ABOUT FESTIVALETTERATURA
Festival concept

Festivaletteratura I am all the more convinced that we, as Italians, know nothing about certain aspects of being Italian [...]. Now I am in Mantua on a July night, where some Mantuans have come up with the wonderful idea of a literary festival which, year after year, takes place as summer draws to an end. andrea camilleri Festivaletteratura

Festivaletteratura is one of Italy’s most anticipated annual events. Since its inception in 1997, this five-day festival of gatherings with authors, readings, guided tours, performances and concerts has seen artists come from all four corners of the globe to come together in Mantua, getting first-hand experience of the truly unforgettable festive atmosphere.

Festivaletteratura
Festivaletteratura, 1997

The Festival plays host to world-famous writers and poets, some of the most interesting voices from emerging literatures, essayists, musicians, artists and scientists who foster a more complex and unusual notion of literature that includes unconventional literary domains and languages. Festivaletteratura pays special attention to young people: many of the events, performances and workshops across the five days are especially devised for youngsters, or to be enjoyed by young and old alike. Everything takes place in Mantua, a World Heritage Site and veritable gem of the Renaissance. Not only does the compact size of the city bring authors and readers together, it also means that everyone can easily get from one event to another on foot.

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Starting off as a grass roots initiative on the part of local citizens who wanted to share their idea with the rest of the city – inspired by some well-established examples across Europe, especially in the British Isles – the Festival quickly became a Mantuan institution, as proven by the support shown by local businesses who sponsor events, the incredible number of volunteers and the help and collaboration of local individuals and associations.

Festivaletteratura

With the archive of materials from the past nineteen years at its disposal, Festivaletteratura keeps innovating and serving as a point of reference for Italian and foreign authors, as well as for the volunteers of all ages who embody the event’s vibrant nature. This is equally true for the cultural institutions, libraries and reading groups who offer their invaluable support in the creation of projects and activities that help keep the Festival spirit going all-year-round.

Festivaletteratura

Festivaletteratura was conceived by:

Laura Baccaglioni,
Carla Bernini,
Annarosa Buttarelli,
Francesco Caprini,
Marzia Corraini,
Luca Nicolini,
Paolo Polettini
e Gianni Tonelli

These eight private citizens, from a variety of different backgrounds, came together in 1997 and formed an Organizing Committee. Their commitment as volunteers led to the creation of the Festival, of which the Committee curates the programme, setting out its promotion and organization. In 2020 the Committee was converted into Mantova Festival Internazionali.

Volunteers
Festivaletteratura
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Volunteers are the heart and soul of Festivaletteratura. Since the first edition back in 1997, hundreds of people - mainly youngsters - have come from all over Italy to play their part in this five-day event. Volunteering at Festivaletteratura means putting yourself forward and rising to the many different challenges that can arise during the course of the Festival. Discover all the ways to be a volunteer.


Find out more about what volunteers do
Filofestival Association

Back in 1996, on the eve of the first Festivaletteratura, a group of locals, united by a common desire, worked together with the Organizing Committee to bring their collective dream to fruition: organizing a bona fide celebration that brings together writers and readers across the city’s piazzas and palaces.

Festivaletteratura

That’s how Associazione Filofestival came to be. A non-profit and voluntary association aimed at promoting and supporting Festivaletteratura and its activities.

Events and Support throughout the Year

When Festivaletteratura draws to a close, the work of Filofestival goes on and includes the organization of promotional campaigns, conference organization, encounters with authors, concerts and literary events throughout Italy. Members are encouraged to play an active part in Filofestival activities throughout the year.

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Meetings and Steering Committee

Associazione Filofestival holds regular meetings and is coordinated by a Steering Committee made up of five members, elected by members every three years. The current Steering Committee members are: Stefano Mazzocchi (presidente), Silvia Cosimini, Massimo Parma, Gianni Sgarbi, Nadia Gaeti

Contacts & Info
Associazione Filofestival
via Baldassarre Castiglioni 4
46100 - Mantova
t. 0376 223989 fax 0376-367047
[email protected]
www.filofestival.it
Contacts
admin office
via Baldassarre Castiglioni, 4
46100 Mantova
t +39 0376 223989
f +39 0376 367047
[email protected]
Benedetta Cantoni
logistics and site team
t +39 0376 223989
[email protected]
Alessandro Della Casa
main office and volunteer management
t +39 0376 223989
[email protected]
Sara Fravezzi
main office and author hospitality
t +39 0376 223989
[email protected]
Marella Paramatti
main office and internship management
t +39 0376 223989
[email protected]
Salvatore Satta
main office and web site
t +39 0376 223989
[email protected]
Donatella Gilioli
administration
t +39 0376 223542
[email protected]
Arianna Tonelli
sponsors
t +39 0376 223989
[email protected]
Stefania Bertuccio
sponsors
t +39 0376 223989
[email protected]
Per proposte scrivere a:
[email protected]
festivaletteratura archives
via Accademia, 47
46100 Mantova
t +39 0376 223989
Manuela Soldi, Giorgia Nanni, Michele Triboli
[email protected]