Sognielettrici 2026

Sognielettrici – Festival of Fantasy and Science Fiction returns for its fifth edition at IULM Open Space from Monday, October 26, through Friday, October 30, 2026. Five days filled with unexpected encounters, unpredictable screenings, and speculative discussions in which fantasy and science fiction are viewed not merely as outlets for escape from reality, but above all as tools for analyzing the reality we live in from fresh perspectives. To describe reality, we need imagination: which is why Sognielettrici, organized and promoted by IULM University, under the artistic direction of Stefano Locati, aims to explore the concept of imagination starting with cinema, extending to other arts such as literature, comics, video games, and television, and opening up to cross-pollination with new media and disciplines. The event, which is open to the general public and free of charge, will feature Italian premiere screenings, discussions with numerous guests, and an international conference.

Students at IULM University can participate in the festival:

• as audience members: if they attend at least 5 events of their choice (including talks and screenings) over the 5 days of the event, they will be eligible to receive a credit valid for the Badge of Honor;
• as volunteers, by sending an email to Stefano Locati ([email protected]) with the subject line “Sognielettrici – volunteer,” in which they submit their application, by Tuesday, October 20, 2026: volunteers will be credited with an activity valid for the Badge of Honor. (Activities related to the Badge of Honor cannot be combined.)

A sneak peek at the program. The fifth edition of Sognielettrici features screenings of ten feature films and about twenty short films in competition from around the world, many making their Italian premiere. The retrospective is dedicated to science fiction from behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War era, featuring films ranging from *Aelita* (Yakov Protazanov, 1924) to *On the Silver Globe* (Andrzej Żuławski, 1988). During the panel discussions, guests from various media and professional fields will explore the relationship between imagination and the future: it will be an opportunity to meet some fantastic voice actors, to engage with Italian comic book artists—including the creator of this year’s festival illustration, Silvia Califano, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Star Trek, and to discuss the network of fantasy festivals. This year’s conference is dedicated to New Weird literature in the European context. But there are many other surprises in store to amaze you!

The screenings will be in the original language with English and Italian subtitles; the panel discussions will be in Italian, as will the conference presentations.

Check out the full festival program at this link:
For more information: https://sognielettrici.iulm.it