Factual

Francesco Bonaldo and his team at Record Studio triumphed at the second edition of the Y-40 Film Festival with their short film “Antitratta” from the “Riemergere” project. The film, 30% of which was shot underwater, explores the theme of human exploitation, including forced begging and sexual exploitation. Bonaldo and his team were awarded a Murano glass medal and a production day at Y-40 Studios, valued at €10,000.

Bonaldo, recently passionate about diving, emphasized that “Antitratta” captures the suffocating feeling of oppression through its underwater scenes, symbolizing the lack of freedom experienced by victims of exploitation.

Other Winners are: Claudia Rubner secured second place with “Mare Nostrum,” a film about a woman’s perilous journey across the Mediterranean in search of a better life. Third place went to French filmmaker Lucas Lengagne for “The Cosmos Beneath,” a love letter from the cosmos to the ocean. The Social Selection award went to Swiss duo Bonny & Gava for “Did We Go to the Moon?” which recreated the moon landing underwater in an Instagram Reel-style short film.

Jury president Enrico Lando praised the festival’s improved quality and diversity, highlighting the relevance of the films’ themes, including human trafficking and environmental disasters. Matt Evans, the festival’s creative director, noted its growing international reach, with submissions from countries like Mexico and Hawaii.

The event also featured the premiere of “I Feel You,” a short film by Djimmy Carpanzano, winner of the first edition, dedicated to marine conservation efforts.