John Fante Festival «Il dio di mio padre»

John Fante Festival 2025 — 20th edition

The twentieth edition of the festival, hosted in Torricella Peligna from August 21 to 24, 2025, was dedicated to the figure of Arturo Bandini, John Fante's literary alter ego, under the direction of Giovanna Di Lello. Between the various venues — the Municipal Pine Forest, the John Fante Media Library, the hamlet of Fallascoso, and Piazza Unità d'Italia — a series of meetings, presentations, concerts, and readings took place.

Among the many guests: Erri De Luca, who presented L'età sperimentale, the magistrate Nicola Gratteri, the writer Giulia Caminito, Anna Pavignano, Remo Rapino, Alberto Pellai, and Max De Paz, as well as the writer's children Victoria and Jim Fante. There were also evening concerts by Luca Romagnoli, Peppe Voltarelli, and Assai Live.

Prize Winners

The 2025 John Fante Opera Prima Prize was awarded to Giovanni Paolone for Il silenzio della neve che cade; the Arturo Bandini Prize went to Saba Anglana for La signora meraviglia; the Cinema section award went to Sonia Maria Laezza for Quello era un posto. As always, admission to all events was free.