Arena Ressa – Open-Air Cinema

Cinema under the stars in Statte

Arena Ressa is the historic open-air cinema in Statte, a town in the province of Taranto, Apulia. Every summer, at 112 Corso Vittorio Emanuele III, the big screen lights up under the starry Ionian sky, turning the evenings of July, August, and September into a staple for film lovers across the Taranto region.

A local summer tradition

For many years, Arena Ressa has stood as one of the few remaining outdoor cinemas in the area, a true cultural landmark that thrives season after season. The program alternates between the latest blockbusters, highly anticipated premieres, and Italian and European auteur cinema, with screenings starting promptly at 9:30 PM and affordable ticket prices designed for families.

The 2026 summer program

The 2026 edition runs from July to September, featuring a lineup of eighteen titles, typically screened for two consecutive nights. Highlights include The Devil Wears Prada 2 (July 21-24), Michael (August 4-7), La grazia (August 20-21), Cinque secondi (August 27-28), and Antartica – Quasi una fiaba (September 10-11), which closes the festival.

Atmosphere and conviviality

Watching a film at Arena Ressa means experiencing cinema as a collective ritual: the open-air seating, the cool Apulian breeze, and the chance to gather with friends and neighbors make every screening a social occasion. It is an experience that combines a passion for the seventh art with the traditions of Southern Italian summers.

A landmark for Statte and the Taranto area

Located just a few kilometers from the provincial capital, Arena Ressa attracts viewers from Statte, Taranto, and neighboring towns. Its longevity is a testament to its deep bond with the local community, which fills the summer nights every year, choosing the big open-air screen as an authentic and convivial alternative to multiplexes.