Sudestival 2027, Monopoli, Italy

What to expect in 2027

Sudestival is an Italian cinema festival held in Monopoli, Puglia, with a strong focus on contemporary Italian cinema, independent filmmaking, documentaries, short films, emerging directors and audience engagement. Known as a festival that extends through the winter season, Sudestival combines film screenings with filmmaker meetings, masterclasses, special events, youth programmes and cultural discussions.

The 2027 edition will take place from January to March 2027 (Dates TBD). The festival’s official website has announced the return of Sudestival for this period, while the complete 2027 programme is still being developed and announced.

Sudestival is particularly known for creating opportunities for audiences to meet filmmakers directly. After screenings, directors, actors, writers and other members of film productions can participate in conversations with the audience, allowing viewers to ask questions and discuss the films they have just seen.

The festival also places significant emphasis on audience participation. The public can contribute to the evaluation of films through audience juries, while specialist and youth juries provide additional perspectives on the competition programme.

The 2027 programme is expected to continue the festival’s established combination of cinema competitions, documentary films, short films, children’s cinema, educational activities, masterclasses and special events.

Sudestival is therefore suitable for visitors interested in discovering Italian cinema beyond mainstream releases, meeting filmmakers and experiencing film culture in a historic Puglian city.

Festival dates

January to March 2027 (Dates TBD)

The 2027 edition will take place across the winter period, continuing Sudestival’s distinctive format as a festival that extends over several weeks rather than being concentrated into a single weekend.

The official festival website describes Sudestival as a long winter festival lasting approximately eight weeks, with regular appointments combining competition films, special events and meetings with filmmakers.

The complete 2027 calendar has not yet been published. Visitors should therefore check the official festival programme before arranging travel around particular screenings, guest appearances or special events.

The extended format allows visitors to attend individual screening weekends or build a longer cultural trip around several parts of the festival.

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Venues & festival locations

The principal venue for Sudestival is Teatro Radar in Monopoli. The theatre and cinema complex is located on Via Magenta and has hosted many of the festival’s major film screenings, competitions, meetings and special events.

Other locations can be used for particular sections and activities. The Biblioteca Rendella, located in the historic centre of Monopoli, has been associated with festival activities and provides a different setting for meetings and cultural programming.

The Red Carpet Cinema has also been used for selected events, while special programmes can take place at other cultural locations in Monopoli or surrounding areas.

Previous editions have also extended the Sudestival experience beyond the main theatre. Special summer collaborations, for example, have brought cinema into archaeological and outdoor locations in the wider area.

Important locations associated with Sudestival include:

• Teatro Radar, Via Magenta 71, Monopoli
• Biblioteca Rendella, Monopoli historic centre
• Red Carpet Cinema, Monopoli
• Other cultural and partner venues announced for individual events

The final 2027 venue schedule should be checked against the official programme because individual sections can be assigned to different locations.

Full programme

The full 2027 programme has not yet been announced. Based on the established format of Sudestival, visitors can expect a broad programme centred on Italian cinema and supported by educational and cultural activities.

Recent editions have included several distinct sections, including competitions for feature films and documentaries, short-film programmes, children’s cinema, masterclasses and special events.

The programme may include:

• Italian feature-film competition
• Documentary competition
• Short-film competition
• Special screenings
• Cinema del Reale documentary section
• Sudestival Kids
• Youth jury activities
• Cinema masterclasses
• Filmmaker meetings
• Cultural discussions
• Special awards
• Retrospectives
• Film-related performances
• Closing and awards events

The festival’s educational programme is particularly important. Young participants can take part in Sudestival School activities, meet filmmakers and participate in juries. The official festival describes youth education and developing an appreciation for cinema as an important part of its mission.

The programme can also include collaborations with other cultural festivals and institutions, creating opportunities for music, live accompaniment and interdisciplinary events.

Featured films & premieres

The 2027 film selection has not yet been announced. Sudestival traditionally focuses on contemporary Italian cinema, particularly works by emerging filmmakers, first-time directors and creators working in independent production.

The festival’s feature-film competition has previously included contemporary Italian productions spanning drama, comedy and other genres. The documentary programme provides additional attention to real-life stories, artists, musicians, cultural subjects and contemporary issues.

Previous editions have included premieres and special presentations. The documentary programme has featured films about well-known Italian musicians, while the feature competition has included works presented with directors and actors in attendance.

The short-film programme also provides an opportunity to discover emerging directors before their work reaches wider audiences.

When the 2027 programme is released, visitors should look for films marked as premieres, special presentations, competition entries and screenings accompanied by filmmakers.

Directors, actors & guests

One of Sudestival’s defining characteristics is the presence of filmmakers and film professionals in the screening room.

The festival regularly invites directors, actors, writers, producers and other members of film productions to meet audiences after screenings. These encounters give visitors the opportunity to hear directly from the people responsible for the films and ask questions about their work.

