Countdown to the 18th edition of the Gran Paradiso Film Festival
The 18th edition of the Gran Paradiso Film Festival will be inaugurated on Monday, 25th of August. Waiting for the Festival, thanks to the ITER project - Imaginez un Transport Efficace et Responsable, the public will have the chance to try a hot hair tethered balloon ride and a range of electric vehicles - car, e-mountain bike, segway and tricycle - from 8 till 11 a.m. in Cogne's Sant'Orso meadows.
The Festival will officially open at 5 p.m. on Cogne's main square, with the artistic performance by Teatro Instabile di Aosta. A music parade with the above described electric vehicles will proceed the audience to Maison de Cogne Gérard-Dayné, for a welcome greeting by the authorities in the presence of Elena Cattaneo, this year's special guest. At 9 p.m. at Maison de la Grivola the Senator will speak about 'Science today: an opportunity'.
During the following days the cycle of events De Rerum Natura will propose a rich program of concerts, debates and shows. Besides the announced guests, Walter Barberis, President of Giulio Einaudi publishing house, will moderate the debate 'The major monotheistic religions and nature', scheduled for Thursday 28 August at 5 p.m. at Maison de Cogne Gérard-Dayné.
Friday 29 August at 5 p.m. the director Brando Quilici will present a premier, an extract from the film 'My friend Nanuk', a major international production distributed by Medusa Film and entirely filmed on the polar icepack. The protagonists are a polar bear cub and a child.
Vittorio Anglesio, President of Fondation Grand Paradis, shows satisfaction: «One year's work will now come full circle: the Gran Paradiso Festival is a team work which includes selecting high quality films and contacting guests to provide great entertainment as well as an opportunity for reflection on nature related themes. The Festival affects the whole area of Gran Paradiso, which has always identified with the principles of sustainability and respect for the environment».
Applications are still open to become a member of the Jury of the audience; the latter will choose the winners of both International Competition and Cortonatura. Jury members will have their seats reserved in all screening venues and can take part in the final prize draw, scheduled to take place during the event 'Nature and sustainable mobility', on Saturday 30 August at 3 p.m. in Cogne's Public Library.
To become a Jury member individuals can submit the form available on the Festival's official website.
The Festival is also a chance to spend a week's holiday in the Gran Paradiso area, thanks to the last minute deals offered by Consorzio Operatori Turistici della Valle di Cogne, with holiday packages starting from 35 euros per person per day.
During the week traveling on the bus line Aosta-Cogne will be free of charge; the audience is also encouraged to try the range of sustainable vehicles proposed by this year's program.
To try the hot air tethered balloon ride and the ITER electric vehicles booking is recommended.
All details of the Official selection, guests, program, services, holiday packages, transport to attend the Festival are available on the Festival official website, www.gpff.it.