Apulia Soundtrack Awards
– where film music brings people together
For many years, film music has been one of my greatest passions. It has taken me to concerts and festivals around the world, where I’ve had the privilege of meeting composers, performers, and fellow enthusiasts who share the same love for this unique art form. Every event has its own identity. But there was something about the Apulia Soundtrack Awards that truly stood out to me: its sense of closeness.
There are many film music festivals around the world. Some impress with their scale, spectacular concerts, or long lists of distinguished guests. Others are remembered for their prestige. But there are also festivals whose greatest strength lies in something much less tangible – the atmosphere. For me, the Apulia Soundtrack Awards is one of those places.
Held in the charming town of Carovigno, in Italy’s beautiful Apulia region, Apulia Soundtrack Awards is an international soundtrack event. It brings together composers, producers, agents, students, and film music enthusiasts from around the world. Evening concerts fill the castle courtyard, while masterclasses and discussions take place within its centuries-old walls.
What you won’t find in the official programme
From the very first day, it becomes clear that this is not an event where artists and attendees exist in separate worlds. Quite the opposite. Shared meals naturally turn into conversations that continue late into the evening. Discussions about film music effortlessly evolve into conversations about life, creativity, inspiration, and the challenges artists face throughout their careers.
During one of those evenings, I had the pleasure of talking with composer Sharon Farber and Polish talent agent Marika Koasidis about the role of women in the film music industry. Conversations like these are what make the festival feel so special.
Its intimate atmosphere means that everyone has the opportunity to meet everyone else. There is no rush, no distance, and no sense of exclusivity. Instead, there is time to get to know people not only as artists but also as individuals. To me, this is what truly sets the Apulia Soundtrack Awards apart from many larger festivals.
The organisers deserve special recognition as well. Throughout the festival, they genuinely care about every guest, making sure everyone feels welcomed, informed, and looked after. It is these thoughtful gestures and genuine kindness that create such a strong sense of community.
It quickly becomes clear that this atmosphere doesn’t happen by accident. Behind the festival is a passionate team that cares deeply about both the event itself and the people attending it. Loredana Epifani, Antonio Ribezzi, Cyril Morin and Antonella La Camera have created an event that became international.
Evenings filled with music and emotion
Some of my favourite moments took place during the evening concerts in the castle courtyard. Surrounded by trees and illuminated by warm lights after sunset, the setting itself felt almost magical. As the leaves gently rustled in the breeze, they became part of the music unfolding on stage.
The opening night featured an unforgettable performance by Jean-Michel Bernard. He was accompanied by bass and drums, with his wife joining him vocally in several pieces. The evening concluded with a screening of the short film Cocco di Mamma, directed by Antonio Ribezzi.
The second evening brought another beautiful concert, this time featuring piano and string quartet, followed by the festival’s awards ceremony. It was an emotional night for the recipients, and those emotions were shared by everyone in the audience.
The performance that touched me the most, however, was Better Days. Shortly after receiving her award, Sharon Farber sat down at the piano while her fifteen-year-old daughter, Eden, joined her on vocals. It was a simple yet profoundly moving performance. It reminded us how music can connect generations and tell stories without saying a single word.
As Eden began to sing, a deep silence settled over the courtyard. It was one of those rare moments when music becomes something far more personal than a concert. With every verse, the performance grew more powerful, and Eden’s heartfelt voice reached everyone listening. Warm applause followed each section of the piece, speaking louder than words ever could. It truly felt as though every person in the audience was experiencing that moment alongside them.
What stays with you after the festival ends
When I think back on the Apulia Soundtrack Awards, I don’t immediately remember the programme or the schedule. I remember the conversations, the faces, the shared meals, the evenings spent on the terrace, the laughter.
Also, the music floating through the castle courtyard and the feeling that, for a few days, we were all speaking the same language – the language of emotion and music.
I left Carovigno filled with gratitude: for the people I met, the inspiring conversations we shared, the music, and the unique atmosphere that simply cannot be created by a programme alone. Because while the Apulia Soundtrack Awards is an event dedicated to film music, its most beautiful soundtrack will always be the people who bring it to life.