Cineforum Città di Grotte

A festival bringing auteur cinema to Grotte

The Cineforum Città di Grotte is a well-established event for the small town of Grotte, nestled in the hinterland of the Agrigento province in Sicily. Founded in 2015 and directed by Aristotele Cuffaro on behalf of the Nino Martoglio Cultural and Theatre Association, the cineforum has built a loyal following, ranging from cinema enthusiasts to local school students.

Auteur cinema and dialogue with directors

The festival follows the classic and beloved cineforum format: it is not just about screenings, but also about meetings and debates. Many sessions feature the director or a lead actor in the theatre, who engages with the audience after the film. Over the years, filmmakers such as Giuseppe Gigliorosso, Aurelio Grimaldi, Toni Trupia, Nella Condorelli, and Beppe Cino have participated, reflecting a special focus on Sicilian cinema and its creators.

Themed editions

Each edition of the Grotte Cineforum often chooses a common thread: the work of a single director, a social theme, or the exploration of Sicilian memory and identity. Screenings are held between the San Nicola Auditorium and local school buildings, such as the V. E. Orlando complex on Via Acquanova, helping to introduce younger generations to the language of the big screen. Collaborations with local educational institutions, including the Leonardo Sciascia Comprehensive Institute of Racalmuto and Grotte and the Angelo Roncalli Comprehensive Institute, are a hallmark of the festival.

A cultural landmark in the Agrigento area

In the context of the small towns of the Agrigento hinterland, the Cineforum Città di Grotte serves as a vital cultural hub, bringing films to the town that would rarely reach traditional cinemas. The festival is supported by the Municipality of Grotte and regional tourism and cultural heritage departments, confirming its deep roots in the cultural fabric of the Agrigento province and the Sicily Region.