International Festival of Journalism and Book Inquiry

The fourth edition of the International Festival of Journalism and Book Inquiry is held from June 4 to July 2 in the square of Sant’Agata sui due Golfi. The festival brings together journalists, authors, researchers and the public from around the world to discuss and celebrate the role of investigative journalism and essay writing in society.

How Did the Festival Begin?

The idea for the Festival originated from the entrepreneur Marco Cocurullo and journalist Vincenzo Iurillo with the goal of highlighting the role of investigative journalism and non-fiction narrative by creating an event that could attract experts and audiences from all over Italy and beyond. The festival received support from local authorities, including the Municipality of Massa Lubrense who recognized the cultural and social importance of such an event.

National and international journalists, investigative authors and academics specializing in journalism and communication have contributed to shaping the festival’s program, ensuring the quality and relevance of the talks and activities offered.

What It Is About?

The festival features a series of events, including:

• Debates on a wide range of contemporary topics such as corruption, organized crime, environmental concerns, political scandals, and human rights. The festival hosts roundtable discussions with renowned journalists and authors who share their experiences and insights.
• Presentations of investigative books and essay writing, offering readers the opportunity to engage directly with the authors. Book signings and readings are common, allowing for more intimate interaction between writers and the audience.
• Interviews with journalists who have conducted significant investigative work worldwide, highlighting the global nature of their efforts.

Festival Schedule

June

• June 4: The Festival kicks off with “Tabula Rasa” by Luca Telese, a journalist and author of a book retracing the history of the Democratic Party.
• June 10: Sigfrido Ranucci, one of Italy’s most famous investigative journalists, presents La Scelta, a book about his professional choices as an investigative reporter.
• June 17: The discussion focuses on “The Chico Forti Case“, the story of the producer and surfer arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment in the United States for a murder he claims he didn’t commit. Sabina Castelfranco, author of a TV report, will speak, with a live connection to Chico Forti’s uncle.
• June 23: Il Fatto Quotidiano editor Marco Travaglio presents “Israele e i palestinesi in poche parole“, offering a concise and clear account of the Israeli-Palestinian Hundred Years’ War.
• June 25: Catello Maresca presents “Lo Stato vince sempre“, an autobiographical story of his commitment as an anti-mafia magistrate.

July

• July 1: Investigative journalist Giulia Innocenzi will discuss how her documentary “Food for Profit” on intensive farming abuses came to be.
• July 8: Elena Basile, an expert on international conflicts, will be interviewed about her book “L’occidente e il nemico permanente“, an analysis of Western imperialist politics.
• July 15: Naples prosecutor Nicola Gratteri presents “Il Grifone“, a book explaining the technological evolution of the mafias he has been fighting for forty years.
• July 22: Gianni Barbacetto, journalist and writer, returns with “Contro Milano“, a countercurrent view of a city where social inequalities are growing.
• July 29: “Il Mattino” reporter Leandro Del Gaudio leads a debate on his literary work which explores a new genre: fantasy novels based on real crime and legal cases.

August – September

• August 5: Maria Laurino presents “Il prezzo degli innocenti“, detailing how the Vatican took thousands of children from their mothers. John Campitelli, one of the “abducted” children, will attend.
• August 20: The well-known ufologist Roberto Pinotti, author of numerous books on UFOs, extraterrestrials, and the nuclear nightmare, takes the stage.
• August 26: Alessandro Di Battista discusses “Scomode verità“, a book on disinformation and the criminalization of dissent against war policies.
• September 2: The Festival concludes with “Mostri di Ponticelli” by Giulio Golia and Francesca Di Stefano, a book stemming from Le Iene investigations that reopened a sensational case from the early 1980s, involving three young men who were accused and convicted of the murder of two girls but have always maintained their innocence.

Additional guests and surprises may be announced.

Useful Information

• All events will be held at 8:30 PM in Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi’s main square.
• Attendance is free of charge.
• Facebook Page of the International Festival of Investigative Journalism and Book Inquiry.

The International Festival of Investigative Journalism and Book Inquiry is organized by the non-profit association named after the Festival and is sponsored by the adAstra Foundation.

This Festival is a unique opportunity for discussion on issues of great social and cultural significance. It’s a must-attend event for anyone interested in journalism, truth, and integrity in storytelling.