrivetti, Director of the Mental Health Department of the Salerno Local Health Authority. The day concludes with music and reflections on today’s youth through performances and conversations with Sicilian singer-songwriter Marco Castello and Eddie Brock, one of the breakout musical discoveries of the latest Sanremo Music Festival.
On Sunday, July 19 the programme focuses on the languages of performance, visual storytelling, and music. Young participants will meet Elena Testi, reporter for La7, actress Giulia Vecchio, known for her work in both theatre and television, internationally acclaimed model Fabio Mancini, who will share his personal journey of growth and self-awareness, and Rosa Chemical, an artist who has brought themes such as identity, freedom of expression, and the breaking of stereotypes into contemporary Italian pop music. Mental health will be the focus of a meeting organised by the Vecchioni Foundation, featuring Daria Colombo. One of the most anticipated events of the day will be the conversation with Roberto Vecchioni—professor, singer-songwriter, cultural icon, and one of Italy’s most respected intellectuals. A unique voice capable of speaking directly to younger generations, he combines wisdom, creativity, and poetry, transforming life experiences into unforgettable songs.
Monday, July 20 opens with Antonello Coletta, one of the key figures behind Ferrari’s modern success and its global recognition as a symbol of Italian excellence, innovation, and craftsmanship. The programme continues with “Il Dono delle Storie” (The Gift of Stories), a project promoted by UniCredit and Giffoni Innovation Hub to highlight the work of Third Sector organisations through audiovisual storytelling. The event will feature the exclusive premiere of three short documentaries portraying the commitment, social impact, and close relationship with local communities of three Italian organisations driving positive change. InfinityLab brings Effetto Domino (“Domino Effect”), the Mediaset Infinity project created by Marco Cortesi and Mara Moschini, a narrative journey exploring emotions and emotional awareness. The future of journalism will be discussed with Fabio Vitale, Editor-in-Chief of Sky TG24. Legality, employment, and civic courage will be at the centre of a meeting with Antonino Bartuccio, protected witness and former Mayor of Rizziconi (Province of Reggio Calabria), whose life has been marked by his fight against the ‘Ndrangheta, years under police protection, and unwavering civic commitment. He will be joined by the Labour Consultants Foundation, with the participation of Marina Calderone, Italy’s Minister of Labour. The day continues with Giorgio Mulè, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies, television presenter Paola Perego, Carlo Amleto, singer-songwriter, actor, and comedian among the most followed talents of Italy’s new comedy scene; and finally Angelo Rizzo, engineer, author, and popular science communicator known online as “Ti Consiglia”.
On Tuesday, July 21 the programme opens with INPS, Italy’s National Social Security Institute, for a discussion on pensions, employment, and the future of younger generations. Comedy and authentic storytelling follow with Tuscan comedian and content creator Agnese Pucci. Attention then shifts to the FAMI – Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund of the Italian Ministry of the Interior, confirming its long-standing partnership with Giffoni as a place dedicated to inclusion and awareness. Participants include: Roberta Lulli, Prefect and Deputy Head of the Central Directorate for Migration Policies; Ferdinando Santoriello, Deputy Prefect; representatives of IPRS – Institute for Psychoanalytic Research; Giulio Corrivetti, Director of the Mental Health Department of Salerno’s Local Health Authority and coordinator of the M.I.S.C.A. – Migrants’ Health in Campania project. The day continues with EcoMuvi, represented by founder and CEO Ludovica Chiarini, whose company promotes sustainability within audiovisual productions and serves as Giffoni’s Lead Sustainability Partner for 2026. Writer, journalist, and former Mayor of Rome Walter Veltroni will present his latest book, Il bar di Cinecittà (“Cinecittà’s café”), and, together with the Morricone Foundation, of which he is President, will pay tribute to the artistic and musical legacy of legendary composer Ennio Morricone. The programme also includes poet, writer, audiobook creator, and digital storyteller Davide Avolio, whose latest project focuses on reading Dante’s Divine Comedy. Next comes Jenni Serpi, a young deaf content creator with over 1.5 million followers, who has transformed her disability into a source of strength and inspiration. The day concludes with singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Francesca Michielin, one of the most sensitive and versatile voices in contemporary Italian music.
Wednesday, July 22 is dedicated to the environment, information, health, Europe, and human rights. The programme opens with CONAI, represented by Vice President Fabio Costarella, together with Massimo Callegari, journalist and presenter for Sport Mediaset, for a discussion on recycling and the circular economy. Also taking part is Eugenio Radin, creator of “White Whale Café”, a popular social media project that makes philosophy accessible to everyone. A special session will focus on endometriosis, led by Dr Luigi Fasolino, bringing attention to a health issue that is still too often overlooked. Olympic judo champion Alice Bellandi will meet the audience in collaboration with Lete. Among the highlights is Build Your Future, promoted by Intesa Sanpaolo, a project designed to provide younger generations with practical tools, skills, and inspiration to navigate today’s economic and social transformations. The programme continues with journalist Antonio Pellegrino, author of Idioti dell’orrore. Indagine su stragisti di massa e subculture digitali (“Idiots of horror: an investigation into mass killers and digital subcultures”). Also featured are Francesco Giorgino, Rai journalist and Professor of Institutional and Political Communication, and public communication expert Lucio Lussi, presenting their book Brand pubblico, il futuro della PA tra comunicazione e marketing (“Public brand, public administration’s future between communication and marketing”). The day concludes with Francesca Albanese, Italian jurist, human rights expert, and United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories.
