Opi Soulplace Film Festival

Independent cinema in the village of Opi

The Opi Soulplace Film Festival is an international film event held in Opi, a small town in the province of L'Aquila set in the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. The festival is part of the Soulplace Film Festival network, a project spread across various villages in Central and Southern Italy that combines the promotion of auteur cinema with the rediscovery of so-called soulplaces: authentic, little-known, or forgotten territories capable of telling a profound story. Opi, with its two rows of houses perched on the mountain in a natural amphitheater between forests and peaks, perfectly embodies this spirit.

A competition open to the world

The festival is an international competition that welcomes filmmakers from all over the planet. The competition includes narrative feature films, documentaries, short films, and animation works of all genres. The winning works are screened publicly before the awards ceremony, which takes place in the municipal multipurpose hall on Via San Giovanni. The list of awards includes numerous categories, such as:

• Best narrative feature and best documentary
• Best short film and best animation work
• Best director, best cinematography, and best editing
• Best original soundtrack and best screenplay
• Awards for male and female acting, debut work, and the Special Jury Prize

Opi and the Abruzzo National Park

Recognized as one of The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, Opi is an ideal destination for those who love nature and the mountains. The surrounding territory is home to some of the rarest species in the Apennines, such as the Marsican brown bear, the Abruzzo chamois, the Apennine wolf, and the golden eagle. The festival enjoys the patronage of the Municipality of Opi, the local Pro Loco, the 'I Borghi più belli d'Italia' association, and the Park Authority, all of which reinforce its cultural and tourist value.

A bridge between cinema and territory

The festival's stated goal is to support independent film talent and assist in their professional growth, while offering visitors the chance to discover an authentic corner of Abruzzo. The combination of quality screenings, stunning natural scenery, and the hospitality of a small mountain village makes the Opi Soulplace Film Festival a summer event capable of uniting cinematic culture with the promotion of local heritage.