The new edition of Casa Pantrovà audiovisual writing residencies has identified three projects that will benefit from a period of creative development in Carona in 2026. Diego Benzoni, Samuela Lepori, and Anna Simonetti were selected for their three proposals, ranging from historical reconstructions to reflections on the Ticino mountains and the story of emigration to South America.
The initiative is promoted by the City of Lugano together with the Casa della Letteratura per la Svizzera italiana, the Gruppo Regia e Scrittura della Svizzera Italiana, the Ticino Film Commission, the Castellinaria Festival del cinema giovane, the Locarno Film Festival, and the Canton of Ticino's Office for Cultural Support. This year, three residencies have been assigned for screenwriting projects for film and audiovisual production.
A selection entrusted to professionals in the sector
The selection was made after evaluating eight applications. The projects were examined by a committee composed of representatives of the main cultural and filmmaking organizations in Italian-speaking Switzerland: Erik Bernasconi for the Direction and Screenwriting Group of Italian-speaking Switzerland, Laura Brenni for the Culture Division of the City of Lugano, Jacopo Greppi for the Castellinaria Young Film Festival, Maura Käppeli for the Canton of Ticino's Office for Cultural Support, Daniela Persico for the Locarno Film Festival, Milena Stokar for the Ticino Film Commission, and Mara Travella for the Casa della Letteratura per la Svizzera italiana.
The jury expressed a unanimous opinion, awarding three very different works but united by the ambition to address themes of great cultural and social relevance.
San Domino, the memory of a forgotten persecution
Among the selected projects are: San Domino by Diego Benzoni, a fictional short film inspired by a little-known chapter in Italian history: the confinement of homosexuals imposed by the fascist regime on the island of San Domino, in the Tremiti archipelago.
The author chooses to focus his story on the theatrical activities organized by the inmates during their detention. The performances thus become an act of cultural resistance and a form of affirmation of their identity in a context of repression.
According to the jury, the project helps bring to light an often overlooked historical event, focusing on the human dimension and the resilience of those involved. For these reasons, the work was awarded the grant dedicated to the creators of Casa Pantrovà, Lisa Tetzner and Kurt Kläber.
The Ticino mountains are at the heart of Samuela Lepori's project
With The last summer on the Alps, Samuela Lepori instead proposes a feature film freely inspired by the novel The great soul in the mountains of the Swiss writer Charles Ferdinand Ramuz, released in 1926.
The story is relocated to Ticino, between the Bavona Valley and the Basodino Glacier. The narrative focuses on the relationship between the valley's inhabitants and those of the Alpine pastures, the themes of fear, and the spread of a mysterious disease fueling suspicion and tension.
The mountain is not depicted in an idealized vision, but as a stern presence, indifferent to human affairs. Although still in its early stages of development, the project won over the selectors with the power of the images it evokes and the cinematic potential of its subject.
Ouro Preto and Ticino Migration to Brazil
The third winning project is Black Gold by Anna Simonetti. The work addresses the theme of Ticino emigration to Brazil in the second half of the 19th century, following the journey of a woman who left Ticino in 1869, drawn by the search for gold.
The project's uniqueness lies in its choice to use precious metal as a central element of the narrative. Through this symbol, the author intends to question the economic and social values that have contributed to the construction of contemporary Western societies.
The jury particularly appreciated the female perspective adopted in the migration story and the work's ability to connect a historical event to still current issues.
An opportunity also at the Locarno Film Festival
Among the three selected projects, Black Gold was also chosen to participate in the Locarno Residency. During the Locarno Film FestivalAnna Simonetti will have the opportunity to present her work to a commission made up of professionals from the international film industry.
The final selection will identify three projects—two international and one Swiss—that will access a year-long mentoring program consisting of online meetings and in-person training sessions.
The San Domino will have a dedicated showcase. Diego Benzoni's project will in fact be presented at the next Castellinaria Young Film Festival, thanks to the historical and civic value recognized by the organization. The reflection on individual and collective identity, as well as the narrative of resistance against repression, were considered particularly relevant themes for the young adult audience.
Early residencies to encourage creative work
The 2026 edition introduces an organizational change. For the first time since the residencies began in 2021, the stay in Carona will not coincide with the Locarno Festival.
Experience gained in previous years has led the organizers to move the working period forward from July 5th to August 2nd. This change will allow authors to dedicate more time to developing their scripts and arrive at the professional events in August with further refined projects.
An investment in the growth of the audiovisual sector
Commenting on the initiative, the Deputy Mayor of Lugano and Head of the Department of Culture, Sport and Events Robert Badaracco He emphasized the importance of artistic residencies, which he described as a valuable resource for the region. The goal is to offer authors a dedicated space for research and writing, fostering the development of works that can more solidly embark on the path to production.
A public meeting between residents, cultural workers, and citizens is also planned for 2026, with the aim of sharing experiences and fostering dialogue between those working in the audiovisual sector and the public.
Casa Pantrovà's residencies thus continue to consolidate their position as one of the most significant tools dedicated to the development of screenwriting in Italian-speaking Switzerland, strengthening the link between the region, creativity, and cultural production.
