Puglia Launches Second Edition of InFocus Film Program in Los Angeles

The three-year partnership between NewFilmmakers Los Angeles and the Apulia Film Commission aims to bridge the gap between Southern Italian creators and the Hollywood industry.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:37am

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An abstract close-up image featuring shimmering film reels, shattered glass, and luxurious velvet textures, conveying the glamour and high-stakes of the Hollywood entertainment industry.The InFocus: Puglia program aims to bridge the gap between Southern Italian filmmakers and the global entertainment capital of Los Angeles.Los Angeles Today

NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) and the Apulia Film Commission launched the 2026 edition of InFocus: Puglia, a program that showcases short films from Italy's Puglia region. The initiative provides Southern Italian filmmakers with a strategic entry point into the Hollywood ecosystem through screenings, industry networking, and professional development opportunities.

Why it matters

InFocus: Puglia is more than just a film festival - it is a calculated effort to connect regional voices in Southern Italy with the global entertainment capital. By pairing curated film screenings with direct industry meetings, the program gives these filmmakers a tangible pathway to navigate the complex legal and business challenges of transitioning from a provincial studio to the Hollywood market.

The details

The 2026 edition of InFocus: Puglia marks the start of a newly expanded three-year strategic partnership between NFMLA and the Apulia Film Commission, spanning 2026 to 2028. This agreement formalizes reciprocal industry missions, joint marketing efforts, and a shared commitment to artistic collaboration. The programming features a diverse selection of short films, ranging from intimate character studies to poetic explorations of identity and generational change.

  • The 2026 edition of InFocus: Puglia launched on April 8 at the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles.
  • Additional events took place on April 11 at the NFMLA festival venue in Downtown LA.

The players

NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA)

A non-profit organization that supports independent filmmakers through screenings, networking events, and professional development programs in Los Angeles.

Apulia Film Commission

A regional film commission that promotes the Puglia region of Italy as a filming location and supports the local audiovisual industry.

Antonio Parente

Director of the Apulia Film Commission.

Silvia Bizio

The artistic director and creator of the InFocus: Puglia program.

LA Puglia Santa Monica

A restaurant in Los Angeles that served authentic Southern Italian cuisine at the InFocus: Puglia events, anchoring the cinematic experience in the sensory reality of the Puglia region.

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What they’re saying

“The 2026 edition aims to deepen artistic exchange and strengthen production ties between Southern Italy and Los Angeles, through a selection that ranges from intimate character studies to poetic explorations of identity and generational change.”

— Antonio Parente, Director of the Apulia Film Commission

“InFocus: Puglia combines a creative dimension with a practical one, offering filmmakers a concrete opportunity to engage with the Hollywood film ecosystem.”

— Silvia Bizio, Artistic Director and Creator of InFocus: Puglia

What’s next

The three-year agreement between NFMLA and the Apulia Film Commission will continue through 2028, allowing for the development of long-term mentorships and production pipelines between Southern Italian creators and the Hollywood industry.

The takeaway

InFocus: Puglia is a strategic initiative that goes beyond a mere film festival, providing Southern Italian filmmakers with a tangible pathway to navigate the complex legal and business challenges of transitioning from a regional hub to the global entertainment market. The program's success will depend on the ability of these creators to find verified partners who can manage the practicalities of a cross-border career.