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The 56th edition of the Giffoni Film Festival is once again bringing together thousands of young jurors, filmmakers and international guests in Giffoni Valle Piana, Italy, reaffirming its position as one of the world's leading festivals dedicated to children, teenagers and young audiences. Running from July 17-25, the event welcomes more than 4,500 jurors from over 40 countries, who will watch, discuss and vote on films while engaging directly with directors and industry professionals. Since its founding in 1971, Giffoni has become a unique platform where young audiences actively shape the conversation around contemporary cinema.
This year's official selection features a diverse lineup of feature films and shorts from around the world, reflecting the festival's commitment to cultural diversity and emerging talent. The program includes family adventures, coming-of-age dramas, animated features and socially relevant stories across the Elements and Generator competitions. Among the titles screening are Just Call Me Frida, The Seagull and the Cat (La Gabbianella e il gatto) in its restored version, In Crescendo, and Effetto Domino, alongside dozens of international productions competing across the festival's age-based sections.

Italian actress Matilda De Angelis was among the festival's featured guests, taking part in a conversation with jurors from the Generator +13, +16 and +18 sections. During the meeting, she encouraged young filmmakers and actors to tell stories that reflect contemporary society, arguing that "cinema must return to telling the story of the world we live in." De Angelis also spoke candidly about the pressures of growing up in the spotlight, revealing that therapy has helped her manage public scrutiny, while stressing that the Italian film industry remains largely male-dominated. "We have the responsibility to make ourselves heard and write the stories that represent us," she told the audience, calling for greater opportunities for women both behind and in front of the camera.
Beyond its screenings, Giffoni continues to distinguish itself through its educational approach, placing young people at the center of the festival experience rather than simply making them spectators. Through workshops, masterclasses, industry meetings and conversations with international talent, the festival fosters dialogue between creators and audiences while encouraging the next generation to engage critically with cinema and the issues shaping today's society. That combination of film discovery, education and youth participation remains the hallmark of Giffoni's international identity.