As autumn paints the Ligurian coast in golden hues, cinema lovers and aspiring actors flock to Genoa for the Dubbing Glamour Festival, a vibrant celebration of dubbing, film adaptation, and the hidden magic behind movie voices. Set for October 14 to November 23, 2025, in the historic heart of Genoa, Italy, this seventh edition welcomes talents from across Italy and beyond to showcase their skills in bringing international films to Italian audiences. Hosted in iconic venues like Palazzo Ducale and the Teatro G.A.G., the festival blends workshops, screenings, and competitions into an event that honors the craft of dubbing while fostering new careers in a city famous for its cinematic legacy.
Born from a passion for the unsung heroes of film, the Dubbing Glamour Festival spotlights how voices transform stories across languages, making global cinema feel like home. It is more than an event, it is a bridge between cultures, where emerging artists meet industry giants under the Mediterranean sun.
A Celebration of Voices and Cultural Bridges
Since its debut in 2019 as a spin-off of the Actors Poetry Festival, the Dubbing Glamour Festival has evolved into a key platform for dubbing professionals and newcomers alike. Founded by actress and director Daniela Capurro of the Gruppo dei Giovani Artisti Genovesi (G.A.G.), it started in Genoa and Portofino, drawing on the city’s role as a crossroads of Europe and the Mediterranean. Over the years, it has grown to include national and international talents, with support from the Ministry of Culture and partners like Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures.
The 2025 edition marks a milestone with the introduction of the Premio Massimiliano Fasoli, honoring the late dubbing expert who shaped the festival’s vision alongside Capurro and critic Roberto Silvestri. This year, thousands are expected to join workshops, battles, and screenings that emphasize diversity, from Italian origins to Maghrebi, Mashreqi, and Subsaharan backgrounds. The festival’s spirit remains rooted in accessibility, offering real job opportunities like dubbing contracts and cash prizes to winners, all while keeping entry fees low at just €50 for participants.
In Genoa’s charming old town, with its narrow alleys and sea breezes, the event creates a cozy yet electric atmosphere. No massive crowds or red-carpet frenzy here, just focused sessions where passion for performance shines through every synchronized line.
The Site: Historic Halls and Seaside Charm
The Dubbing Glamour Festival unfolds across Genoa’s most evocative spaces, turning the city’s cultural gems into stages for vocal artistry. The centerpiece is Palazzo Ducale, a grand Renaissance palace with frescoed halls that echo with test readings and panel discussions. Nearby, the Teatro G.A.G. at Via della Consolazione 3 serves as the hub for masterclasses and auditions, its intimate theater perfect for one-on-one coaching.
Events spill into other Ligurian spots like The Space Cinema for film marathons and Villa Piaggio for outdoor screenings, blending urban elegance with coastal serenity. Attendees stroll between venues along Genoa’s waterfront, pausing for coffee in piazzas or views of the harbor. The layout invites easy flow, with maps shared online to guide visitors through the compact, walkable sites. Local eateries offer fresh pesto pasta and focaccia, fueling days filled with dialogue and discovery.
This setup not only highlights Genoa’s UNESCO-listed historic center but also ties the festival to its maritime roots, symbolizing how dubbing carries stories across oceans, much like ships once did.
A Line-up of Stars and Emerging Talents
What sets the Dubbing Glamour Festival apart is its curated mix of veterans and fresh faces in dubbing, acting, and screenwriting. The 2025 program features jurors and guests like Fabrizio Pucci (voice of Hugh Jackman), Gianni Galassi (dialogue adapter for Anora), and Silvia Napolitano (screenwriter for I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone). International flavor comes from Dubbing Brothers, offering global contracts, while Emanuela Giovannini (Sex Education) and director Dario Picciau (LibriVivi) lead sessions on adaptation.
Past editions have spotlighted icons like Marco Mete and Marco Bardella, who received lifetime achievement awards in 2024 for their decades of voicing legends. Emerging actors compete in the talent showcase, reading scenes from upcoming Universal Pictures releases. Workshops cover everything from lip-sync techniques to ethical adaptation, with audience Q&As adding personal touches. The line-up promises thoughtful pairings, like panels on Mediterranean narratives that weave Italian, Arabic, and French influences into film dialogues.
