The International Festival of Films on Art Invited at Palazzo Grassi in Venice

The International Film Festival on Art (Le FIFA) is proud to announce its presence at the PALAZZO GRASSI in Venice, for the fifth consecutive year, from October 2 to 5, 2025.

This renewed invitation is the result of a valuable collaboration with this contemporary art museum, part of the Pinault Collection, a prestigious international institution founded in 2006 by collector and businessman François Pinault. At the invitation of this iconic European cultural centre, the Festival will present a series of films highlighting cultural heritage and resilience around the world at the Teatrino di Palazzo Grassi.

This year’s programme explores topical issues related to the restitution of works of art, the repatriation of cultural property and the renewal of collective memory. Through a tailor-made selection of international documentaries, Le FIFA invites the public to engage in dialogue, reflect on shared histories and imagine new paths towards reconciliation.

“ Over the years, the Festival has forged strong and fruitful ties with major cultural institutions on the international scene. Today, under the auspices of Palazzo Grassi, we have the privilege of presenting our programme in a prestigious setting that matches the ambition and scope we wish to give it. This edition showcases award-winning and premiere international documentary works that sharply question the restitution of works of art, the repatriation of cultural property, collective memory and global resilience. The programme includes Dahomey (Mati Diop), So Surreal: Behind the Masks (Neil Diamond & Joanne Robertson), No More History Without Us (Priscilla Brasil), Fiume o morte! (Igor Bezinović) and Soundtrack to a Coup d’État (Johan Grimonprez). A diverse, demanding and committed selection, reflecting a production that resonates here in Canada and far beyond our borders — for everyone. “ said Philippe U. del Drago, Managing Director and Artistic Director of Le FIFA.

PROGRAMMING AT PALAZZO GRASSI

Dahomey by Mati Diop (Benin, France, Sénégal, 2024)

So Surreal: Behind the Masks by Neil Diamond & Joanne Robertson (Canada, 2024)

The Story of Ne Kuko by Festus Toll (Netherlands, 2024)

No More History Without Us by Priscilla Brasil (Brasil, Portugal, 2024)

Fiume o morte! by Igor Bezinović (Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, 2025)

Soundtrack to a Coup D’Etat by Johan Grimonprez (Belgium, France, Netherlands, 2024)

“ Each edition of our collaboration is shaped by a distinct perspective that reflects our research interests as a contemporary art museum, while highlighting the richness and diversity of Le FIFA’s cultural offerings. Every year, the program places particular emphasis on productions emerging from local communities. Now in its fifth year, the Teatrino di Palazzo Grassi presents a selection of titles that explore themes such as the reconstruction of postcolonial identities, the restitution of cultural artifacts and artworks appropriated during colonial rule by European and Western powers, and the complex entanglements of heritage, institutional frameworks and activist discourse. These themes, as timely as ever, acquire further depth and resonance through the direct voices and perspectives of protagonists from across the world. The tone and emphasis of each film vary according to the unique backgrounds, nationalities, and artistic voices of the directors. ”, declares Francesca Colasante, producer at Palazzo Grassi – Punta della Dogana.