Cinema & Law: EUVALWEB Legal Observatory brings the Debate on Body Neutrality and Fundamental Rights to the Giffoni Film Festival

On 22 July 2026, at 7:00 p.m., the Blue Hall of the Multimedia Valley at the Giffoni Film Festival will host the special event “Cinema & Law”, organised by the EUVALWEB Legal Observatory of the University of Salerno, in collaboration with the Department of Legal Sciences, University of Salerno, the State Police and the Magistrates’ National Association.

The initiative reflects the Observatory’s ongoing commitment to promoting the values of the European Union by fostering dialogue on fundamental rights, equality, human dignity, inclusion, and European citizenship through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches. By combining legal scholarship with the powerful language of cinema, the event seeks to engage young people and the wider public in addressing contemporary social challenges while promoting a culture of respect, diversity, and non-discrimination.

At the heart of the event is the screening of the award-winning short film (Im)Perfetta, directed by Nicolò Bressan Degli Antoni and written by Margherita Pezzella. The film offers a compelling reflection on body neutrality, encouraging audiences to move beyond unrealistic beauty standards and social stereotypes towards a vision of the individual grounded in dignity, self-acceptance, and respect for human diversity. Rather than defining personal worth by physical appearance, (Im)Perfetta highlights the importance of recognizing that every person deserves equal respect and equal opportunities.

The screening will be followed by an interdisciplinary panel discussion bringing together representatives from academia, public institutions, the judiciary, law enforcement authorities, and the audiovisual industry. The discussion will examine body neutrality not only as a cultural and educational issue but also as a matter closely connected to fundamental rights, including the rights to dignity, equality, and non-discrimination, to mental well-being, and to the protection of children and young people from harmful stereotypes and social pressures. Particular attention will be devoted to the role of audiovisual storytelling in fostering awareness, encouraging critical thinking, and promoting a more inclusive and respectful society.

Institutional greetings will be delivered by Jacopo Gubitosi, General Manager of the Giffoni Film Festival; Virgilio D’Antonio, Rector of the University of Salerno; Giancarlo Conticchio, Chief of Police of the Province of Salerno; and Filomena Zamboli, Head of the Provincial School Office of Salerno.

The panel discussion will feature Barbara Strappato (Italian State Police), Carlo Rodomonti (Rai Cinema), Giulia Sablone (One More Pictures), Francesco Fasolino, Director of the Department of Legal Sciences of the University of Salerno, Teresa Russo, Director of the EUVALWEB Legal Observatory, and Giuseppe Barbato, Member of the National Magistrates’ Association and Judge at the Court of Salerno.

During the event, a Special Mention will be awarded to the Polo delle Arti Caselli Palizzi of Naples, represented by Professor Valter De Bartolomeis, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to artistic education and the promotion of civic values among younger generations.

Through initiatives such as Cinema & Law, the EUVALWEB Legal Observatory reaffirms its mission to advance knowledge and public awareness of the European Union’s fundamental values by connecting legal research with culture, education, and civic engagement. By addressing body neutrality through the lens of fundamental rights, the event demonstrates how interdisciplinary dialogue can help combat discrimination, empower young people, and strengthen a more inclusive, rights-based, and participatory European society.

 

Yesterday’s workshop was an inspiring opportunity for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the development of future collaborations.

Each participant had the chance to present their academic courses, research activities, and scientific interests, creating a dynamic interdisciplinary exchange. By sharing expertise and experiences, we identified several common research areas and laid the groundwork for future joint projects and international scientific cooperation, while also reaffirming our commitment to supporting our Ukrainian colleagues during the difficult circumstances they continue to face.

Hosted within the framework of the EUVALWEB Legal Observatory’s Workshop on “Enhancing New Interdisciplinary Perspectives on EU Law with Ukraine” at the University of Salerno, the event highlighted the importance of strengthening academic dialogue between institutions and fostering meaningful partnerships across disciplines and countries.

A sincere thank you to all the speakers and participants for their valuable contributions, enthusiasm, and commitment to building new paths for research, innovation, and international cooperation. Together, we demonstrate that academic collaboration is not only a driver of scientific excellence but also a powerful expression of solidarity and shared values.

Some pictures of the day are available at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1556951569554720&type=3

On Wednesday, 8 July 2026, at 9:00 a.m., the EUVALWEB Legal Observatory will promote the international workshop Enhancing New Interdisciplinary Perspectives on EU Law with Ukraine at the Department of Legal Sciences of the University of Salerno. The event will take place in Room 8 “De Capraris” at the Department of Legal Sciences.

The workshop aims to explore new interdisciplinary perspectives on European Union law through academic dialogue and scientific exchange with scholars and experts from Ukraine, fostering international cooperation and strengthening academic ties between the European Union and Ukraine.

The event will open with institutional greetings from Professor Francesco Fasolino, Director of the Department of Legal Sciences, University of Salerno; Professor Giuseppe D’Angelo, President of the Didactic Council for the Master’s Degree Programme of the Department; Professor Angela Di Stasi, Coordinator of the Ph.D. Programme; and Professor Antonino Sessa, Co-Director of the Second-Level Master’s Programme in Anti-corruption, Data Protection and Cybersecurity.

The introductory remarks and concluding observations will be delivered by Teresa Russo, Associate Professor of European Union Law and Director of the EUVALWEB Legal Observatory.

The workshop will feature presentations by Professor Giorgio Giannone Codiglione, President of the Didactic Council for the Degree Programme in Corporate Law and New Technologies; Dr. Fabio Coppola, Research Fellow in Criminal Law; Professor Valentyna Ksendzuk, First Deputy Dean of the Faculty of National Security, Law and International Relations at Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University; Professor Oksana Mykolaivna Lukashuk, Senior Lecturer in the Department of National Security, Public Management and Administration; Professor Liudmyla Mohelnytska, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Psychology and Sports; and Professor Anna Polianska, Head of the Sector for International Academic Mobility, both from Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University (Ukraine).

The event represents an important opportunity for scientific exchange and international academic cooperation, reaffirming the University of Salerno’s commitment to promoting research, strengthening European dialogue, and fostering collaboration with Ukrainian higher education institutions.

The workshop is organised by the EUVALWEB Legal Observatory Organising Committee, comprising Young Researchers Stefano Busillo and Emanuele Vannata, together with Elisabetta Lambiase, Young Observers Supervisor.

For more information, see the flyer.