MEFF – Messapica Film Festival
International auteur cinema in Mesagne
About MEFF
An auteur film festival in the heart of Salento
The MEFF – Messapica Film Festival is one of the most original film events in Puglia. Every July, the historic center of Mesagne, in the province of Brindisi, transforms into a large open-air cinema dedicated to the best international auteur films made by women or telling women's stories. Conceived and directed by Floriana Pinto and promoted by the Blue Desk cultural association with the support of the City of Mesagne, the festival has grown with each edition to become a staple of the Messapian summer.
MEFF Sections
The program is divided into several sections covering different genres and audiences:
- International Competition: A selection of auteur feature films from around the world, screened every evening in the Castle courtyard and judged by a jury of film professionals.
- MEFF Young: Screenings and activities designed for children and families, often managed directly by local youth.
- Documentaries: A look at cinema of the real, ranging from auteur portraits to the memory of places.
- Humanity Presidiums and meetings: Afternoon debates and encounters with directors, authors, and guests on current affairs, human rights, integration, and inclusion.
The Castello Normanno-Svevo and other venues
The heart of the festival is the courtyard of the Castello Normanno-Svevo in Mesagne, an evocative setting for the evening competition screenings. Activities also extend to other spaces in the historic center, such as Piazza Commestibili, which hosts the meetings, and the Piccolo Cinema Ken Loach, dedicated to the MEFF Young arena and workshops. The choice of scattered locations transforms the entire village into a cultural path that unites cinema, community, and the rediscovery of historical heritage.
A permanent humanity presidium
The MEFF defines itself as a "permanent humanity presidium": not just a film festival, but a cultural and educational project that involves schools, young people, and citizens throughout the year. The focus on women's stories, inclusion, and the meeting of cultures makes the festival an experience that goes beyond simple screenings, offering opportunities for dialogue and civic growth.
A free event open to all
One of the distinctive elements of the Messapica Film Festival is that it is free: all screenings and activities have free admission, making quality cinema accessible to everyone. For those visiting Puglia in the summer, the MEFF is the ideal opportunity to discover Mesagne and its province, combining tourism, culture, and great auteur cinema.
MEFF — edition 2026
MEFF 2026: the eighth edition
From July 20 to 26, 2026, Mesagne hosts the eighth edition of the Messapica Film Festival, focused on dialogue between cultures, visual education, and youth participation. The festival, directed by Floriana Pinto and promoted by the Blue Desk association with the support of the City of Mesagne and the Cooperativa Rinascita – Progetto SAI, confirms its vocation as a "permanent humanity presidium".
International Competition
Six auteur feature films make up the 2026 competition, screened every evening at 8:45 PM in the courtyard of the Castello Normanno-Svevo. The jury consists of director Antonietta De Lillo, ethnologist Ulrich Van Loyen, and cinematographer Matteo Cocco.
MEFF Young and Humanity Presidiums
The MEFF Young arena offers five screenings managed by teenagers aged 11 to 18, while in Piazza Commestibili, seven "Humanity Presidiums" address contemporary themes every afternoon at 7:00 PM. Expected guests include director Enzo d'Alò and cinematographer Matteo Cocco.
Opening and closing
The inauguration is entrusted to the concert "Long live show business," while the closing evening on July 26 pays tribute to Marjane Satrapi with the screening of Persepolis. As per tradition, all activities are free of charge.
Programme MEFF 2026
International Competition (Castello Normanno-Svevo courtyard, 8:45 PM):
- Tutto quello che resta di te (Palestine)
- Giovani madri (Belgium)
- La mia famiglia a Taipei (Taiwan)
- Sentimental Value (Norway)
- Familiar Touch (USA)
- L'anno nuovo che non arriva (Romania)
MEFF Young Arena (Piccolo Cinema Ken Loach): five screenings for young people curated by teenagers aged 11 to 18.
Humanity Presidiums (Piazza Commestibili, 7:00 PM): seven afternoon meetings on contemporary issues.
Closing (July 26): tribute to Marjane Satrapi with Persepolis.
Highlights MEFF 2026
- Six films in international competition at the Castello Normanno-Svevo
- Jury including Antonietta De Lillo, Ulrich Van Loyen, and Matteo Cocco
- Guests Enzo d'Alò and Matteo Cocco
- Opening concert "Long live show business"
- Final tribute to Marjane Satrapi with Persepolis
Prices MEFF 2026
Practical information — MEFF
How to get there
Mesagne is located in the province of Brindisi, a few kilometers from the capital. By car, it can be reached via the SS7 Appia; the nearest airport is Brindisi-Salento. The Mesagne train station is connected to the regional Apulian network.
Venues
The evening competition screenings are held in the courtyard of the Castello Normanno-Svevo, in the historic center. Other activities take place in Piazza Commestibili and at the Piccolo Cinema Ken Loach.
Admission
All festival screenings and activities are free of charge.
Contacts
Email: [email protected] · Tel. +39 333 5915294 · Official website: www.messapicafilmfestival.it
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Where does it take place — MEFF
Castello Normanno-Svevo