Il Gusto del Cinema

Cinema meets taste at the foot of the Torre di Mola

Il Gusto del Cinema is the film festival that brings the Borgo di Mola to life, the ancient seaside district of Formia, in the province of Latina, Lazio. The evenings take place in the charming little square in front of the Torre di Mola, the surviving cylindrical tower of the 13th-century castle that now houses the city's Historical Archive, with the sea of the Gulf of Gaeta as a backdrop.

A dialogue between film and gastronomy

The event was born from a specific idea: to tell the story of the deep bond between cinema, food, and wine, and more generally, the conviviality of the table. Each evening focuses on films where gastronomy becomes the protagonist, transforming the open-air viewing into an experience that combines culture, flavors, and social interaction. The project is promoted by the 'Il Borgo di Mola' Business Association together with the Giuseppe De Santis Association, named after the director Giuseppe De Santis.

Screenings under the stars

The heart of the festival is the series of evening screenings with free admission, starting at 9:00 PM. Animated features, comedies, and auteur films centered on the theme of food and cooking are shown on the screen set up in the square, making them suitable for a wide audience and families.

The soundtrack concert

The festival traditionally closes with a musical evening dedicated to soundtracks from the silver screen: a live ensemble performs famous cinematic themes accompanied by the projection of film clips, while a critic introduces the composers and scores. A finale that weaves music and cinema under the sky of Mola.

The seaside village of Mola

Mola is one of the most characteristic villages in Formia, once a fishing village gathered around its tower. Today, it is a hub of the city's evening life, with restaurants and bars overlooking the small harbor: the ideal setting for an event that celebrates both cinema and fine dining.

A local project

Il Gusto del Cinema is part of a program supported by the Lazio Region and approved by the Municipality of Formia, designed to enhance villages and promote the relationship between cinema and gastronomy. An appointment that, at the end of summer, offers residents and visitors of the Gulf of Gaeta evenings of free open-air culture.