IFF26: Incanto

Australian premiere

A magical family tale about the importance of imagination and kindness, Incanto is the debut feature from writer/director Pier Paolo Paganelli.

On his deathbed, Ludovico entrusts his ten-year-old daughter Margot to the housekeeper, Felicia (Vittoria Puccini), requesting the family villa be transformed into an orphanage so that the little girl can grow up with other children. But the wicked Felicia only wants the little girl’s assets, so she exploits the orphaned children and neglects Margot, who is confined to a room upstairs.

However, one night Margot manages to escape and, after overcoming the darkness of the woods, she comes across a travelling circus. Greeted by the white clown Charlie, Margot is introduced to the secret that makes their circus unique: the old big top is magical, capable of showing anyone who enters its ring for who they truly are. 

Welcomed by her new circus family, Margot shines and begins to find her voice again. But the wicked Felicia is looking for her; will Margot be able to finally free herself from Felicia’s clutches?

WINNER - Best First Feature, Kineo Awards 2025
OFFICIAL SELECTION - BIF&ST – Bari International Film& Festival 2025
OFFICIAL SELECTION -Taormina Film Fest 2025

Italian with English subtitles