Valle d’Aosta hosts three film festivals this summer—the Gran Paradiso Film Festival, Cervino CineMountain, and the Sestriere Film Festival—showcasing international cinema, documentaries, and mountain-themed storytelling. These events, running from late July through early August, combine outdoor screenings with cultural programs focused on nature, alpine history, and human resilience.
Gran Paradiso Film Festival: Nature and Coexistence
The 29th edition of the Gran Paradiso Film Festival runs from July 27 to August 9, featuring 80 screenings across the Aosta Valley, including Cogne, Introd, and Villeneuve. Artistic director Luisa Vuillermoz has centered this year’s program on the theme "Dominio e coesistenza" (Dominion and Coexistence). According to the festival’s official program, the selection explores the complex, interdependent relationship between human communities and the natural world, featuring films that document diverse ecosystems from jaguars to alpine ibexes.
The festival includes an international competition, an online streaming component (GPFF Online) from August 2 to 7, and the "De Rerum Natura" side events. While all events are free, organizers require attendees to book slots in advance via the official festival website or the Visit Gran Paradiso app.
Cervino CineMountain: Alpine Culture and Cinema
Celebrating its 29th year, Cervino CineMountain takes place from July 25 to August 1. The festival focuses on mountaineering, mountain sports, and the intersection of art and literature.
- Opening Films: The festival debuts with Agata Christian – Delitto sulle nevi by Eros Puglielli and Ultimo Schiaffo by Matteo Oleotto.
- Miyazaki Tribute: On July 30, the festival hosts an open-air screening of Hayao Miyazaki’s Laputa: Castle in the Sky, honoring the director’s focus on nature.
- Cervinia’s 90th Anniversary: A special program will screen historical footage documenting the evolution of the tourism station and its cable car infrastructure.
Notable figures in alpine culture, including climbers Matteo Della Bordella and Hervé Barmasse, are scheduled to participate in the festival’s cultural discussions.
Sestriere Film Festival: High-Altitude Cinema
The Sestriere Film Festival returns to the Cinema Fraiteve from August 2 to 9. Located at an altitude of 2,035 meters, the event specializes in documentaries and short films centered on extreme regions and mountain life. The festival aims to highlight the bond between humanity and nature, as well as the history of mountaineering. Admission to the screenings is free to the public.
Summer Mountain Film Festivals: Quick Reference
| Festival | Dates | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Gran Paradiso Film Festival | July 27 – Aug 9 | Nature, ecology, and coexistence |
| Cervino CineMountain | July 25 – Aug 1 | Alpine sports, history, and literature |
| Sestriere Film Festival | Aug 2 – Aug 9 | Extreme mountains and human culture |
Note: All event schedules and ticketing information are subject to change; visitors are encouraged to check official festival websites before attending.
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