Lecce FantaFest
The Salento festival dedicated to science fiction, fantasy, and scientific research
About Lecce FantaFest
Lecce FantaFest: Science Fiction in the Heart of Salento
Lecce FantaFest is the Salento capital's premier event entirely dedicated to the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, and scientific research. Conceived and directed by Alessandro Stajano, the festival is held in the prestigious former Convento degli Agostiniani, located in the Baroque heart of Lecce, which is transformed for the occasion into a grand space for the intersection of cinema, art, and science.
A Program of Cinema, Exhibitions, and Debates
The festival schedule spans several days, featuring film screenings of genre classics, photo exhibitions, contests, and debates with guests from the worlds of culture, cinema, scientific research, and ufology. Each screening is followed by a discussion on themes related to science fiction and scientific inquiry, with the participation of professors from the University of Salento, researchers from the Gruppo Ufologico Pugliese, and national cultural figures.
- Screenings of cult films such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Alien, E.T., Stargate, and The Abyss
- Photo exhibitions dedicated to the master of special effects Carlo Rambaldi, a three-time Oscar winner
- The Lecce FantaFest Award for the best short films, with patron and jury president Daniela Rambaldi
- Meetings, round tables, and creative contests for audiences of all ages
A Tribute to Carlo Rambaldi
The symbolic heart of the festival is the tribute to Carlo Rambaldi, the Italian genius of special effects and three-time Oscar winner for King Kong, Alien, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The photographic and interactive exhibitions trace his extraordinary artistic legacy, celebrating the bond between cinematic creativity and scientific research.
A Festival for Lecce and Puglia
Promoted by the Municipality of Lecce with the support of the Province of Lecce, the Puglia Region, the Apulia Film Commission, and the University of Salento, Lecce FantaFest is an event that blends the charm of Lecce's historic center with a passion for the scientific and fantastic imagination. Admission to all events is completely free, ensuring culture is accessible to both residents and visitors to Salento.
Lecce FantaFest — edition 2026
The second edition of Lecce FantaFest was held from March 2 to 7, 2026, at the former Convento degli Agostiniani, spanning six days of film screenings, photo exhibitions, and debates dedicated to science fiction and scientific research.
The film program included Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Alien, E.T., Stargate, Dark Star, The Abyss, THX 1138, The Martian, Event Horizon, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and Esistenza Zero by Matteo Scarfò. Screenings also took place at the Cinelab Giuseppe Bertolucci of the Cineporto di Lecce.
This edition celebrated the centenary of Carlo Rambaldi's birth with a photographic and interactive exhibition on his animatronic works. Guests included Prof. Saverio Pascazio from the University of Bari, actor Paolo Milocco, anthropologist Valentina Ferranti, scholar Mario Cazzato, and master Francesco De Donatis.
The closing ceremony was held on Saturday, March 7, from 4:00 PM in the Agostiniani church: the Lecce FantaFest Award was presented by patron and jury president Daniela Rambaldi. The first prize for the short film section went to Project M by Michele Pinto.
Programme Lecce FantaFest 2026
Main Venue: former Convento degli Agostiniani, Lecce (screenings also at Cinelab Giuseppe Bertolucci – Cineporto di Lecce).
- From March 2, 10 AM – 8 PM: Photographic and interactive exhibition dedicated to the animatronic works of Carlo Rambaldi (centenary of his birth)
- Daily: Screenings of science fiction classics followed by debates with scholars from the University of Salento and ufology researchers
- Film Program: Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Alien, E.T., Stargate, Dark Star, The Abyss, THX 1138, The Martian, Event Horizon, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Il Mio Nemico, Esistenza Zero
- Creative Contest: "E.T., the Alien and Friendship" for younger audiences
- Saturday, March 7, 4 PM: Closing round table and Lecce FantaFest Award ceremony in the Agostiniani church
Highlights Lecce FantaFest 2026
- Centenary of Carlo Rambaldi's birth with a dedicated photo exhibition
- Lecce FantaFest Award presented by Daniela Rambaldi
- First prize for short films awarded to Project M by Michele Pinto
- Guests from the worlds of science, cinema, and ufology
Prices Lecce FantaFest 2026
Practical information — Lecce FantaFest
Getting There
The former Convento degli Agostiniani is located in the historic center of Lecce and is easily reachable on foot from the train station (about 15 minutes). By car, take the Lecce exit from the highway; parking is available in areas surrounding the center. The nearest airport is Brindisi-Salento, approximately 40 km away.
Admission
Participation in all events, screenings, and exhibitions is completely free.
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Where does it take place — Lecce FantaFest
Ex Convento degli Agostiniani
Piazzetta Giorgio Baglivi, 73100 Lecce