Macchie e Inchiostri Festival
The investigative journalism festival of Colli al Metauro
About Macchie e Inchiostri
A festival dedicated to investigative journalism in the Marche
The Macchie e Inchiostri Festival is one of the most original cultural events in the Marche region: a festival entirely dedicated to investigative journalism and freedom of the press, hosted by the Municipality of Colli al Metauro, in the hinterland of the province of Pesaro and Urbino. Founded to give a voice to those who investigate and report, the festival brings together reporters, writers, photographers, and journalists who focus on the most difficult truths to tell.
Promoted by the cultural association Macchie e Inchiostri with the support of the Municipality of Colli al Metauro and the Province of Pesaro and Urbino, the festival has obtained the patronage of the Order of Journalists, which recognizes training credits for professionals who participate in the meetings.
A travelling event through the hamlets of the Metauro
The festival's format is that of a travelling winter review: the events, all with free admission, take place in the various hamlets that make up the Municipality of Colli al Metauro, highlighting symbolic places in the area. Among the usual venues are the Museo del Balì in Saltara, a prestigious planetarium and astronomical observatory, the Teatro di Montemaggiore al Metauro, the former Chiesa del Gonfalone, and the civic centers of Villanova and Calcinelli.
Topics and guests
Each edition addresses a wide range of topics related to national and international current affairs: conflicts in the Middle East, the war in Gaza and Syria, freedom of the press threatened by SLAPP lawsuits, the state of public healthcare, schools, the environment, and energy. Leading figures in Italian journalism, writers, and direct witnesses take turns on stage, capable of transforming investigations into lively and engaging storytelling.
- Investigative journalism and reporting from major crisis scenarios
- Book and documentary presentations by renowned authors
- Debates on freedom of the press, rights, and civil engagement
- Training sessions recognized by the Order of Journalists
An event for the territory
Macchie e Inchiostri is now an eagerly awaited event in the winter cultural calendar of Colli al Metauro and the entire Metauro valley, in the Marche region. For the local public, it represents a rare opportunity to meet the protagonists of Italian information up close, in an atmosphere of free and open discussion that makes the province a small bastion of quality journalism.
Macchie e Inchiostri — edition 2026
Eighth Edition (2025-2026)
The eighth edition of Macchie e Inchiostri was held with eight free events from December 13, 2025, to February 22, 2026, featuring 25 guests including journalists, writers, and witnesses. The artistic direction was entrusted to Paolo Frigerio.
The review traversed the hamlets of Colli al Metauro, touching upon pressing current issues: from the war in Gaza to the situation in Syria, from freedom of the press to public healthcare, as well as schools and security.
Programme Macchie e Inchiostri 2026
The eight events (all at 5:00 PM, free admission)
- December 13 – "Sudari. Elegy for Gaza" with Paola Caridi and Asmae Dachan, Museo del Balì (Saltara)
- January 11 – "The Weapon of Reason: Rethinking Security" with Andrea Santangelo and Francesco Vignarca, Sala della Comunità (Calcinelli)
- January 18 – "Gaza: Frontier Witnesses" with Emanuela Pala and Gennaro Giudetti, Civic Center (Villanova)
- January 25 – "Italian Healthcare Between Care and Humanity", Civic Center (Villanova)
- February 1 – "School for the Future: Stories and Challenges", former Chiesa del Gonfalone (Saltara)
- February 8 – "Freedom Under Attack. Investigative Journalism, SLAPP Lawsuits, and the Courage to Report" with Paolo Borrometi and Annalisa Camilli, Teatro di Montemaggiore al Metauro
- February 15 – "Syria. The Day After" with Asmae Dachan and Laura Silvia Battaglia, Teatro di Montemaggiore al Metauro
- February 22 – "Truth for Mario", meeting on the case of aid worker Mario Paciolla with his parents Pino Paciolla and Anna Motta, Museo del Balì
Highlights Macchie e Inchiostri 2026
- 25 guests including journalists, writers, and witnesses
- Opening with Paola Caridi and her "Sudari. Elegy for Gaza" at the Museo del Balì
- Paolo Borrometi and Annalisa Camilli on freedom of the press
- Accredited sessions for journalists' training credits
- Closing with the testimony of Mario Paciolla's family
Prices Macchie e Inchiostri 2026
Practical information — Macchie e Inchiostri
Where it takes place
The festival is itinerant, taking place in the hamlets of Colli al Metauro (PU): Museo del Balì in Saltara, Teatro di Montemaggiore al Metauro, former Chiesa del Gonfalone, civic centers of Villanova and Calcinelli.
How to get there
By car: Colli al Metauro can be reached from the SS73bis (Fano-Urbino), a few kilometers from the Fano exit on the A14 motorway. By train: Fano station, then road connections towards the Metauro hinterland.
Admission and contacts
All events are free to enter. Information: tel. +39 331 9215369, website www.macchieinchiostri.it and Facebook and Instagram pages @macchieinchiostri. Journalists can register for training credits.
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Where does it take place — Macchie e Inchiostri
Museo del Balì, Teatro di Montemaggiore, centri civici delle frazioni