From Agrigento 2025 to Sciacca: coral becomes cinema

SCIACCA (AG) – The city of coral is preparing to experience a moment of great emotion and pride in its identity. On Saturday, November 15, at 6:00 p.m. , in the former Church of Raccomandata – exceptionally granted by the local chapter of Italia Nostra – the documentary “Deep Coral. The incredible epic of Sciacca coral” will be screened as a national premiere . The documentary was written and directed by Gero Tedesco , produced by the Nocito Coral Museum in Sciacca and produced by Fuoririga .

A work that combines historical research, art and Mediterranean identity , included in the candidacy dossier for Agrigento Italian Capital of Culture 2025 , as a testimony to the value of Sciacca coral as a symbol of a territory and its community.

"We are delighted that the Sciacca Coral Museum was founded in the year of Agrigento being the Italian Capital of Culture, and that it is one of the projects that will remain with the community," explains Giuseppe Parello , general director of the Agrigento2025 Foundation. "A place where myth and territory come together; where we speak of work, of a valuable artisan tradition, of a city deeply connected to its red gold ."

The documentary tells for the first time, using a visual and informative language, the extraordinary epic of Sciacca's coral : from the legendary Ferdinandea Island to the discovery of the coral reef in the second half of the 19th century, up to the "rush" for coral that made the city a crossroads for fishermen and traders from all over the Mediterranean.

"We wanted to blend the precision of historical research with the evocative power of cinematic imagery," explains Gero Tedesco . " Deep Coral speaks of the sea, of coral, but above all of Mediterranean memory and identity . Sciacca coral is not just a gem of the sea: it is a metaphor for time, transformation, and rebirth."

Made with underwater footage and digital reconstructions between Sciacca, Agrigento, and Palermo, the film is enriched by rare archive materials and images shot on the seabed of Ferdinandea by diver Santo Tirnetta . The photography is by Mauro Posante , the editing by Davide Sclafani , the historical research by Peppino Di Giovanna , the 3D reconstructions by Nicola Palmeri , the narration by Nicola Puleo .

The story features prominent figures from the world of art and research: Maria Concetta Di Natale , Mario Di Giovanna , Laura Di Giovanna , Peppino Di Giovanna , Fausto Grassa , and Franco Andaloro . A poetic intervention by Vincenzo Licata and a performance by the young actor Ettore Santangelo intertwine memory and future.

"This is a story that begins at the bottom of the sea and reaches people's hearts," emphasizes Peppino Di Giovanna . " Deep Coral restores memory to a community and plants the seeds of a shared culture: it's an act of love for our city and its roots."

"Every piece of coral carries a story," adds Laura Di Giovanna Nocito , artistic director of the Museum and Master of Arts and Crafts. "The documentary tells the story of invisible beauty : passion, dedication, the human hand that transforms matter into art. Today, Sciacca has returned to being the coral capital, recognized internationally."

"We celebrate not only the past, but also the future of Sciacca coral," concludes Mario Di Giovanna , director of the Nocito Museum. " Deep Coral is a bridge between tradition and innovation, between land and sea."

The screening will be followed by a meeting with the director and the protagonists , in the presence of representatives of the Nocito del Corallo Museum, the leaders of Agrigento Italian Capital of Culture 2025 , local institutions and project partners.

Follow the AgrigentoOggi channel on WhatsApp