The previous edition included numerous guests connected with competition films and special events. Participants included directors such as Giacomo Triglia, Stefano Pistolini, Toni D’Angelo and Giorgio Verdelli, together with actors and other creative professionals.

Special guests have also included prominent Italian film personalities. The previous programme featured Stefania Sandrelli, Piero Pelù, Lorenza Indovina and Riccardo Scamarcio among its special guests and award recipients.

The 2027 guest list will be announced progressively as the festival programme develops.

Screening schedule

The detailed 2027 screening schedule has not yet been published.

Sudestival normally spreads its film programme across several weeks, with regular screening appointments rather than presenting every film during a single concentrated festival period.

The schedule can include:

• Feature-film competition screenings
• Documentary screenings
• Short-film programmes
• Children’s screenings
• Special presentations
• Retrospective screenings
• Filmmaker Q&A sessions
• Masterclasses
• Special event screenings

The main screening venue is Teatro Radar, which is located close to Monopoli railway station and therefore offers convenient access for visitors arriving by train.

Some special programmes may use other venues, so visitors should check the location shown for each individual event when the 2027 schedule becomes available.

Ticket types & accreditation

Sudestival uses individual screening tickets as well as festival subscriptions. The exact 2027 ticket structure has not yet been announced, so previous-edition pricing can be used as a guide.

Previous ticket prices converted from euros to approximate US dollars were:

• Feature-film section: approximately $5.90
• Cinema del Reale section: approximately $4.72
• Retrospective section: approximately $3.54
• Special event evenings: approximately $8.26
• Feature-film section subscription: approximately $29.50
• Cinema del Reale subscription: approximately $23.60
• Combined festival subscription covering feature films, documentaries and retrospective screenings: approximately $47.20

These amounts are based on the previous published ticket structure and are not confirmed 2027 prices.

Some special events may have different admission arrangements, including free-entry programmes. The official website should be checked for the final 2027 ticketing system.

Industry & professional access

Sudestival is primarily an audience-focused cinema festival, but it also provides valuable access for filmmakers, students, cinema professionals and cultural organisations.

The festival’s emphasis on direct meetings between audiences and filmmakers creates opportunities for informal professional networking. Directors and other members of film productions can discuss their work directly with audiences and fellow participants.

Masterclasses provide an additional professional and educational element. Sudestival School also introduces younger participants to the language and professions of cinema.

The festival’s documentary, short-film and feature-film programmes provide exposure for independent Italian productions and emerging filmmakers.

Professional visitors should monitor the official website for information about press accreditation, filmmaker participation, industry invitations and professional activities associated with the 2027 edition.

Red carpet & special events

Sudestival combines conventional cinema screenings with special events that bring well-known Italian film personalities and creative professionals to Monopoli.

Previous editions have included award ceremonies, filmmaker conversations, special screenings, musical performances and live cinema events.

The festival’s closing events can include the presentation of multiple awards covering different categories. Previous awards have recognised feature films, documentaries, short films, screenwriting, music, animation and socially themed cinema.

Special programming has also included live musical accompaniment to silent cinema. A previous Sudestival collaboration with Cineritratti presented Buster Keaton films accompanied by an ensemble performing original music by Stephen Prutsman.

The festival can therefore offer experiences beyond standard film screenings, particularly for visitors interested in the relationship between cinema, music and live performance.

Festival rules

Competition regulations are established for each edition and can change from year to year. Filmmakers should consult the official 2027 regulations before submitting a film.

Previous Sudestival programmes have included separate competition structures for feature films, documentaries and short films. Different juries can be responsible for different sections.

The festival also uses audience and youth juries, allowing members of the public and younger participants to contribute to awards.

Previous editions have included specialist juries made up of directors, editors, screenwriters, cinematographers, journalists and other cinema professionals. Audience and youth juries have provided additional perspectives.

Rules concerning eligibility, production dates, premiere status, language, subtitles, submission format and selection procedures should be confirmed through the official 2027 call for entries.

How to get there

Monopoli is located on the Adriatic coast of Puglia in southern Italy and is well connected to larger cities in the region.

The city can be reached conveniently from Bari, which is the nearest major international airport. Bari is connected to Monopoli by regional rail services and road connections.

Visitors arriving from other parts of Italy can also reach Monopoli by train. The railway station is particularly convenient for Sudestival because Teatro Radar is located only a short distance from the station.

By car, Monopoli can be reached through the regional road network connecting it with Bari, Brindisi, Fasano, Ostuni and other Puglian destinations.

For visitors combining Sudestival with a wider Puglia holiday, Monopoli provides a useful base for exploring the Adriatic coast and nearby historic towns.

Public transport & parking

Train travel is one of the most convenient options for visitors attending screenings at Teatro Radar. The venue is located close to Monopoli railway station, making it possible to arrive by train without requiring a taxi or private vehicle for the final part of the journey.

