From 23 September to 28 October 2024, Mestre will host the sixth edition of the ‘Festival delle Idee’, a cultural event that, since its inception in 2019, aims to create an open and transversal space where ideas can meet, compare and dialogue. The festival connects people, institutions and socio-cultural realities of the territory, offering the public a platform to explore current and universal issues through the contribution of prominent personalities from the world of literature, music, cinema, science, sport and more.
This year, the theme ‘Exploring the Unknown’ pays tribute to Marco Polo, the illustrious Venetian merchant, whose 700th anniversary of his death falls. This edition will celebrate the spirit of travel and discovery, following the thread of curiosity and the desire to explore new horizons, both geographical and inner. As Oscar Wilde used to say: ‘I keep surprising myself. It is the only thing that makes life worth living for me’. The festival will therefore offer a series of encounters that will invite the public to be fascinated by the mystery of the unknown and to discover new perspectives, through the words and experiences of exceptional guests.
Among the protagonists of this edition, we find personalities of great international relevance who will address topics related to literature, music and personal experience, enriching the dialogue with profound reflections.
There will be three prominent international guests, for whom Finking will provide interpreting services:
- Azar Nafisi (Monday 23 September, 6.30 pm), author of the bestseller ‘Reading Lolita in Tehran’, will open the festival with a dialogue on the ‘Power of Literature’ together with ANSA journalist Mauretta Capuano. As in her book, which she will present at the Festival, ‘Reading Dangerously’, Nafisi questions the power of literature in everyday life. The answer can be found in the five letters she wrote to her father between 2019 and 2020, where she masterfully mixes everyday life, childhood memories and literary criticism, offering insights into the contemporary situation. Thanks to her ability to combine the intimate with the great history of literature, Nafisi invites us to reflect on how books can really influence our existence.
- Ute Lemper (Sunday 6 October, 9 p.m.), the famous German singer and actress, will present ‘Memories of a Time Traveller’, sharing her artistic and personal experiences with journalist Giampaolo Bonzio. Known for her work in cabaret and musical theatre, Lemper will offer a unique insight into her international artistic journey.
- Trudie Styler (Friday 11 October, 6 p.m.), film producer, director and environmental activist, will talk about her love for Italy in the meeting ‘Italia, mon amour’, in dialogue with Paolo Conti, columnist for Corriere della Sera. Styler will share her bond with Italy and the cultural projects that bind her deeply to our country.
This year’s ‘Festival delle Ideae’ once again proves to be an unmissable opportunity for those who wish to be fascinated by the power of ideas and the infinite possibilities that arise from confrontation and dialogue. All that remains is to prepare to set off on this journey, exploring the unknown together with the guests and being surprised by the wonders that await us.
