With this video, “Grazie Siracusa,” we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Comune di Siracusa, the Siracusa Film Commission, and the entire community that once again embraced Terre di Cinema for its XIV edition. More than a place, Siracusa is a partner — a cultural home where cinema, heritage, and human creativity meet.

From 4 to 21 September 2025, Siracusa welcomed filmmakers from across the globe for the fourteenth edition of Terre di Cinema – International Cinematographers Days, transforming its historic streets, archaeological sites, and neighbourhoods into open-air classrooms and film sets.
Ortigia, the Latomie dei Cappuccini, the Borgata, the Marina, the two Sicilie Guesthouse, B&B Limoneto — each location gave shape, colour, and soul to the images created during those eighteen days.

Sixteen Trainees, One City, A World of Cinema

The 2025 CineCampus hosted sixteen trainees from Siracusa and the surrounding territory, integrated into the departments of Directing, Cinematography, and BTS Photography. For many, it was the first encounter with a professional analog film set. For others — including participants returning from 2024 — it was a new step forward in an ongoing journey.

Working side by side with 48 filmmakers from more than 20 countries, the trainees experienced the intense workflow of shooting 35mm and Super16mm, learned from international DPs, directors, and tutors, and became essential members of the crews operating across the city.

Their voices capture the heart of Terre di Cinema:

“TDC stands for a formidable experience. I lived unforgettable days with wonderful people. We learned countless cinematography techniques thanks to real professionals.”
— Martina Maria Di Pietro

“This path showed me how difficult it is to make an audiovisual work—especially on film—but also the importance of teamwork.”
— Benedetto Lauricella

“I documented the short-film shoots in photos and video and met people from all over the world. Truly exciting.”
— Lorenzo Bottaro

“Every year I learn something new. It’s inspiring to live the world of film sets with people from every part of the world.”
— Sveva Assennato

“My second year was crucial for my artistic growth. I experienced the emotion of shooting on 16mm for the first time.”
— Cristina Cosma

Directing Trainees
Antonino Santacroce, Benedetto Lauricella, Ester Greco, Sveva Assennato, Kevin Bellinghieri, Damiano Seccia, Tommaso Brancato, Valentina Burgio.

Cinematography & BTS Photography Trainees
Cristina Cosma, Irene Maria Marazzotta, Lorenzo Bottaro, Martina Maria Di Pietro, Nives Miceli, Samuele Pullara.

Their presence enriched every frame shot during those eighteen days, bringing Siracusa’s energy, identity, and talent directly into the creative process.

A City That Works With Us

Terre di Cinema owes much of its success to the institutions, organisations, and citizens of Siracusa who contributed to the project with generosity, professionalism, and cultural vision.

Institutional & Territorial Collaborations

• Comune di Siracusa, whose support allows the CineCampus to flourish each year.
• Siracusa Film Commission, a strategic partner whose coordination and assistance are fundamental to every production.
• Fondazione INDA, whose actors and acting students enriched the short films with their talent.
• Distaccamento Aeronautico di Siracusa, providing logistical and technical support.
• Ortigia Film Festival, with which we organized a joint screening of Sara Fgaier’s feature “Sulla Terra Leggeri”.

Local and National Partners

Siracusa also served as the stage for a network of exceptional industrial and technical collaborations:

• Fotoluce, Sicily’s leading photo-video company.
• Kodak Motion Picture Film, Our main technical partner supporting us for 35mm and 16mm film stock.
• Panalight and Augustus Color Lab, supporting cameras, lenses, and processing.
• Nanlux/Nanlite, partners for lighting across all sets.
• Cooke Optics, for premium cinema lenses used in production.

The synergy between these partners, the city’s institutions, and the trainees created a model of cultural and professional development that is unique in Italy and rare worldwide.

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A Territory That Becomes Cinema

The heart of Terre di Cinema lies in the city itself, in its light, its history, its humanity.

Siracusa is not just a location; it is an active protagonist. Its landscapes and architecture become characters; its people become collaborators; its young citizens become filmmakers.

With this video, “Grazie Siracusa,” we celebrate a city that opens its doors to the world of analog filmmaking and confirms, year after year, its role as an international capital of cinematography education and artistic creation.

To the Comune di Siracusa, the Siracusa Film Commission, our trainees, our local partners, and every person who contributed to the XIV edition of Terre di Cinema:

Thank you.
For your trust, your support, and your light.
We look forward to growing this journey together as we prepare the landmark XV edition in 2026.