Italian creativity is coming to California on November 7, 2026, when the San Diego Italian Film Festival and Noci Film Fest present “From Puglia with Love,” a celebration of emerging filmmakers and the cultural connections between Italy and the United States.
The event will take place at the Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art, located at 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a reception featuring Italian wine and appetizers prepared by Zafferano Catering. Screenings begin at 7:00 p.m.
Four Italian directors – Olga Torrico, Matteo Memé, Stefania Accettulli, and Anna Coccoli – will present four short films, followed by a live question-and-answer session. Audiences will have the opportunity to meet the filmmakers, explore their creative experiences, and discover new perspectives on contemporary Italian storytelling.
The initiative is part of a broader cultural exchange connecting Puglia and California, developed through collaborations involving the Noci Film Fest, the San Diego Italian Film Festival, Cal Poly, and UC San Diego. The project supports emerging talent and encourages international cooperation in filmmaking.
The celebration also highlights the growing importance of Italian cinema as a bridge between communities, bringing regional stories and innovative artistic voices to American audiences.
Admission costs $25, with a discounted $15 ticket for San Diego Italian Film Festival members. The event is open to all ages.
For tickets and additional information, visit https://sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com/from-puglia-with-love.
This November, San Diego audiences can experience the creativity, hospitality, and cinematic spirit of Puglia without leaving California.
