In the heart of Taviano, a historic piazzetta becomes an open-air cinema for one unforgettable evening of Apulian storytelling. The Puglia Cult series brings Alessandro Piva's iconic LaCapaGira to the cobblestones, transforming Piazzetta Don Pompeo Cacciatore into a gathering place where film, memory, and local pride converge under the southern Italian sky.
A Cult Film Returns to Its Roots
LaCapaGira is not just a film—it's a cultural landmark for Puglia. Shot with raw energy and unflinching honesty, Piva's work captures the spirit of a generation and a place, offering a portrait of the region that's both gritty and deeply affectionate. Watching it in a piazza in Taviano feels like coming full circle, the film's restless energy echoing off the old walls and stone arcades that frame the square.
The screening format—intimate, communal, unhurried—invites viewers to experience the film as it was meant to be seen: not in isolation, but in conversation with a place and its people.
An Evening with Alessandro Piva
After the credits roll, the evening opens into something rarer still: a chance to hear directly from the director. Alessandro Piva will be present to share insights, anecdotes, and the stories behind the making of LaCapaGira. It's an opportunity to ask the questions that linger after the film ends—about character choices, shooting locations, the social currents that shaped the narrative.
This kind of face-to-face encounter is what makes small-town cinema nights so special. You're not just an audience member; you're part of a living conversation about art, identity, and the landscapes that define us.
The Piazzetta Comes Alive
Piazzetta Don Pompeo Cacciatore is one of Taviano's quieter corners, a place where locals pause for an evening chat and visitors stumble upon unexpected charm. For this event, it transforms into a cultural crossroads—folding chairs line the square, the scent of summer evening air mixes with anticipation, and the glow of the screen becomes the focal point of the night.
The atmosphere is relaxed yet electric, perfect for solo cinema lovers, couples seeking something offbeat, and small groups of friends who appreciate films that challenge and provoke.
What to Bring and Know
- Arrive early to claim a good spot—seating fills up quickly for popular screenings in intimate piazzas.
- Bring a light jacket; Taviano's evenings can cool down once the sun sets, especially in spring and early autumn.
- Explore the surrounding streets before the screening—Taviano's old town has elegant doorways, small churches, and pasticcerie worth discovering.
- Plan to linger after the Q&A—often the best conversations happen as the crowd disperses and locals share their own memories of the film.
- Combine the evening with a visit to nearby Gallipoli (15 minutes by car), where the Ionian coastline offers sunset aperitifs and beach walks before the event begins.
Why This Screening Matters
Events like this are a reminder that Puglia's cultural identity isn't confined to museums or official festivals. It thrives in piazzas, in the willingness of small towns to host bold, unapologetic art, and in the presence of filmmakers who return to the region not as celebrities but as storytellers reconnecting with home.
Whether you're a dedicated cinephile or simply curious about the region's creative pulse, this night offers a window into the soul of contemporary Apulian culture—raw, real, and utterly alive.