The Festival
Since 2003, cinema in Busto Arsizio
About us
The B.A. Film Festival (BAFF) is a film festival founded in 2003 in Busto Arsizio, in the province of Varese. Registered with the Italian Film Festivals Association (AFIC), BAFF promotes the quality of Italian productions with particular attention to the various professionals in the audiovisual sector, and spreads film culture through screenings and meetings with the protagonists of the big screen.
The festival takes place in the main cinemas of Busto Arsizio — Cinema Fratello Sole, Cinema Teatro Manzoni, Teatro Sociale Delia Cajelli, Cinema Teatro Lux, Cinema Teatro San Giovanni Bosco — and at the Michelangelo Antonioni Film Institute, home to masterclasses and special screenings. Some events are also held in Legnano, Castellanza and surrounding areas.
Over more than twenty years, BAFF has hosted names such as David Cronenberg, Nanni Moretti, Giuseppe Tornatore, Carlo Verdone, Bille August, Laura Morante, Maurizio Nichetti and many others, establishing itself as one of the most important film events in Lombardy.
Our history
The Busto Arsizio Film Festival is born. The first edition brings great cinema to the city with a selection of Italian and international works, laying the foundations for an event destined to grow year after year.
Steve Della Casa, together with Paola Poli, takes on the artistic direction of the festival, bringing guests of international calibre such as Ferzan Ozpetek and Francesco De Gregori.
Laura Morante receives the Dino Ceccuzzi Award for Cinematographic Excellence. BAFF surpasses 5,000 spectators, consolidating its position as one of the most popular festivals in Lombardy.
BAFF in Corto is born, the competition for Italian short films judged by students of the Michelangelo Antonioni Film Institute. Carlo Verdone is the guest of honour of the XV edition.
The XX edition marks the return to in-person attendance after the pandemic. Oscar-winning director Bille August is the guest of honour, alongside Franco Nero and Liana Orfei.
Giulio Sangiorgio takes on the artistic direction. The XXII edition moves to September-October, with a new focus on debut films and the "first steps" of great directors.
David Cronenberg opens the XXIII edition with the Italian premiere of The Shrouds. The International Competition is born. Guests: Nanni Moretti, Giuseppe Tornatore, Nino Frassica. A record-breaking edition.
The XXIV edition of the B.A. Film Festival takes place from 21 to 28 March. The dialogue between cinema and music is the central theme, with Mauro Ermanno Giovanardi at the opening and Sergio Rubini at the closing.
Our mission
The mission of the B.A. Film Festival is to promote the quality of Italian and international film productions, with particular attention to the various professionals working in the audiovisual sector. We believe that cinema is a powerful tool for knowledge, dialogue and cultural growth.
BAFF is structured in several sections that reflect this vision: the Italian Competition and the International Competition for debut films, BAFF in Corto for short films judged by students of the Michelangelo Antonioni Film Institute, Future Visions: Author's First Steps for young filmmakers in collaboration with Milano Film Network, Made in Italy - Schools with morning screenings for students, BAFF in the Bookshop for the dialogue between cinema and literature, and Masterclasses with the protagonists of the big screen.
At the heart of our vision is the desire to create a bridge between the audience and the protagonists of cinema: a place where spectators, directors, actors and authors can meet, discuss and share their passion for the seventh art. A festival that offers culture, entertainment and engagement with a popular and involving language, capable of speaking to cinephiles, enthusiasts and the simply curious.