ArenaMEIS 2026

The ArenaMEIS, the open-air cinema hosted in the MEIS garden (Via Piangipane, 81, Ferrara), returns. The film is dedicated to films exploring themes of Judaism, identity, and the value of diversity.

This year’s summer festival will focus on Colors. Each film will have its own specific hue, reflecting multiple interpretations: the various genres that have shaped cinematic tradition (from thrillers of intrigue and mystery to be solved, to noir of suspense); the colors that predominate in scenes as aesthetic choices and stylistic hallmarks of directors, cinematographers, set designers, and costume designers; and the chromatic nuances that have taken on particular symbolic meanings throughout social history.
There will also be special events characteristic of the initiative: introductions by journalists, writers, scholars, and psychologists who will share an original perspective on the plot; a free screening designed for children; and an evening featuring films in their original language to discover or rediscover.

June 24, 9:00 PM – “Woman in Gold,” introduction by writer Fabio Ismam

July 1st, 9:00 PM – “The Band,’s visit” introduction by Maya Katzir, member of the MEIS Scientific Committee

July 8, 9:00 PM – “Ma mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan” introduction by MEIS staff

July 14, 9:00 PM – “Grand Budapest Hotel,” an introduction by German scholar Roberta Ascarelli dedicated to Stefan Zweig

July 29, 9:00 PM – “A Stranger Among Us,” introduction by Eleonora Zanardi and Eleonora Piana, students of the Blow-up Academy

August 5, 9:00 PM – “Inside Out” ARENAJUNIOR, free admission and a surprise for boys and girls

August 26, 9:00 PM – “Elena del ghetto,” an introduction by Gaetano Petraglia, author of “La matta di Piazza Giudia” (Giuntina, 2022)

September 6, 8:00 PM – “Outsider. Freud,” a documentary preview, with an introduction by psychoanalyst David Meghnagi.

It’s recommended to reserve your ticket by calling +39 342 5476621 (Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM) or by emailing eventi.meis@orologionetwork.it.
Tickets can also be purchased at the MEIS box office on the day of the screening (subject to availability).
More information is available on the website and in the poster.