The 22nd edition of Biografilm, the international festival dedicated to life stories and documentary cinema, makes its debut in Bologna on Friday, June 5, and will run through June 15. The opening weekend is marked by a focus on contemporary issues and intercultural dialogue, featuring documentaries and films from around the world that explore current affairs, history, literature, ecology, and music.
Among the most anticipated events of the first weekend is the opening screening of Broken English by Jane Pollard and Iain Forsyth, taking place on Friday, June 5 at 8:30 PM at Pop Up Cinema Arlecchino. The film is dedicated to the rebellious and unconventional life of British icon Marianne Faithfull. The two directors will be present to introduce the film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
On the same day, Cinema Modernissimo will host The Good Body – Giuseppe Bertolucci Walking with Eve Ensler by Luisa Grosso. The documentary revisits the celebrated theatrical project inspired by Eve Ensler’s book and will be presented by the director alongside producer Nicoletta Billi and journalist Rula Jebreal.
On Saturday, June 6, the festival will present the world premiere of La vita segreta dei giocattoli (The Secret Life of Toys) by Sara Zavarise and Alexandra D’Onofrio. The film follows master toymaker Enrico Papetti and his educational commitment to promoting environmental awareness and peace through creative play. The directors and the film’s protagonist will meet the audience after the screening.
Later that evening, Cinema Modernissimo will screen Broken Voices by Czech director Ondřej Provazník. Inspired by a real case that shocked the Czech Republic in the 1990s, the film tells the story of a young victim of abuse. The director will also attend the event.
On Sunday, June 7, the programme continues with In gran segreto – Un racconto familiare su Giorgio Bassani (In Great Secrecy – A Family Story about Giorgio Bassani) by Toni Trupia. The documentary explores the most intimate side of the renowned Italian writer through the testimonies of his children, Paola and Enrico Bassani, who will attend the screening together with the director.
Also on Sunday, Cinema Lumière will host Everything Works Out (In the End) by Maximilien Dejoie, a portrait of American woman Katelyn Louise Doty who, through her personal journey, offers insight into the deep contradictions of U.S. society on the eve of Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Alongside the screenings, the festival also launches the IWONDERFULL TALKS, a new series of conversations dedicated to cinema, culture, and contemporary society, featuring authors, writers, journalists, and leading figures from Italy’s cultural scene.
An opening weekend packed with international guests, world premieres, and compelling stories that shed light on the present through the lives of others, once again confirming Biografilm as one of the most significant events on Italy’s cinematic calendar.
