La Lanterna Magica Film Fest

La Lanterna Magica Film Fest in Silvi Marina

Every summer, the Biblioparco of the Silvi Marina Municipal Library transforms into an open-air cinema thanks to the Lanterna Magica Film Fest, an outdoor film series curated by the Istituto Cinematografico dell'Aquila "La Lanterna Magica". In the heart of this seaside resort in the province of Teramo, the big screen lights up after sunset to accompany the summer evenings of residents and tourists along the Abruzzo coast.

A tradition blending books and the big screen

The event stems from the connection between cinema and reading: the greenery of the park surrounding the municipal library provides the ideal setting for free screenings dedicated primarily to children, teenagers, and families. The festival, often presented under the title "Books and Cinema Under the Stars", features films for younger audiences designed to foster community and cultural engagement in a relaxed, free-entry setting.

The traveling cinema museum

One of the elements that makes this initiative unique is the presence of MuMAC, the Museum of Cinema Trades and Arts from the Istituto Cinematografico dell'Aquila. Set up as a traveling exhibit, the museum displays antique projection machines, vintage equipment, and archival materials that tell the story of the "magic lantern"—the infancy of cinema. Audiences can get an up-close look at the tools that gave birth to the cinematic spectacle.

A cultural project focused on youth

La Lanterna Magica Film Fest is more than just summer screenings: it is part of a broader project by the Istituto Cinematografico dell'Aquila, a historic institution active in visual education. The institute's activities involve schools, artistic workshops, and film clubs, with the goal of developing audiovisual skills and offering young people opportunities for reflection through cinema. In Silvi, this mission translates into evenings open to all, where the seventh art becomes an occasion for the entire community to gather.

Why attend

• Free open-air screenings at the Biblioparco in Silvi Marina
• Programming dedicated to children and families
• Exhibition of antique projection machines from the MuMAC
• An initiative curated by a historic film institute in Abruzzo
• Summer evenings just steps from the beaches of the Teramo coast

With its simple and familiar atmosphere, La Lanterna Magica Film Fest is one of the most beloved summer cultural events in Silvi, successfully combining the charm of open-air cinema with the discovery of the historical heritage of film projection in Abruzzo.