Ariano (AV) is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Italy; it presents itself with some enchanting historical pearls and significant cultural initiatives that denote the spirit of modernity and love for art. Erected on a previous Lombard construction, we see the towering castle, which represents one of the oldest strongholds of the military power of the Normans in southern Italy. It is located in the “Guardia” district, built in a strategic area to dominate the surrounding territory, surrounded by dry moats, walls and forts, not only to defend the Province, but above all as a bulwark of the Kingdom.
Although severely damaged by various earthquakes, which have left some towers since ancient times, in the castle of the city, in 1140, Ruggero II d'Altavilla said "the Norman”, He held his first parliament as“ King of the Two Sicilies ”, and from here he issued the Assizes of Ariano and the new constitution of the Kingdom of Sicily. Ariano remembers the seal of the only Royal city of the Principality of great importance within what was the Kingdom of Naples with its own parade ground.
In Ariano from military to religious art
Not only military art, but also faith in Ariano, as we see the splendid and towering cathedral, built on the ancient remains of a temple of Apollo around the middle of the XNUMXth century, an enchanting example of Romanesque architecture with a typical Latin cross plan.
It is entitled toAssumption of Maria Ss., and also dedicated to Sant'Ottone Frangipane protector of the city. The church over the centuries has undergone several restorations, having also been damaged by recurring earthquakes. It was also destroyed by the Saracens hired by Manfredi di Svevia (1255), and then rebuilt for the first time under Charles of Anjou, and then again in 1456.
The Ariano International Film Festival
From ancient art forged in mighty and religious architecture, Ariano also stands out in the construction of a typically modern art, representing a true Italian excellence, that of Cinema. Thus was born the idea of a festival in the heart of Irpinia, thanks to the passion of a group of friends, who wanted to bring art on film to Ariano, achieving great success over time. The cinema, understood as a succession of human events and stories, stopping in time on film the feelings, the human feeling, and the always different and always the same impulses of the heart, still fascinates and silences the viewer. The Ariano International Film Festival has always been animated by the desire to be the cornerstone of hopes, desires, vague dream visions and limitless adventures that look to the future. There is little time left for the awaited Irpinia film festival, which will take place from 28 July to 4 August 2018.
In this sixth edition in which we will see works from all over the globe, there will be particular attention to the environment, for which the AIFF GREEN award, which will be delivered by Fai and by WWF. Another important novelty will be the “Stampa” award, which will be awarded by a jury made up of experts in the publishing and information world. The now inevitable appointment with the cosplay photography contest which will open on July 28, and which will end on August 3 with the proclamation of the best photo. Then there will be workshops on animation, dubbing and the history of cinematographic art. In addition to the works in competition, there will be screenings out of competition, such as the documentary “28… MA DON'T SHOW THEM”. There will also be the docufilm “LA MADONNA DEL PARTO” by Alessandro Perrella, which wants to be a new language to narrate art through the fable, which unravels the all-round thought of Piero Della Francesca. We will also see the film "Claudio's Kite" by Antonio Centomani, in collaboration with Rai Cinema, a work that tells about the rare disease. Will not miss thereentertainment for children Sunday 29 July, with YoYo animations. Furthermore, this year there will be a collaboration with the La Sapienza University of Rome and also with some comprehensive institutes, since the Cinema it is an art that must be cultivated by children, so that when they grow up they remain a little child.