We are thrilled to announce the participation of one of Italy’s top Gaffer, Fabio Policastro, at the 2024 CineCampus on September 5th! With a career spanning some of the most iconic films in contemporary Italian cinema, directed by Paolo Sorrentino (with cinematographers Luca Bigazzi and Daria D’Antonio) including The Great Beauty, Youth, The Hand of God and Parthenope, Fabio has established himself as a master of lighting, a crucial element in the art of cinematography.

The role of a Gaffer is often described as the unsung hero of the film set. As the head of the lighting department, the Gaffer is responsible for executing the cinematographer’s vision by shaping the light to enhance the mood, atmosphere, and visual storytelling of a film. It is a role that requires both technical expertise and creative intuition, as the Gaffer must balance the artistic needs of the film with the practical challenges of each shooting environment.

During his time with us, Fabio will share his wealth of experience, offering deep insights into his lighting strategies and the creative process behind the films that have fascinated audiences around the world. He will also provide our CineCampus students with practical advice on how to approach the lighting for their short films, which they will be shooting during the 2024 CineCampus. This session promises to be an invaluable learning experience, blending hands-on practice with inspired discussions on the critical collaboration between the Gaffer and the cinematographer, and how this partnership is key to bringing the director’s vision to life on screen.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fabio Policastro for his participation and his willingness to mentor the next generation of filmmakers. We eagerly look forward to what will undoubtedly be an illuminating and inspiring day!

Check out Fabio’s impressive filmography here: click