Silent Cinema & Live Music
Early Italian silent cinema meets live music in the cloister of Palazzo San Domenico in Rutigliano
About Silent Cinema & Live Music
Silent Cinema & Live Music in Rutigliano
Silent Cinema & Live Music is one of the most original summer festivals in the province of Bari. Every July, in the cloister of Palazzo San Domenico in Rutigliano, audiences can enjoy screenings of early Italian silent films—classics from the 1910s and 1920s—accompanied by live musicians who compose and perform original scores. The result is an intense dialogue between black-and-white imagery, often beautifully restored, and music played under the stars.
A project bridging cinema and music
The festival was born from a desire to rediscover a lesser-known cinematic heritage—Italian silent film—while showcasing the talent of local and national orchestras, ensembles, and soloists. The artistic direction is led by Franco Larizza, while the organization is managed by the Municipality of Rutigliano in collaboration with the Agìmus Association, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Puglia Region.
Each evening offers a unique pairing: one silent film per concert, with musical styles ranging from jazz and baroque to singer-songwriter and Arbëresh folk, as well as improvisation and original soundtracks. Screenings generally begin at 9:00 PM.
The cloister of Palazzo San Domenico
The heart of the event is the cloister of Palazzo San Domenico, one of the most evocative historical spaces in the center of Rutigliano, a town also known for its ceramic tradition and terracotta whistles. The intimate atmosphere and the acoustics of the atrium make it an ideal venue for live concerts, while some special evenings and major finale events may take place in the main square.
Practical information
The festival takes place in Rutigliano, in the Metropolitan City of Bari, in the heart of Puglia. Admission is free for all screenings. An event designed for lovers of cinema, live music, and summer evenings in the open air.
Silent Cinema & Live Music — edition 2026
2026 Edition
The eighth edition of Silent Cinema & Live Music unfolds in Rutigliano from July 3 to August 4, 2026, under the artistic direction of Franco Larizza. Four masterpieces of Italian silent cinema engage in a dialogue with jazz, baroque, singer-songwriter music, and improvisation, always at 9:00 PM in the cloister of Palazzo San Domenico. Free admission.
Programme Silent Cinema & Live Music 2026
2026 Program
- Friday, July 3 — Villa Falconieri (1929, directed by Giulio Antamoro) with a concert by SudesTrio, blending jazz and Brazilian sounds
- Tuesday, July 7 — Maciste all'Inferno (1926, directed by Guido Brignone) with Gabriele Cavallo on piano, featuring electronics and improvisation
- Friday, July 10 — La Grazia (1929) with the Faber Castel project, a jazz tribute to Fabrizio De André featuring the voice of Badrya Razem
- Monday, July 13 — La morte che assolve (1918, directed by Carlo Alberto Lolli) with the Ensemble Benedetto Marcello and mandolinist Francesco Mammola, dedicated to the Italian baroque repertoire
- Saturday, July 18 — Special evening Dreams and Visions of Film Music, a journey through great soundtracks (Mozart, Morricone, Rota, Lennon, Williams, Silvestri)
- Tuesday, August 4 — Grand finale in Piazza Colamussi with the Polish quintet Volosi, exploring Carpathian tradition, classical, jazz, and improvisation
Highlights Silent Cinema & Live Music 2026
- Four Italian silent films from the 1910s and 1920s paired with live music
- Special evening dedicated to film soundtracks with exceptional guests
- Grand finale in the square with the Polish quintet Volosi
- Free admission to all evenings
Prices Silent Cinema & Live Music 2026
Practical information — Silent Cinema & Live Music
Location
Cloister of Palazzo San Domenico, Rutigliano (BA), Puglia. Some special evenings may take place in the main square.
When
During the month of July (with special events in early August). Screenings generally begin at 9:00 PM.
Admission
Free.
Contact
Tel. +39 347 814 6444 — +39 393 993 5266. Organization: Municipality of Rutigliano and Agìmus Association.
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Where does it take place — Silent Cinema & Live Music
Chiostro di Palazzo San Domenico
Piazza San Domenico, 70018 Rutigliano