On Thursday, July 23, the day opens with a focus on spirituality and civic commitment through a meeting with Monsignor Gennaro Matino, theologian, writer, and Deputy Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Naples. This will be followed by an institutional event with the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) featuring Francesco Ranieri, Vice President of ACI, and Tullio Del Sette, President of Sara Assicurazioni. Journalism and historical storytelling will then take centre stage with Aldo Cazzullo, senior columnist for Corriere della Sera journal, joined by film director Claudio Pisano. Fabrizio Minnella, Head of Communications for FONDAZIONE “CON IL SUD” and the social enterprise Con i Bambini, will explore the role of social communication as a driver of positive change. The programme continues with Alessandro Sorrentino, better known online as Sicitalian, an influencer who explains economics to younger audiences through clear, direct, and engaging content. The spotlight then shifts to UNICEF Italy, which will present the short film Pro Memoria. Participants include Nicola Graziano, President of UNICEF Italy, director Giuseppe Alessio Nuzzo, actress Ludovica Nasti, and artist and university lecturer Valeria Altobelli. Another highlight will be the meeting with Teleomero Produzioni, a production company specialising in journalistic, scientific, and healthcare content, which will present an exclusive preview from Più forte io (“Stronger me”). The documentary follows the lives of young people living with autoimmune diseases, exploring the challenges of adapting to a chronic diagnosis, developing self-awareness, and building resilience. The screening will be followed by a discussion with several of the documentary’s protagonists, who will share their personal experiences and explain how they continue to build their future beyond illness. The day concludes with acclaimed novelist Maurizio De Giovanni, followed by a live performance from Mr. Rain. Also appearing will be RNAWA, who will meet the IMPACT jurors together with director and filmmaker Jacopo Rossini
On Friday, July 24 the programme begins with Cristian Uva, Professor of Cinema and Technology, who will lead a discussion on how history is narrated through animated films. This will be followed by Don Roberto Faccenda and the presentation of Calabria in sviluppo – The road show, promoted by Fondazione MASK. The travelling initiative is dedicated to career guidance and vocational education for young people, connecting students from Calabria with Higher Technical Institutes (ITS) and local businesses. Participants include Luca Abete, well-known television personality from Striscia la Notizia, and Marco Rodari, known as “Claun il Pimpa”, a volunteer who has spent years supporting children living in war zones. Avventure nel Mondo will then present “Avventure In Primo Piano”, a project developed with Giffoni Innovation Hub that transforms authentic travel experiences into cinematic storytelling. The audience will enjoy the premiere of a documentary by Niccolò Corti about Nepal—a journey through nature and spirituality celebrating personal transformation. It is the first documentary produced within this innovative project. The afternoon continues with singer-songwriter Gabriele Esposito and musician, artistic director, and producer Francesco Comunale. Sport, inclusion, and community engagement take centre stage with the Sport in Life project organised by Gruppo Forte, featuring Alfonso Maria Forte, Valeria Agosti, Gianmarco Di Cerbo, Alfonso Maria Romano, and Giulio Corrivetti. The programme also includes a discussion with Member of Parliament Piero De Luca. The final event of the day features Nicola Siciliano, the rapper from Naples’ Secondigliano district, who closes the programme with his unmistakable urban sound.
Saturday, July 25, the final day of IMPACT!, looks firmly toward the future, exploring dreams, rights, environmental sustainability, innovation, and music. One of the day’s highlights is the presentation of a survey carried out in collaboration with the Mental Health Department of the Salerno Local Health Authority, focusing on digital addiction. The research aims to examine key aspects of psychological well-being and the use of digital technologies, involving both Giffoni jurors and their families. Sport and disability will be discussed with Dario Leo, founder and president of the SognoAttivo Association. The programme continues with Lega Anti Vivisezione, one of Italy’s leading animal welfare organisations, which will present the short film Ciao Casa Mia. Directed by journalist and filmmaker Andrea Morabito, the documentary was filmed in Scampia between late 2024 and early 2025 and follows LAV’s Emergency Unit during the relocation of families with pets from the iconic “Vele di Scampia” housing complex, under the supervision of Beatrice Rezzaghi, Head of LAV’s Emergency Unit. Both Morabito and Rezzaghi will attend the event. Next comes a meeting organised in collaboration with Mitsubishi, featuring Walter Rolfo, author, television producer, and founder of Masters of Magic. Journalist Carlo Calabrò will present “Concrete and Blood”, an investigative work examining real estate speculation, political power, organised crime, and environmental devastation in 21st-century São Paulo. Institutional dialogue continues with Aldo Berlinguer, Full Professor of Law and Coordinator of the Eurispes Laboratory on Islands and Inland Areas. The programme also includes Alessandra De Vita, presenting the project “V for Violence”, created together with Emanuele De Vita and illustrated by Roberta Montemurro. Joining the discussion are Paolo Apolito, Emanuela Castaldo, Erminia Maiorino from the “Anna Borsa” Anti-Violence Centre, and Anna Viscito from the “Frida” Anti-Violence Centre. The final discussion features Ciro Corona, founder of the (R)Esistenza Anticamorra Association and protagonist of the film Ciao Pa’. For years he has been committed to telling a different story of Scampia—one built on social redemption, legality, and community. The closing event of #Giffoni56 will be an energetic live performance by Eiffel 65, the iconic group that brought Italian dance music to audiences around the world.