Pulcinella FilmFest - Comedy Film Festival

The Acerra Comedy Film Festival

The Pulcinella FilmFest - Comedy Film Festival is the premier cinematic event dedicated to the comedy genre held in Acerra, a town in the province of Naples, Campania. Every year in December, the festival transforms the historic center into an open-air laboratory dedicated to laughter, featuring screenings, meetings, exhibitions, and award ceremonies. The name pays homage to Pulcinella, the Commedia dell'Arte mask that has its roots in the Acerra area and has become the symbol of Neapolitan comedic identity.

The Venue: Castello dei Conti

The beating heart of the festival is the Castello dei Conti di Acerra, an imposing medieval fortress that hosts most of the screenings and events. Its halls are complemented by city spaces and the new Casa del Cinema e delle Arti, which extends the festival beyond the castle walls and anchors it in the town's urban fabric. The choice of such a historic and evocative setting gives the evenings a unique atmosphere, where architectural heritage engages with the contemporary language of cinema.

An International Festival

Born as a showcase for comedy cinema, the Pulcinella FilmFest has grown into an international event, with competition entries arriving from numerous countries. The program alternates between feature films and short films, documentaries, premieres, and retrospectives, with juries composed of industry professionals and young students from Campania. Alongside the screenings, there are masterclasses, public meetings, photography exhibitions, and in-depth discussions on the Neapolitan theatrical and cinematic tradition.

Awards and Guests

Each edition presents awards to competition entries and lifetime achievement awards to prominent figures in Italian cinema and entertainment. Over the years, the event has welcomed actors, directors, and authors who have paid tribute to the art of comedy, helping to make the festival a bridge between different generations and languages. The award ceremony, featuring the presentation of the Pulcinella-inspired statuette, is the most anticipated moment of the week.

An Event for the City

More than just a film festival, the Pulcinella FilmFest is a cultural project that promotes Acerra and its territory, attracting visitors, enthusiasts, and industry professionals. Guided tours of the castle, routes through city museums, and side events make the festival an opportunity to discover the history and traditions of this corner of Campania, rediscovering the universal value of laughter as a tool for connection and reflection.