The historic centre and Biblioteca Rendella can also be reached on foot from the railway station.

Visitors travelling by car should check local parking signs and restrictions, particularly when attending evening events in central Monopoli.

The Red Carpet Cinema and other venues outside the immediate historic centre may be more convenient by car. Sudestival’s official information recommends using the SS16 exits for access to the Red Carpet Cinema.

Because the festival programme can involve several venues, visitors should check the location of each event before choosing their transportation.

Accommodation areas

Monopoli offers a wide range of accommodation, including hotels, guesthouses, apartments and historic-centre stays.

Visitors who want easy access to Sudestival events can consider accommodation around the historic centre or near the railway station. This provides convenient access to Teatro Radar as well as restaurants and cultural attractions.

The historic centre is particularly suitable for visitors who want to combine the festival with sightseeing, while areas closer to the coast provide a different atmosphere.

Other accommodation options can be found in the surrounding Puglian countryside and coastal areas.

Useful areas to consider include:

• Monopoli historic centre
• Monopoli railway station area
• Coastal Monopoli
• Capitolo
• Fasano
• Polignano a Mare
• Ostuni

Visitors attending multiple festival events may benefit from staying within walking distance of the central venues.

Food & dining

Food is an important part of any visit to Puglia, and Monopoli offers a wide range of restaurants, cafés, bakeries and traditional food establishments.

Visitors can combine Sudestival screenings with local Puglian cuisine, seafood restaurants and casual dining in the historic centre.

Monopoli’s coastal location means seafood is particularly prominent, while traditional Puglian dishes provide opportunities to experience local ingredients and regional cooking.

The historic centre is convenient for visitors because restaurants and cafés are located close to several cultural attractions and festival-related venues.

Festival evenings can also be combined with dinner before or after a screening. Visitors attending events at Teatro Radar can travel easily between the venue and central Monopoli.

Accessibility

Sudestival welcomes a broad audience, including families, young people and older visitors. The festival’s youth and children’s programmes demonstrate its effort to make cinema accessible to different generations.

Accessibility can vary according to the individual venue. Teatro Radar is the principal festival location and visitors with specific mobility requirements should confirm current access arrangements directly with the venue or festival organisers.

The Biblioteca Rendella is located in the historic centre, where streets and paving may have different accessibility conditions from modern indoor venues.

Visitors who require accessible seating, step-free access or other assistance should contact the organisers before attending and identify the specific screening or event they intend to visit.

Families should also check the age guidance and suitability information attached to individual Sudestival Kids screenings.

Best screenings to attend

The 2027 film selection has not yet been announced, so individual titles cannot currently be identified.

Visitors interested in contemporary Italian cinema should look for the feature-film competition, which is one of the festival’s central sections. These screenings provide opportunities to discover new Italian productions and emerging filmmakers.

The Cinema del Reale documentary programme is another important part of Sudestival. Previous editions have featured documentaries about Italian musicians, artists and cultural subjects.

Short-film programmes are particularly useful for visitors who want to discover emerging directors and new approaches to Italian filmmaking.

Special event screenings can provide a different experience, particularly when they include live performances, filmmaker conversations or prominent guests.

Visitors interested in family cinema should also consider Sudestival Kids, while students and younger film enthusiasts can look for Sudestival School activities and masterclasses.

Previous year’s highlights

The previous edition featured a substantial programme of Italian cinema, with feature films, documentaries, short films, children’s cinema, masterclasses and special events.

Special guests included Stefania Sandrelli, who participated in the festival’s opening programme, while Piero Pelù appeared in connection with the documentary Rumore Dentro. Giovanni Troilo also participated in the festival programme.

The documentary competition featured works including Allevi – Back to Life, Elegia Sabauda, Rino Gaetano – Sempre più blu, Nino. 18 giorni, Francesco De Gregori Nevergreen and Brunori Sas – Il tempo delle noci.

The festival also presented a dedicated short-film evening, bringing together several Italian short productions and works associated with other film festivals and networks.

Another highlight was the special programme dedicated to Buster Keaton, with live musical accompaniment by an ensemble performing Stephen Prutsman’s original music.

The closing programme included the Sudestival awards and a special appearance by Riccardo Scamarcio, who received the festival’s special cinema excellence award.

Official tickets & accreditation

The official Sudestival website is the main source for the 2027 programme, screening schedule, ticket information, competition regulations, accreditation and guest announcements.

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The previous edition offered individual tickets and subscriptions, with online ticket purchasing available through the festival’s ticketing system. Some special events have also been offered with free admission.

For filmmakers and professionals, the official festival website should be checked for submission procedures, accreditation requirements and professional access information once the 2027 programme is released.

Festival contact

• Sudestival
• Associazione Culturale Sguardi
• Via Vecchia San Francesco da Paola 4/B, 70043 Monopoli, Bari, Italy
• Email: info@sudestival.org
• Phone: +39 334 131 0000

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