QCine – The Taste of Cinema

Cinema and gastronomy under the stars

QCine – The Taste of Cinema is one of the most original festivals in the Apulian cultural landscape: an event that weaves the silver screen together with traditional flavors, bringing authorial screenings, meetings, and tastings to the heart of Francavilla Fontana, in the province of Brindisi, every summer. The formula is that of a convivial open-air cinema, where each film is accompanied by a specially designed culinary pairing and a dialogue with directors, actors, and writers.

From Maruggio and Campomarino to Francavilla Fontana

The event has a history spanning over a decade. Born on the Ionian coast, QCine took place for eleven years between Maruggio and Campomarino, on the Taranto coastline, before moving to Francavilla Fontana in 2023 for its twelfth edition. Since then, the 'City of the Imperials' has become its home: the festival has chosen Piazza Giovanni XXIII as its natural stage, transforming it for several evenings into an open-air cinema.

The format: screenings, meetings, and flavors

The heart of QCine is the encounter between culture and conviviality. Each evening features the screening of a film — often a classic or an auteur title — introduced and commented on by its protagonists or special guests. Surrounding the screen are the Spuntini di riflessione (Snacks for Thought), short thematic talks, and food and wine stands with sandwiches and original pairings that give the festival its name. The artistic direction is entrusted to producer Alessandro Contessa and screenwriter and director Luigi Sardiello, with the collaboration of Luigi Dimitri.

The event is organized by the Municipality of Francavilla Fontana together with the Bunker Lab association, with the support of the Apulia Region and the Apulia Film Commission. Admission is traditionally free, an element that has made the festival a popular event capable of attracting audiences from across the region.

A staple of the Brindisi summer

In recent years, QCine has established itself as one of the flagship events of the Francavilla Fontana summer, combining the charm of cinema with the gastronomic identity of the territory. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced: the program and calendar will be communicated by the organizers in the months leading up to the event.