Literary Encounters

Where do the roots of contemporary thought truly lie? What impact does Artificial Intelligence have on human perception and knowledge? To what extent do the roots of literature shape today’s creative output? And is there a spiritual lens through which we may interpret an age so deeply marked by conflict?

In keeping with the overarching theme of “Roots”, the festival presents six conversations with leading figures, hosted by journalist and writer Domenico Gnoli, writer and publisher Simone Caltabellota, and journalist and author Leonetta Bentivoglio.

On June 27, Gnoli engages Sergio Givone in a reflection entitled At the Roots of Thought. One of Italy’s foremost philosophers, Givone has authored more than twenty works exploring Western thought from its origins to the modern age.

On June 29, Caltabellota speaks with Nada Malanima, who embarks on a journey At the Roots of One’s Own Voice. A singer of striking charisma, Nada is also an accomplished writer and poet, with numerous books to her name.

On July 4, Maria Teresa Venturini Fendi, in conversation with Bentivoglio, explores At the Roots of Fashion, presenting the volume she has devoted to her grandmother Adele, founder of the Maison Fendi. The narrative traces the transformations and achievements of twentieth-century fashion.

The following day, Caltabellota interviews Emanuele Trevi on Life and the Novel – Our Roots. Trevi is among the most distinguished and widely awarded voices in contemporary literature.

On July 7, Bentivoglio speaks with Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi – President of the Italian Episcopal Conference and Archbishop of Bologna – on the themes of war and peace. Known for his commitment to inclusivity, Zuppi is deeply engaged in peace missions around the world.

Finally, on July 10, At the Roots of AI brings Gnoli into conversation with Nello Cristianini, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Bath, an internationally renowned computer scientist and physicist, and author of seminal works on AI.