Third edition of Cinema Barch-in, the boat drive-in in Venice: evenings of cinema, music, and aperitifs on the water at the Arsenale to discuss waters and marine ecosystems
Born from the idea of four architect friends, Nicola Scopelliti, Caterina Groli, Silvia Rasia, and Luisa Valetti with the support of the women’s cultural association FEMS du cinéma, which curates the artistic program, today Cinema Barch-in is one of the most anticipated events of the Venetian summer.
From July 27 to 30, with July 31 as a rain date, Cinema Barch-in returns for the third consecutive year in the spectacular Arsenale Basin in Venice.
The event is free as always, and this year it can be supported by making a donation through the Eppela platform.
The donation allows you to reserve in advance and have guaranteed access to a boat spot (100 boat spots are available in the viewing area) or seating in one of the boats from the city rowing clubs, or to receive one of the fantastic Barch-In themed items, to be collected at the event or at the Nautica e Pesca Ae Guglie shop in Cannaregio.
The Screening Program
Wednesday, July 27
Big Miracle is a 2012 film directed by Ken Kwapis. The film is inspired by the story Freeing the Whales (1989) by Tom Rose, which tells of Operation Breakthrough in 1988: the first international rescue episode of a family of gray whales trapped in the ice at Point Barrow in Alaska.
Thursday, July 28
Big Fish and Begonia is a Chinese animated film from 2016 directed by Liang Xuan and Zhang Chun, inspired by an ancient legend that tells the adventure of a spirit who falls in love with a human.
The theme is water as a life-generating source, which in Chinese mythology also represents souls in the form of fish. And only by caring for them and helping them grow can they become human.
Friday, July 29
Life of Pi is a 2012 aquatic adventure film directed by Ang Lee. It is the film adaptation of the novel of the same name by Yann Martel: after a tragic shipwreck, Pi’s survival depends on the fragile balance he can establish between his inner self, the majestic tiger Richard Parker with whom he shares a small lifeboat, and the boundless sea that surrounds him.
Saturday, July 30
The festival closes with a classic surprise film.
In addition to the screenings, the program includes presentations, in-depth discussions, and short films. With the shorts by Simone Piccoli, the marine depths of the planet will be explored, and with Giulia Candussi, there will be an opportunity to discover how some human communities are capable of finding the right balance between man and nature.
Barch-in Experience
In addition to the film festival, one of the pleasures of participating in Barch-in is the wait at sunset while the boats are mooring. Spectators can enjoy the Aperiporto, the aperitif curated by Campari with its Americano, Negroni, and Campari Spritz cocktails, live music by artist Giallo Man, stand-up comedy by Nicolò Falcone, and radio programming by Radio Ca’ Foscari, accompanied by the voices of Marco Paladini, Federico Blumer from Il Viaggio di Scoperta, and Eleonora Arena from FEMS.
As in a “classic” drive-in cinema, you can order aperitifs and dinner directly from your boat, thanks to the restaurant O’Group – Casinò di Venezia and on-board delivery by Cocai Express, a Venetian food delivery start-up created during lockdown, aboard the tenders of Venezia Certosa Marina – Vento di Venezia.
Part of the event at Tesa 105 of the Arsenale is the photographic exhibition I AM, within The Gabbiani Project, created by Aymara Limma.
Cinema Barch-in is supported by the Municipality of Venice, the Italian Navy, Campari, and the Consorzio di Tutela del Prosecco DOC. Under the patronage of Veneto Film Commission and technical partners: Boscolo Bielo for buoy field installation, Catil for material transport, Cocai Express for setting up the reservation system, Diporto Velico Veneziano and Venezia Certosa Marina – Vento di Venezia for mooring support. Veneziadavivere is the event’s media partner.
Photos by Barch-in, Cinzia Gabriele, Lorenzo Cinotti and Settimo Cannatella.