This year’s Premio Massimiliano Fasoli will award cash prizes and pro gigs, ensuring the roster not only entertains but launches careers with real industry ties.
Days of Dialogue and Nights of Screenings
Mornings at the festival hum with energy in sunlit theaters. Aspiring dubbers arrive early for masterclasses, like the one led by Davide Perino, winner of multiple Romics awards for best male dubbing. Participants practice lines from classics and blockbusters, fine-tuning accents and emotions under expert eyes. Breaks bring casual chats over espresso, where pros share war stories from studios like Warner Bros.
Afternoons shift to interactive battles at Palazzo Ducale, where contestants dub live scenes in head-to-head rounds, drawing cheers from packed halls. Food trucks and pop-ups serve Ligurian specialties, think farinata chickpea pancakes and trofie al pesto, keeping the vibe relaxed amid the competition.
As dusk falls, evenings light up with cinemaratons at The Space Cinema. Films roll with special Italian dubs, followed by breakdowns on how voices enhance plots. The air buzzes with applause for flawless syncs, and networking flows naturally, from lobby mingles to after-parties with live readings. Late nights might feature open mics for poets and actors, blending the festival’s poetry roots with its dubbing core. Throughout, the rhythm feels intimate, like a family gathering of film folk under Genoa’s starry skies.
A Festival Built on Talent and Opportunity
Beyond the glamour of spotlights, the Dubbing Glamour Festival champions real-world impact. It prioritizes sustainability, partnering with local groups to cut waste and track carbon footprints for events. Diversity drives the program, with sessions on inclusive dubbing that represent underrepresented voices from the Global South. Community ties shine through collaborations with the University of Genoa and the Museo dell’Attore, hosting talks on cinema’s labor market.
The event balances structure with spontaneity, leaving room for impromptu collaborations or street performances in Genoa’s caruggi alleys. Prizes go beyond trophies, winners snag turns in professional studios, audiolibro gigs, and theater spots, making it a launchpad for dreams. In a tough industry, this festival stands as a beacon of support, valuing craft over hype.
Planning Your Visit
Getting involved is straightforward, with applications open from August 7 to September 30, 2025, via teatrogag.com. A €50 fee covers entry, and selections happen fast, so apply early. Free public events like screenings fill up quick, book via the site or partners like Palazzo Ducale.
Genoa is easy to reach by train from Milan or Nice, or fly into Cristoforo Colombo Airport for a quick taxi to the center. Stay in boutique hotels like the Bristol Palace or budget hostels in the old town, many with sea views. October weather is mild, pack layers for evening chills. On-site, grab a festival pass for all-access, and download the Google Maps link for venue hopping. Families and students get discounts, keeping it inclusive.
Why Dubbing Glamour Festival Stands Out
In an era of streaming overload, the Dubbing Glamour Festival cuts through with authenticity. It skips flashy ads for genuine connections, where a shy actor might land a role chatting with a director over gelato. No VIP barriers here, just open doors to skills that make movies magical.
It is the spot to witness a voice crack a room with laughter during a comedy dub, or hear heartfelt tributes like last year’s to Marco Bardella, whose career spanned generations. Rooted in Genoa’s storytelling tradition, it reminds us that behind every film line is human heart, making attendees feel part of something timeless.
Explore the Surroundings
When not immersed in dubbing drills, Genoa’s treasures await. Wander the Aquarium, Europe’s largest, for marine wonders that inspire sea-faring tales. Hike Nervi parks for cliffside views, or browse the Mercato Orientale for fresh finds and people-watching. Day trips to Portofino offer yacht-spotting glamour, tying back to the festival’s origins.
These escapes enrich the experience, blending festival buzz with Liguria’s quiet beauty, from olive groves to hidden coves. Mornings might start with a Boccadasse beach walk, fueling inspiration for the day’s dialogues.
The Dubbing Glamour Festival 7th Edition delivers more than skills sessions, it forges voices into legacies. With its historic halls, star-studded insights, and bridges to new horizons, it calls you to listen closely, perform boldly, and carry the echo of cinema long after the credits roll.
Follow Dubbing Glamour Festival online for updates on tickets, line-ups, applications, and tips: Instagram: @teatrogag
