Marefestival Salina – Troisi Award

A festival born from the legend of Il Postino

The Marefestival Salina – Troisi Award is a film and cultural festival that brings the small island of Salina, in the Aeolian Islands archipelago (province of Messina), to life every summer. Established in 2012 to honor the memory of Massimo Troisi, the Neapolitan actor who shot much of his final and unforgettable film, Il Postino, on the stunning beach of Pollara, the festival has since grown into one of the most beloved cinematic events in the islands.

Where and when

The event takes place across the towns of Malfa and Santa Marina Salina. The main evenings are held in Malfa at Piazza Immacolata and the Hotel Ravesi, while other events take place throughout the island's ports and squares. The backdrop is the unique Aeolian landscape, with its crystal-clear sea, white houses, and the scent of capers and Malvasia wine—the hallmarks of Salina and the entire Aeolian Sicily.

The Troisi Award and guests

At the heart of the festival is the Troisi Award, presented to actors, directors, and industry figures who embody the spirit of poetry, irony, and humanity so dear to Massimo Troisi. Over the years, the festival has hosted hundreds of Italian and international cinema icons. The long-standing patron is actress Maria Grazia Cucinotta, the unforgettable Beatrice in Il Postino, who maintains a deep connection to the island.

Cinema, music, and social commitment

The program features free screenings of feature films, shorts, and documentaries, alongside book presentations, current affairs talks, tributes, retrospectives, musical performances, and live shows. Over the years, the festival has expanded beyond cinema to include social initiatives like the "Health Village," offering free screenings and medical check-ups, reinforcing its commitment to culture, the local area, and the community.

An island experience

Attending the Marefestival means experiencing Salina at its most vibrant: open-air evenings under the stars, intimate encounters with screen legends, and the unique atmosphere of an island that shaped Italian cinema history. It is an event that blends the charm of the Aeolian Islands with the timeless magic of Il Postino.