NewFilmmakers Los Angeles is expanding its partnership with Italy’s Puglia Film Commission with InFocus: Puglia, showcasing new short films from the Puglia region in southern Italy.
NFMLA, an arts and culture nonprofit organization that works year-round to showcase independent artists, will host an Italian event in LA during its monthly film festival in April, showcasing innovative film work by up-and-coming filmmakers to the public and industry professionals.
Following the initial partnership in 2024, NFMLA has entered into a newly expanded three-year strategic partnership with the Puglia Film Commission and the province of Puglia, with the aim of “deepening artistic exchange and strengthening production relationships between southern Italy and Los Angeles,” according to a statement.
“The long-term partnership from 2026 to 2028 formalizes a mutual industry mission, coordinated artistic collaboration, joint marketing activities and shared best practices between the Puglia Film Board and NFMLA,” the statement said. “What began as a one-week cultural exchange in 2024 has now evolved into a multi-year, sustained bridge aimed at elevating Apulian filmmakers within the global market, while strengthening the creative and production links between Italy and California.”
The InFocus: Puglia project was started by Los Angeles-based Italian journalist Silvia Biggio, who is responsible for its artistic direction alongside NFMLA Executive Director Larry Labeau and Programming Director Bojana Sandic. Simone Di Cori serves as the Italian producer, while NFMLA’s Lauren Muniz, George Gomez and Daphne Trinh are leading engagement, education and professional development efforts in Los Angeles. Anna Maria Tost, president of the Apulian Film Commission, and director Antonio Parente are also supporters of the project.
The 2026 InFocus: Puglia short films span a variety of genres, from intimate portraits to explorations of identity and generational change, and focus on “both the cinematic voices that emanate from Puglia and the extraordinary diversity of landscapes that have made the region one of Europe’s most popular production destinations,” according to a statement.
Hollywood movies filmed in Puglia include “No Time to Die,” “Six Underground,” and “Wonder Woman.”
The 2026 InFocus: Puglia lineup includes “Il Generale” directed by Nicolo Accettura; “Nonna Rivoltella” (pictured above) directed by Mario Bucci. “La Fémmina” directed by Simona de Simone (aka Nuanda Sheridan). “Lo so” directed by Alessandra Mangia. Two short films by Roberta Martinelli: “Facciamo che siamo marito e moglie” and “Di notte”.
