Apulia on Screen: The Most Important Films to Discover the Region”
With their varied landscapes, historic villages, unmistakable light, and stunning coasts, Apulia has long been a source of inspiration for many filmmakers.
Whether you are planning a trip to Apulia, are already there, or have just returned, enrich your experience by exploring these films shot in the region.
Let’s discover together the most significant films filmed in Apulia, their shooting locations, and the awards they received.
The Life Ahead (2020) – Edoardo Ponti
🎬 Plot: Sophia Loren plays a Holocaust survivor who takes in a young boy, in this moving adaptation of Romain Gary’s novel.
📍 Shooting locations: Bari – port and historic center.
🌟 Focus: The contrasts of Bari, between the lively port and charming streets, form the backdrop of a story about resilience and tolerance.
🏆 Awards: 14 awards and 36 nominations, including the 2021 Golden Globe for Best Original Song (Io sì [Seen]) and the 2021 David di Donatello for Best Actress for Sophia Loren.
Pinocchio (2019) – Matteo Garrone
🎬 Plot: Matteo Garrone reinterprets Carlo Collodi’s tale in a poetic and dark style, blending authenticity and magic.
📍 Shooting locations in Apulia: Ostuni, Polignano a Mare, Gravina in Puglia, Altamura, Spinazzola, Noicàttaro.
🌟 Focus: The countryside, sea, and Apulian architecture enrich the film’s universe, creating an immersive atmosphere.
🏆 Awards: Over 19 awards and 25 nominations, including 5 David di Donatello 2020 (costumes, makeup, hairstyles, special effects, and set design) and 6 Nastri d’Argento 2020, plus Oscar and BAFTA 2021 nominations.
Tale of Tales (2015) – Matteo Garrone
🎬 Plot/Context: Inspired by traditional Italian fairy tales, this fantasy film intertwines enchanting, mysterious, and dreamlike stories.
📍 Shooting locations: Castel del Monte, Gioia del Colle, Laterza, Mottola, Statte.
🌟 Focus: Castel del Monte, isolated from modern surroundings, becomes a timeless setting, perfect for the film’s enigmatic and fairy-tale atmosphere.
🏆 Awards: 21 awards and 15 nominations, including 5 David di Donatello and the Ciak d’Oro 2016, officially selected at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.
Allacciate le Cinture (2014) – Ferzan Özpetek
🎬 Plot/Context: This drama explores family and romantic relationships through life’s trials, with the intensity typical of Özpetek’s works.
📍 Shooting locations: Torre Guaceto, Ostuni, Lecce, Lido Kalé Cora.
🌟 Focus: The film highlights diverse Apulian locations, from wild nature to historic heritage and pristine beaches. In Lecce, an old gas station near Porta Napoli transforms an ordinary place into a cinematic set.
🏆 Awards: 6 awards and 20 nominations, including Nastri d’Argento and multiple David di Donatello nominations.
Ti Amo… All’Italiana (2014) – Dania Pasquini, Max Giwa
🎬 Plot/Context: This lighthearted, colorful musical comedy tells a story of love and misunderstandings, accompanied by 1980s hits. Set under Apulia’s bright sun, the film has a cheerful and festive tone.
📍 Shooting locations: Lecce, Nardò, Presicce, Lido Marini.
🌟 Focus: Apulia is shown in a charming, Mediterranean light, with paradisiacal beaches and authentic villages. Notable is a short night scene in Piazza del Duomo, Lecce, capturing the city’s magic.
🏆 Awards: Popular success in the UK.
Il Primo che l’ha Detto (2010) – Ferzan Özpetek
🎬 Plot/Context: This dramedy explores the complex relationships of a conservative southern Italian family. Özpetek sensitively addresses themes of acceptance, tradition, and unspoken family dynamics.
📍 Shooting locations: Gallipoli, Lecce, Otranto, and Corigliano d’Otranto (pasta factory).
🌟 Focus: The film highlights Salento’s historic richness. In Lecce, aristocratic residences of ancient Salento families add authenticity (Palazzo Marulli-Famularo and Palazzo Tamborino-Cezzi).
🏆 Awards: 34 awards and 34 nominations, including 5 David di Donatello (2010), Special Jury Prize at Tribeca Film Festival, and 5 Nastri d’Argento for Best Director and Best Screenplay.
Non Voltarti (2009) – Marina de Van
🎬 Plot/Context: This psychological thriller stars Sophie Marceau and Monica Bellucci in a tense journey where reality and illusion blur.
📍 Shooting locations: Lecce.
🌟 Focus: Lecce’s alleys and Baroque facades provide an enigmatic backdrop. This choice highlights the city’s architectural richness, enriching the narrative with a mysterious, immersive touch.
🏆 Awards: Presented at Cannes and Sitges, receiving numerous international festival nominations and awards.
Cado dalle Nubi (2009) – Gennaro Nunziante
🎬 Plot/Context: Checco Zalone plays an amateur singer leaving Polignano a Mare for Milan. This light, humorous comedy plays with clichés between northern and southern Italy.
📍 Shooting locations: Polignano a Mare and Masseria Torre Coccaro.
🌟 Focus: The film celebrates Apulia’s coastal landscapes, showcasing Polignano a Mare and its picturesque cliffs.
🏆 Awards: 4 nominations, highlighting critical and public appreciation.
Il Vangelo secondo Matteo (1964) – Pier Paolo Pasolini
🎬 Plot/Context: This black-and-white film offers a minimalist and deeply spiritual vision of Christ’s life, inspired by Italian neorealism.
📍 Shooting locations: Ginosa and Massafra.
🌟 Focus: The rocky landscapes and spectacular caves of Ginosa and Massafra emphasize the film’s spirituality and Apulia’s unique cinematic potential.
🏆 Awards: 7 awards and 9 nominations, including the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival and an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Film.
Having lived in Apulia for nearly ten years, I remain fascinated by how each director captures a different facet of this land: its traditions, light, landscapes, and villages.
A special mention goes to Salento director Edoardo Winspeare, who masterfully highlights the region’s deep roots and musicality. I particularly recommend discovering his film Sangue Vivo.
This article is an invitation to explore or revisit these films and, why not, to visit their shooting locations in Apulia.
Which is your favorite film shot in Apulia? I’d love to read your thoughts and discuss them!
