Our History
Founded in 2004 in Tricase, at the heart of Salento, the Salento International Film Festival (SIFF) celebrates the magic of cinema in a land rich in history and cultural intersections. This region, known as the “Gateway to the East,” has witnessed the convergence of civilizations that have left their unique mark on the heel of Italy.
In 2010, SIFF revolutionized its path by becoming itinerant through the Siff World project, bringing the best of independent cinema to cities like London, Zurich, Moscow, Hong Kong, Santiago de Chile, and many more. This global journey transformed the festival into an international event, building bridges between cultures and attracting an increasingly diverse audience.
Renowned for the artistic excellence of its films, the charm of its locations, and the participation of international personalities, SIFF offers a unique platform to explore cinema as a universal language. With a special focus on contemporary forms of expression, the festival is dedicated to fostering dialogue between cultures, proving that cinema is the most powerful medium for connecting people through shared stories.
Today, the Salento International Film Festival stands as a well-established presence in the global film landscape, a symbol of connection, discovery, and creativity without boundaries.
Our Vision
The Salento International Film Festival (SIFF) believes in the power of cinema to break down barriers and create connections between diverse cultures. Through authentic stories from every corner of the globe, SIFF invites audiences to discover the richness of human diversity, promoting tolerance, dialogue, and intercultural understanding.
The festival goes beyond merely screening films, aspiring to be a catalyst for active participation with workshops, events, and initiatives that strengthen ties with both local and international communities. In this way, cinema becomes a tool for education and collective growth.
Committed to a sustainable future, SIFF adopts eco-friendly practices and collaborates with film festivals, cultural organizations, and academic institutions to build a global network that amplifies cultural exchange and enriches the cinematic experience.
For SIFF, cinema is far more than entertainment: it is a universal language, a force for social change, and an inexhaustible source of inspiration for a more inclusive and connected world.
Some of the events in Salento and around the world
