Vieste Archeofilm

Archaeological cinema on the Gargano

Vieste Archeofilm is the International Festival of Archaeology, Art and Environmental Cinema held in Vieste, in the province of Foggia, the heart of the Gargano promontory in Puglia. Every summer, the festival brings a selection of documentaries and films to this Adriatic town that explore humanity's past, art, landscapes, and major environmental issues, creating a continuous dialogue between science and visual storytelling.

A unique setting: the Swabian-Aragonese Castle

Screenings take place in the evocative setting of the Swabian-Aragonese Castle, the fortress that dominates the historic center of Vieste and overlooks the sea. Watching a film under the stars, with ancient walls behind you and the Gargano breeze, is an experience that blends culture with the beauty of the territory: the festival is also a way to rediscover one of the city's iconic monuments.

Part of the Firenze Archeofilm "Distributed Festival"

Vieste Archeofilm was born as a stop on the major "Distributed Festival" tour of Firenze Archeofilm, Italy's most important event dedicated to archaeological cinema, promoted by the magazine Archeologia Viva (Giunti Editore). The program features titles from the Florence festival, ranging from classical antiquity to prehistory, and from major Mediterranean sites to stories from the Puglia and Gargano regions.

Guests, meetings, and the Audience Award

Each evening is more than just a screening: the festival hosts archaeologists, geologists, historians, and science communicators who engage with the audience before and after the films. Past editions have featured notable figures such as Giuliano Volpe, Gianfranco Viesti, Mario Tozzi, Franco Cardini, and Edoardo Tresoldi. The audience acts as a popular jury, voting each night to award the Venere Sosandra Award to the most appreciated film.

A free event for everyone

Organized by the Municipality of Vieste in collaboration with Archeologia Viva, Firenze Archeofilm, the Polo Culturale di Vieste, and ArcheoLogica Srl, the festival offers free admission. It is one of the most anticipated cultural events of the Vieste summer and an opportunity for tourists and residents alike to experience the Gargano beyond its beaches, through cinema, knowledge, and landscape.