inSania Fest 2026 returns with a programme focused on mental health and the fight against stigma. From 29 August to 3 October, the festival travels across Cori, Latina and Sezze. Its events include cinema, theatre, books, photography, music, art and public talks.
Now in its fourth edition, the festival continues under the theme “Counter-narratives of madness.” Its aim is to create new ways to discuss mental distress, care, inclusion and rights. Therefore, each event uses a different creative language and opens a space for public discussion.
The festival is promoted by Collettivo Primo Contatto and APS Polygonal, with the support of the Municipality of Cori.
inSania Fest 2026: the opening events
The festival opened on Saturday, 29 August, in the courtyard of the Elio Filippo Accrocca Civic Library in Cori. The first event featured a screening of The Madmen Coach. Director Carlo Liberatore and screenwriters Valerio Di Tommaso and Santo Rullo attended the evening.
On Sunday, 30 August, the festival moved to the MUG – Giannini Museum in Latina. The Bridge Between the Pages focused on Alcide Pierantozzi’s book Lo Sbilico. The author joined remotely, while Letture Agonistiche curated the meeting.
The programme continued on Wednesday, 2 September, at the Temple of Hercules in Cori. At 7:00 p.m., Professor Laura De Angelis led the talk The Ancient Greeks and Madness. Afterwards, Alessandro Balestrieri and Alektron presented the theatrical DJ set Baccanti Rave at 9:00 p.m.
On Thursday, 3 September, Piazzetta San Giovanni hosts Canti Minuscoli at 6:00 p.m. Giacomo Doni’s exhibition draws on letters and records found in former psychiatric hospital archives. The opening also includes a TED-style presentation by the artist.
inSania Village: three days in the heart of Cori
The main new feature of inSania Fest 2026 is the inSania Village. From 4 to 6 September, Piazza Signina becomes the heart of the festival.
The Village hosts talks, exhibitions, concerts, community stands and local food areas. It is open from 5:00 p.m. to midnight, with free admission.
Friday, 4 September
The programme starts at 6:00 p.m. with Marco Cavallo in Cori. The photography exhibition presents work by Marcello Scopelliti and Gabriele Maschio.
The talk Marco Cavallo Sets Everyone Free follows the exhibition. Francesca Miranda Rossi, Francesca De Carolis and Radio 32’s Daniele Lauri take part. Lavinia Bianchi moderates the discussion.
At 7:30 p.m., Elena Cerkvenič presents her book I Am Schizophrenic and I Love My Madness. Carlo Miccio hosts the event.
At 8:30 p.m., Riccardo Noury, Italian spokesperson for Amnesty International, joins the talk Inside the Mind of a Death Row Prisoner. Lavinia Bianchi presents the meeting.
The evening continues at 9:30 p.m. with The Spider’s Bite. The talk features Luigia Berti, Professor of Music Education and Psychology, and artist and psychologist Silvia Palamara.
Afterwards, Folkardia performs The Care of Heartbeats, Where the Energy of Pizzica Becomes Pure Medicine for the Soul. The concert also features KINETICHE, an Armonie del KI project led by Eleonora Giorgi.
DJ Serd closes the day at 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, 5 September
At 6:00 p.m., inPride returns with a parade and performances through Cori’s historic centre. The route starts in Piazza Signina and crosses Via della Pace, Via della Fortuna and Piazza Dante Alighieri. It then reaches the Temple of Hercules, Piazza Monte Pio and Piazza San Giovanni.
Live music and DJ Serd follow the parade.
Sunday, 6 September
The day begins at 6:00 p.m. with Living with Conflict: From L’erba voglio to Contemporary Mental Health. Sociologist Luca Negrogno and psychologist Andrea Stramaccioni lead the discussion.
At 9:00 p.m., Tito Vittori presents Insania at the Theatre: Work in Progress. Finally, DJ Serd closes the Village at 11:00 p.m.
Books and theatre across Cori, Latina and Sezze
The inSania Fest 2026 programme continues on Saturday, 12 September. At 6:00 p.m., the Civic Library courtyard in Cori hosts a meeting with writer Stefano Redaelli. Marco De Cave presents the event.
On Thursday, 24 September, the festival arrives at Sottoscala9 in Latina. Ri-Anima begins at 9:30 p.m. Il Nuovo CalaMajo curates the performance. The project was developed by the E. Majorana Scientific High School with the Viviamo D’Arte association.
On Saturday, 26 September, author Loredana Di Adamo presents On Care: Phenomenological Studies and Mental Health. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Civic Library in Cori. Carlo Miccio hosts the meeting.
The fourth edition ends on Saturday, 3 October, at MAT Spazio Teatro in Sezze. The final performance is Different from Common Sense – Women’s Voices from the Asylum. RAABE CCEP UNLA presents the work, staged by Monica Giovinazzi.
A festival open to the community
The programme brings together different creative languages to return mental health to its social and cultural setting. Moreover, it invites the public to challenge stories that connect mental distress with guilt, fear or isolation.
Each event creates an opportunity for listening, knowledge and participation. The festival does not only discuss mental health. Instead, it builds a shared space where people can meet and exchange experiences.
Explore further initiatives in the APS Polygonal News section and visit the official inSania Fest website for information and updates.