Trieste Science+Fiction Festival Celebrates 25 Years with a Poster by Spider-man Co-creator Sara Pichelli

Trieste Science+Fiction Festival: Italy’s premier sci-fi event, celebrates its 25th anniversary from 28 October to 2 November 2025, with a vibrant program of cinema, literature, exhibitions, video games, and emerging technologies—all curated in its hallmark fusion of science and science fiction.

To mark this milestone edition, the Festival has unveiled its official 25th edition poster, an exclusive artwork by acclaimed Marvel artist Sara Pichelli, co-creator of Miles Morales, the new Spider-Man and star of the Oscar®-winning animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Pichelli’s illustration is a powerful visual statement: at its centre, a female figure exudes both fury and vulnerability, holding a flower—an emblem of resistance and fragility. The artwork speaks to the ongoing tension between authenticity and artificiality in an era of AI and fluid identity.

“I knew I would represent a human figure,” Pichelli explains. “What emerged was a woman who is frightened, furious, and trapped—yet ready to reclaim herself. Now more than ever, we must validate the effort to remain authentic, true to ourselves, and therefore human.”

This year’s festival will unfold across key venues including Politeama Rossetti and Teatro Miela, with the spectacular Sci-Fi Dome returning to Piazza della Borsa as the hub for extra events and immersive experiences.

Highlights include Mondofuturo, a science and science fiction outreach series featuring prominent communicators and visionaries; IVIPRO DAYS, exploring how video games can promote local heritage and cultural identity; the Fantastic Film Forum, industry-focused sessions for professionals in film and audiovisual production; and the Mondofuturo Literary Prize, now in its second edition, recognizing the best original science fiction book published in Italy in 2024.

“There’s something magical about gathering to discover what could become the next great science fiction masterpiece,” says Artistic Director, Alan Jones. “For 25 years, we’ve built a home for genre lovers and visionary creators alike. This year promises the most unexpected, thrilling, and unforgettable edition yet. Blockbusters, quirky indies, mind-expanding docs, cult classics, and high-profile guests—we’ve got it all. And yes, you’ll have to wait and see how we top last year’s alien sing-a-long!”

Founded in 2000, the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival continues the legacy of the Trieste International Science Fiction Film Festival (1963–1982), Europe’s trailblazing genre cinema event. Since its relaunch, the Festival has welcomed a stellar array of international guests, including Pupi Avati, Dario Argento, Jimmy Sangster, John Landis, Lamberto Bava, Terry Gilliam, Enki Bilal, Joe Dante, Jean “Moebius” Giraud, Ray Harryhausen, Christopher Lee, Roger Corman, George Romero, Alfredo Castelli, Gabriele Salvatores, Alejandro Jodorowsky, Bruce Sterling, Rutger Hauer, Sergio Martino, Douglas Trumbull, Phil Tippett, Brian Yuzna, Abel Ferrara, Neil Marshall, Claudia Gerini and Federico Zampaglione.

The Festival is organized by La Cappella Underground, a center for film and audiovisual experimentation and research. It is a proud member of the Méliès International Festivals Federation, AFIC (Italian Film Festival Association), and EURASF, a European network dedicated to science cinema. Recognized by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Autonomous Region, the Festival is officially designated a project of regional and international cultural significance.

The Festival is recognised by the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia as one of the three-year projects of regional importance and international interest in the field of cinema.

More information at: sciencefictionfestival.org