Giffoni receives the 'Future - Making the Impossible Possible' award

At the opening day of the 56th edition of the Giffoni Film Festival, four distinct stories were honored with the special prize “Futura - Rendere possibile l'impossibile,” created by the School of Medal Art (Sam) of the State Mint. The award celebrates individuals who have transformed the impossible into reality through their artistic and human journey, becoming role models and inspirations for new generations. The recipients of the first four works included actor Michele Riondino, recognized for blending the value of art with civic engagement, using cinema and theater to address themes such as work, rights, territory, and participation. Actress Matilda De Angelis was acknowledged for giving authentic and intense voices to a new generation of performers capable of portraying the complexity of the present. Writer Dacia Maraini received recognition for dedicating her life to the power of words, transforming literature into a tool for awareness and change. Additionally, the family of Giulio Regeni and lawyer Alessandra Ballerini were honored for their relentless pursuit of truth and justice, turning a personal tragedy into a universal battle for human rights protection. Dacia Maraini reflected on how the impossible can become possible, stating, “With trust. With trust in human beings. With trust in the future. Even when the future is stormy. In my opinion, one must have trust. That is, if you don’t believe in the future, you won’t create it. If someone starts from the assumption that there’s nothing to do, there will be nothing to do, so I believe that trust is the basis of every relationship with the world.” Michele Riondino expressed his thoughts on the relationship between the impossible and acting, saying, “The definition of impossible is a concept we actors don’t like. We are supposed to not judge things. To define something as impossible is to consider it unreachable, and that’s why it’s a concept I’m not used to digesting, especially when I work.” Each of the awarded works reinterprets the classical archetype of a figure emerging from water: a woman rises from a sea of waves, symbolizing the ocean of stories and imagination among young people, and lifts the world with both hands, representing the international nature of the festival. The award ceremony took place during the inaugural day of the festival, marking the beginning of a week dedicated to celebrating cinematic talent and cultural expression. The selection of recipients highlights the festival's commitment to recognizing contributions that transcend traditional boundaries, whether through artistic achievement, social activism, or legal advocacy. The event drew attention not only to individual accomplishments but also to the broader impact these figures have had on society. Their stories reflect the festival’s mission to inspire and challenge audiences, encouraging them to envision possibilities beyond current limitations. As the festival continues, it remains committed to fostering dialogue and innovation within the global film community.