The Festival of Courage will enter into the Fragilities of the present

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WATCH THE VIDEO . Today's Fragilities will be under the magnifying glass of the Festival of Courage. Those of a present in which everything seems to be crumbling, like the house of cards depicted in Federica Moro's illustration, the icon of this eighth edition, which will once again be hosted in Cervignano del Friuli, from October 15 to 19, 2025. This five-day event—organized by the Municipality of Cervignano del Friuli and under the artistic direction and co-organization of the Bottega Errante cultural association, thanks to the support of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Friuli Foundation, and the Teatro Pasolini cultural association—has been preceded in recent weeks by a series of previews that will continue until the end of the month, such as the one scheduled for September 23 in Cervignano del Friuli, at 6 pm, at the Teatro Pasolini: "Legami," a theatrical performance loosely based on the short story "Legarsi alla montagna" by Michela Murgia, which will feature second- and third-year students from the "G. Randaccio" Middle School of Cervignano del Friuli. The new edition was presented on September 23, 2025, at the Fondazione Friuli headquarters, in the presence of Cristian Zanfabro, Councilor for Culture of the Municipality of Cervignano del Friuli; Mauro Daltin, artistic director of the Festival del Coraggio; and Simone Ciprian, president of the Bottega Errante cultural association. Ciprian first of all wanted to extend "a special thank you to the many local associations and schools for their affection and valuable, active collaboration, and to the numerous courageous sponsors for their trust, support, and closeness."

WITHOUT CERTAINTIES – Together, they have contributed (each in their own way) to shaping a program of meetings, book presentations, theatrical performances, and concerts, which will be hosted by the Teatro Pasolini, the Casa della Musica, the "Garden of Rights," and the "Giuseppe Zigaina" civic library. All events will be free, subject to availability, unless otherwise noted. Any changes or updates to the program will be announced on the website www.festivaldelcoraggio.it, on social media, and via the "Municipium" app of the Municipality of Cervignano del Friuli. "The eighth edition aims to delve into the fragilities of our time, from the conflict in Palestine to humanity's relationship with nature, from the values ​​of sport to the legacy of Pier Paolo Pasolini, from migration to gender-based violence," explained Daltin and Ciprian. It seeks to delve into crumbling terrain, and to do so through philosophy, literature, music, and cinema, because we believe that if culture doesn't change, perhaps the world can still try to interpret it, understand it, embrace other points of view, and make us wonder and reflect. Because—they concluded—these days, when we turn our gaze to the world, our communities, our families, and ourselves, we often find that everything is crumbling, reflecting the dynamics that characterize this era.

"This year more than ever, starting from the etymological meaning of the word courage, there is a greater need for a heartfelt event. Too many walls today prevent people from communicating and expressing themselves, due to the uncontrolled advancement of technology, which sometimes obscures true connection with the real world. With this cultural event, which has become an important reality in the capital of the Lower Friuli region—unique in our region thanks in part to the involvement of associations and schools—we aim to spark dialogue, stir minds, and inspire reflection, hoping to reach young people in particular, with a focus on current events that tell us about heartbreaking events that should touch hearts but, instead, divide," said Cristian Zanfabro, Councilor for Culture for the Municipality of Cervignano del Friuli.

THE BRAVE GUESTS OF 2025 – Recounting their stories and their own—with their courageous tales, large and small—will be great names in journalism, philosophy, music, sports, and literature. Each will offer different perspectives on the crucial contemporary issues the Festival has chosen to address this year. The eighth edition will open with a video by Israeli journalist and writer Manuela Dviri, a voice on the streets of Tel Aviv, constantly committed to building bridges and finding paths to peace. The inauguration will follow, attended by Father Luigi Ciotti in conversation with journalist Marina Lalovic. Father Luigi Ciotti recently celebrated his 80th birthday, an occasion that coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Libera association, which he founded. A priest on the front lines, always fighting injustice and standing up for the poor, a man of faith and courage with an unwavering vision of the complex times we face today. Matteo Saudino (BarbaSophia) will demonstrate how ancient philosophy can help address the fragilities of the present. Massimo Zamboni will present "PPP Profezia è Predire il Presente," a concert reading dedicated to Pier Paolo Pasolini. Lucia Goracci, a war correspondent, will shed light on the challenges of her profession in theaters of conflict with Walter Skerk. Alberto Pellai will reflect on the educational emergency in the digital age, while Daniel Zaccaro, a former bully and ex-convict, will share his experience of redemption through reading and education, in a meeting also open to students. Finally, Mara Navarria will offer a glimpse into the world of sport, a world of determination, sacrifice, and passion.

LIBRARY OF COURAGE AND COURAGEOUS SHOWCASES – The "Library of Courage" will once again be present in 2025, constantly updated on the shelves of the Zigaina Library, along with the "Courageous Showcases" of the city's shops, created in collaboration with VARI and Eventuali. The participating merchants will display blow-ups of past Festival guests and will dedicate a section of their shop window to works by elementary school children, all centered on the theme of courage. They will also offer original events, with dates and times available online.

THE BRAVE STUDENTS – Students from the PCTO project at the ISIS Bassa Friulana secondary schools will once again be featured. As per tradition, they will be attending the Festival wearing their distinctive orange T-shirts. They will be present at all venues and meetings, ready to provide information, welcome the public, assist with organization, present, document, and share their experiences.

PREVIEWS – A packed schedule of previews throughout the region will accompany the audience toward the festival, scheduled from September 6th to 28th, with a final training session on October 14th, with events in Strassoldo, Aquileia, Pordenone, Villalta di Fagagna, and Cervignano del Friuli. The previews have featured and will feature international and national guests, such as Ukrainian writer Oleksii Nikitin, Nepalese teacher Pralhad Bastola, Archbishop of Gorizia Carlo Roberto Maria Redaelli, actress Flavia Valoppi with Chiara Grillo and Annalisa De Vittor, scholar Gabriella Burba, and psychotherapist Domenico Barrilà.