Lecco Film Festival

Lecco Film Festival Tickets and Visiting Hours Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction to the Lecco Film Festival

The Lecco Film Festival, held annually on the southeastern shores of Lake Como in Lecco, Italy, has quickly become a distinguished event in the Italian cultural landscape since its inception in 2019. Renowned for its distinctive focus on the “female gaze” and engagement with contemporary social themes, the festival offers a dynamic blend of public film screenings, masterclasses, panel discussions, and artistic exhibitions. Set amidst Lecco’s charming old town and iconic venues such as Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza XX Settembre, the festival brings together cinema lovers, artists, and the local community in a celebration of art, dialogue, and inclusivity.

Whether you are a passionate cinephile, a cultural explorer, or a local resident, this comprehensive guide details the festival’s history, ticketing procedures, visiting hours, accessibility, major events, and travel tips, plus recommendations for making the most of your stay in Lecco.

For the latest updates, official information, and full festival schedules, consult the Lecco Film Festival official website and Lecco tourism resources.

Introduction
History of the Lecco Film Festival
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets & Accessibility
Key Events and Highlights
Exploring Lecco: Historical Sites and Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Practical Tips for Visitors
Conclusion and Call to Action
Sources

History of the Lecco Film Festival

Origins and Founding Vision

Founded in 2019 by the Fondazione Ente dello Spettacolo, with the support of Confindustria Lecco e Sondrio and a network of local institutions, the Lecco Film Festival was created to champion cinema through a unique lens: the “sguardo al femminile” (female gaze). The festival has established itself as a platform for female filmmakers and a space for examining social themes around gender, identity, and diversity (LeccoToday, LeccoChannel).

Evolution and Growth

The festival has grown each year, expanding its programming and audience reach. In 2022, under the theme “Luci della città” (“City Lights”), the festival began to highlight cinema’s transformative power. By 2024, the event lasted five days and included more than 34 events, 16 film screenings, and over 40 special guests, such as directors and actors. The 2024 theme, “Signora Libertà” (“Lady Liberty”), inspired by Fabrizio De André’s music, focused on freedom and the evolving roles of women in cinema and society (Confindustria Lecco e Sondrio).

Community Engagement and Education

Community involvement is central to the festival’s mission. Over 100 local volunteers support logistics and hospitality, while educational projects such as “Cinema è partecipazione” engage students in workshops and participatory programs. The “Opera Prima” summer school, in partnership with Istituto Giuseppe Toniolo, further enhances the festival’s educational role (LeccoChannel).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets & Accessibility

Festival Dates & Locations

2025 Dates: Early July (exact dates announced on the official website)
Key Venues: Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza XX Settembre, Cinema Nuovo Aquilone, and various locations in Lecco’s historic center

Visiting Hours

General Hours: Daily events run from late afternoon (approx. 4:00–5:00 PM) until late evening (10:30–11:00 PM)
Workshops & Masterclasses: Typically scheduled from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Tickets and Admission

Open-Air Screenings & Public Talks: Mostly free and open to the public
Special Events (Masterclasses, Workshops, Gala Screenings): Require ticket purchase or advance registration
How to Buy: Tickets are available on the Lecco Film Festival website and at on-site box offices in Piazza Garibaldi. Early booking is recommended, especially for events with limited seating.

Accessibility

Venues: Centrally located, accessible by foot and public transport from Lecco train station
Mobility: Most venues are wheelchair accessible; ramps and reserved seating are provided
Language: Films often have English subtitles. Select panels and Q&As may offer English translation
Support: For specific needs, contact festival organizers in advance

Key Events and Highlights

Film Screenings: Italian premieres, international films, and features by emerging and established women directors
Premieres: Notable recent premieres include the Oscar-winning documentary “20 Days in Mariupol” (Confindustria Lecco e Sondrio)
Competitions: “Nuovi Talenti Lab” for new directors; “Premio Lucia” for influential women in cinema
Exhibitions: For example, the 2024 Marcello Mastroianni centenary retrospective
Workshops: Educational programs for youth and aspiring filmmakers

Exploring Lecco: Historical Sites and Attractions

Enhance your festival trip by visiting Lecco’s landmarks:

Basilica of San Nicolò: 19th-century church with panoramic views
Villa Manzoni: Former home of Alessandro Manzoni, now a museum
Palazzo delle Paure: Hosts art exhibitions and cultural events
Lakeside Promenade: Ideal for a stroll before or after festival events

For more, see Eternal Arrival’s guide to Lecco.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When does the Lecco Film Festival take place?
A: Annually in early July; check the official website for current dates.

Q: Are events free to attend?
A: Most screenings and talks are free; some workshops and special events require tickets.

Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Online at the Lecco Film Festival website or on-site at Piazza Garibaldi.

Q: Is the festival family-friendly?
A: Yes, with activities and programming for all ages.

Q: Is the festival accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, most venues are accessible. Contact organizers for specific arrangements.

Q: Where should I stay?
A: Lecco offers hotels, B&Bs, and apartments—early booking is advised.

Q: How do I get to the festival?
A: Lecco is accessible by train from Milan, Bergamo, and Como. The city center and festival venues are walkable from the station.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Accommodation

Options: Hotels, B&Bs, apartments, and lakeside resorts
Recommendation: Book early due to high demand during the festival

Transport & Parking

By Train: Direct connections from Milan (1 hour), Bergamo (40 minutes), Como (1 hour)
By Car: Paid parking (blue lines) available near the center; free parking (white lines) is limited and farther away (Extreme Day Trips)

Food & Drink

Local Cuisine: Try missoltini (lake fish), polenta uncia, and pistachio gelato at local trattorias and gelaterias

Weather & Packing

July Climate: Warm (25–30°C/77–86°F) with cooler evenings; pack light clothing, a hat, sun protection, and a light jacket

Safety & Etiquette

Security: Lecco is safe; use standard precautions in crowds
Customs: Dress neatly for events, greet with basic Italian phrases, and silence phones during screenings

Visuals and Media

Image Suggestions: Include photographs of Piazza Garibaldi during screenings, festival crowds, and Lake Como vistas with descriptive alt text (e.g., “Lecco Film Festival open-air screening at Piazza Garibaldi”)
Photo Policy: Allowed in public spaces; restricted during screenings

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Lecco Film Festival is a vibrant celebration of cinema, culture, and community, set against the enchanting backdrop of Lake Como. With its innovative programming, educational opportunities, and inclusive atmosphere, the festival offers something for every visitor—whether you’re a film enthusiast, a cultural traveler, or simply seeking an inspiring Italian summer experience.

Plan your visit by consulting the official Lecco Film Festival website for the latest news, ticketing details, and event updates. Enhance your experience by exploring Lecco’s historical and cultural attractions, sampling local cuisine, and engaging with fellow festival-goers.

For personalized updates, exclusive content, and festival notifications, download the Audiala app and follow the Lecco Film Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of cinema and the hospitality of Lecco this summer!