The theme of the fifth iteration of the Global Science Film Festival is “Reconnecting Science and Society” because as many of us emerge from our pandemic-induced slumber, it is clearer than ever that we must work together across disciplines and media to tackle today’s multi-faceted challenges to make our world more sustainable.

The film festival received 3023 film submissions to this year’s edition from 53 countries around the world. This made the selection process both exciting and difficult; the resulting program of shorts, feature films and invited panelists is extraordinary.  Samer Angelone, the founding director of the festival, and adjunct professor at Franklin, has done an outstanding job with the program which will screen films in select cities around the world. Samer has also produced the trailer of the festival.

And since the festival is largely hosted by universities, each of the Swiss festival venues is centered around the engagement of students. At Franklin meanwhile filmmaker Elettra Fiumi is at work with her students in an SJS class that helps them produce short films in the area of sustainability while they participate in the ins and outs of organizing the film festival at Franklin. Their shorts will be shown ahead of the four feature films shown in Lugano: Happy Pills, The Seeds of Vandana Shiva, All That Breathes and Cinema Sabaya.

The entire Franklin community is invited to attend! Stay tuned for info on how to get your free ticket.