FESTIVALS

There is a strong tradition of festivals devoted to crime fiction in Italy, dating back to 1973 when the coastal town of Catollica on the Adriatic coast staged its first gathering, later named MystFest, but now largely superseded by Courmayeur (see below). Current festivals are often promoted by local or regional authorities, with many events free, and accessible to the public. One or two feature art, music and children’s events. The key festivals include: –

COURMAYEUR NOIR IN FESTIVAL

Held in the popular ski resort in northern Italy at the beginning of December every year, the 19th edition was held in December 2009, with James Sallis heading the international jury. A highly successful blend of the best in both national and international crime writing and (in particular) film-making. Full details, news, programme etc (in both Italian and English) at this website.

noirfest.com/movie.html • GIALLO LUNA, NERO NOTTE (‘Yellow’ Moon, Black Night)

Seven days of crime fiction events held in Ravenna on the Adriatic coast near Bologna in early October. The seventh edition awarded its prize to publishing house Edizione Ambiente for its ‘green’ imprint Verde NeroNoir. Guests included Asa Larsson and

Stephen Hunter.

www.gialloluna.it • LA PASSIONE PER IL DELITTO (A Passion for Crime)

The 8th edition took place in Monticello Brianza near Milan between 27 September and 12 October 2009. Participants included Marco Vichi (later, the 2009 winner of the

Scerbanenco Prize), Michele Giuttari, Elisabetta Bucciarelli, and Massimo Carlotto. International guests included Dominique Manotti and Asa Larsson. The festival’s fifth

Premio Azzeccagarbugli (look it up!) was awarded to screenwriter Luca Podelmengo’s first novel Odia il prossimo tuo (Hate your Neighbour).

lapassioneperildelitto.it • A QUALCUNO PIACE GIALLO (Giallo, if you Please)

Brescia, a large town between Milan and Verona, held its 10th annual festival of crime-writing and film between 16-23 April 2010. Its interviews and discussions with

writers featured, amongst others, Sergio Altieri, Guiseppe Pederiali, Michele Guittari

and Danila Comastri Montanari. The international guest was Gunnar Staalesen. The festival also makes an award for an outstanding contribution to the health of the genre. In 2009 it went to Luca Zingaretti who plays Camilleri’s Inspector Salvo Montalbano in the Italian TV series.

www3.provincia.brescia.it/giallo/

Crime time

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