Cineforum “Diritti al Cinema” Resumes Spring Screenings in Messina
Messina, Italy – The University of Messina’s Department of Law is set to resume its popular Cineforum “Diritti al cinema: dai Codici alla Vita, occasioni di dibattito” (Rights to Cinema: From Codes to Life, Opportunities for Debate) this spring, offering a compelling series of film screenings and discussions focused on legal and societal themes. The program, coordinated by Professor Antonio Saitta, provides a unique platform for students and the wider community to engage with complex issues through the lens of cinema.
The spring semester program kicks off on March 9th with a screening of Pierfrancesco Diliberto’s (known as Pif) critically acclaimed film, “La mafia uccide solo d’estate” (The Mafia Kills Only in Summer). According to the University of Messina, all screenings will take place at 6:45 PM (18:45) at the Cinema Apollo in Messina. The full schedule of films is available as an attachment on the University’s website.
A Long-Standing Tradition of Cinematic Legal Exploration
The Cineforum “Diritti al cinema” has become a significant cultural event in Messina, fostering critical thinking and dialogue around legal principles and their real-world implications. The initiative, which began in October 2025, aims to bridge the gap between academic study and contemporary societal challenges. As reported by LetteraEmme, the program is designed to offer a space for cultural growth and a sense of belonging within both the academic and civic communities.
Each film is introduced by a member of the Department of Law faculty, who then leads a post-screening discussion with students. This format encourages active participation and allows for a deeper understanding of the legal and ethical issues presented in the films. The fall 2025 screenings featured films such as Damiano Damiani’s “Il giorno della civetta” (The Day of the Owl), and Federico Fellini’s “Il Laureato” (The Graduate), demonstrating the program’s commitment to showcasing both classic and contemporary cinema.
Academic Credit and Community Engagement
The Cineforum similarly offers a tangible benefit for students, with the opportunity to earn 0.25 CFU (Crediti Formativi Universitari – University Educational Credits) for attending each screening. This incentive, extended to students from other departments and even local schools who enroll in courses within the Department of Law, further encourages participation and broadens the reach of the program. Students wishing to receive credit are required to email their details, student ID number, date of attendance, and the film title to [email protected].
The initiative isn’t limited to the University community. The Cineforum is open to the public, fostering a broader dialogue about legal and ethical issues within the city of Messina. This open-door policy underscores the University’s commitment to civic engagement and its role as a cultural hub.
Expanding the Scope of “Diritti al Cinema”
While the University of Messina’s Cineforum focuses on Italian cinema and legal themes, the broader “Diritti al Cinema” initiative has a wider reach. The Rete per i Diritti (Rights Network), based in Milan, has been organizing “Diritti al Cinema” screenings since 2011, featuring films that explore a diverse range of human rights issues. Their 14th edition, in February 2026, included screenings of “La gazza ladra” (The Magpie) and “Kafka a Teheran”.
The Milan-based initiative brings together magistrates, lawyers, university professors, and experts in restorative justice to create spaces for discussion and promote a culture of rights. The screenings are followed by debates and opportunities for community engagement, aiming to offer positive models for social cohesion. The Rete per i Diritti’s program demonstrates the growing international interest in using cinema as a tool for raising awareness about human rights and fostering critical dialogue.
Looking Ahead: Continued Dialogue and Cinematic Exploration
The resumption of the Cineforum “Diritti al cinema” at the University of Messina represents a continued commitment to using film as a catalyst for legal and societal discussion. With a diverse program of films and a dedicated team of faculty and students, the initiative promises to be a valuable resource for the University community and the city of Messina. The program’s emphasis on active participation and academic credit further solidifies its position as a unique and impactful cultural event.
The next confirmed event is the screening of “La mafia uccide solo d’estate” on March 9th at the Cinema Apollo. Readers interested in learning more about the program and accessing the full schedule are encouraged to visit the University of Messina’s website. We invite you to share your thoughts on the intersection of cinema and law in the comments below.