Nestled within the breathtaking expanse of Italy’s Conero National Park, where the Adriatic Sea meets cliffs and lush national parkland, Conero Film + ADV emerges as a beacon for a new, conscious era of storytelling and connection. More than a mere festival, this creative retreat is a vibrant crucible for collaboration, networking and creation, passionately uniting the advertising and film industries under a shared, vital ethos: that powerful narratives and sustainable practices are not mutually exclusive, but intrinsically linked. This unique gathering champions work that reimagines its impact, both on-screen and off. Each official selection is a testament to this commitment, chosen because its very DNA—be it in its production methods, its narrative core, or its innovative distribution—reflects a profound respect for our world and its inhabitants. It is a celebration of films that are not only beautifully made but also mindfully created. While we haven’t included beloved DN alums—VERSUS’ Oleum, Andrew De Zen’s The Robbery, Giada Bossi’s Chiamare Casa Sempre lo Stesso Posto and Lado Kvataniya’s Gun—in the following curated selection of nine top picks from this year’s programme, they too exemplify this transformative spirit. With each project, in its own distinct voice, answering the call for a more accountable and awe-inspiring cinema, proving that the most compelling stories are those crafted with intention for a world in need of them.
Figures in Thread – Pierfrancesco Carta
Not only are we bearing witness to beautiful ancient and sacred practices in both South America and Sardinia, Pierfrancesco Carta aptly deploys his skills as a cinematographer as these two worlds, lush with rich culture and breathtaking scenery, shine bright in Figures in Thread made with Voltura Sardinia. Fabrics and stories are woven together seamlessly, supported by the stories of strength of the fearless women behind their fabrication.
Hermanos – Rachel McDonald
Drifting through a hazy, nostalgic past and a violent and horrifying present, Rachel McDonald brilliantly captures the horrific reality faced by so many seeking refuge in her short Hermanos. With draconian laws leading to a continuing humanitarian crisis at the US-Mexico border, McDonald illustrates one story among far too many in her Biscuit Filmworks narrative short.
Skate Like a Lass – Juliet Klottrup
Having always been jealous of those smooth, carefree skateboarders (not from lack of trying), I was overjoyed to see the sense of belonging I know these groups offer play out in this unbridled celebration of the community. And to boot, it’s a belonging for those who all too often feel sidelined and overlooked. Juliet Klottrup—whose short film Travelling Home we highlighted at LFF last year and is also screening at Conero—injects heart and soul into her lens on Northern England’s skate communities (which she also captured in zine form), and whose use of 16mm, vintage skate footage and honest and heartfelt testimonies are sublime!
Most Popular
The Lost Generation – Ferhat Gurini
Ferhat Gurini joins the ranks of brave, hard-hitting creators who demand and clamour for change through their work. Gurini absorbs you in his plaintive call for peace and humanitarian aid in Palestine as his short flashes before your eyes and assaults you, just as it should.
Unscripted – Vittorio Bonaffini
There is something very wrong if we aren’t able to laugh at ourselves. Vittorio Bonaffini and digital production agency Saccage hit the nail perfectly on the head. Bonaffini delivers a lush, visually perfect film which delightfully teases you with the all too common absurdities and tropes of the industry. BTS at its best!
The Sound of Burning Man – BONAMAZE
As a long-standing goer of music festivals—albeit muddier, slightly less epic British offerings—BONAMAZE have achieved something most marketers never get right. They immerse us in every shiny, splendid facet of this truly legendary festival with wicked skill. Whilst I have no doubt in person is the only way to truly experience this pilgrimage, this symphony took me there. Watch & listen LOUD.
Hero – Mateusz Miszczyński
Produced by Papaya Films, director Mateusz Miszczyński’s exceedingly clever short Hero manages to embed an environmental message and consideration right into the centre of a quirky, brilliantly plotted little narrative. It is sly but in all the right ways.
It’s How You Show Up – Sasha Nathwani
I cannot emphasise enough how much authenticity matters. (Generally) audiences are perceptive, intelligent and deserve to be treated as such. Sasha Nathwani’s film for the National Autistic Society, made with Caviar, is a prime example a taking a real story, telling it well and letting the results shine for themselves.
Music Gardener – Miguel Coimbra
I love a mockumentary and I laughed, cried and enjoyed every second of Miguel Coimbra’s unique short for LISB-ON Music Festival. Music Gardener follows a deeply passionate gardener as he reveals the hidden jewels of the Keil do Amaral garden – the home of the electronic music festival and a hidden paradise with plenty of secrets.
You can find more DN film festival favourites in our Best of Fest collections.
