Type of work: Identity
Type of project: Art & Culture
In the vibrant heart of Milan, the BIFF Festival, powered by the dynamic collaboration of Movieday and Teatro Edi Barrio’s, emerges as a cultural celebration with a profound social resonance. Spanning over 8 weeks, it unveils a cinematic journey featuring 16 thought-provoking movies and 8 immersive special events. At its core, BIFF intertwines the realms of cult cinema and compelling documentaries, thoughtfully curated and presented by visionary directors. All of this unfolds within the storied confines of a historic Milanese youth center, renowned both for its transformative impact on the local community and its ability to foster the spirit of youth.
“Finally, the biggest change we can do is to influence others, talking and acting with passion so that people can identify.” Gemma Marchegiani, Associazione Amici di Edoardo Onlus
The task was straightforward yet challenging: develop an identity and program for BIFF that reflects its vibrancy and audacity while staying true to core values of ‘street style’ and ‘integration.’
Inspired by the futuristic architecture of Pier Luigi Saccheri, the brand took on a modern edge, adding depth to its narrative. The architectural gem, once abandoned but featured in movies and rap lyrics, became an unexpected backdrop for the festival. My approach was grounded, exploring visual concepts that embodied inclusivity and youthful energy. The goal was a poster that goes beyond aesthetics, symbolizing inclusiveness through a beam of light interwoven with pathways. These pathways visually represented the diverse narratives of showcased movies, creating a cohesive blend of shapes and intersections.
Inspired by the dynamism of the festival’s themes, I reimagined the brand’s color palette, infusing it with vibrant hues of yellow and purple. This bold choice served as a visual anthem, radiating energy and echoing the festival’s overarching message.
The centerpiece of my design became the iconic beam of light, intertwined with bold typography, rendering it instantly recognizable across various media. This element not only became the visual cornerstone of the festival but also embodied the essence of unity amidst diversity, mirroring the festival’s mission.
The collaboration with BIFF Festival resulted in a diverse array of creative deliverables, each serving a specific purpose within the event’s ecosystem.
From a technical standpoint, we developed a dynamic WordPress website that functioned as the festival’s digital epicenter. This platform not only showcased the festival’s schedule and featured films but also ensured a seamless user experience for attendees engaging with the festival online.
In the physical realm, we designed striking program posters and promotional materials that adorned Milan, effectively inviting cinephiles to partake in the cinematic journey. These materials harmonized with the festival’s vibrant spirit and functioned as captivating beacons of cinematic delight.
In the digital arena, we harnessed the power of social media with engaging visuals, teaser trailers, and timely updates, effectively building anticipation and excitement among online communities.
During the festival’s live events, our creative designs came to life as immersive visuals, transforming the festival venue into a living canvas. These visuals added depth to the cinematic experience, complementing the narratives on the big screen.
Additionally, we crafted newsletters that not only informed but also enthralled festival-goers. By seamlessly integrating digital design elements, we transformed each newsletter into a digital invitation, beckoning readers to immerse themselves in the cinematic spectacle.
The BIFF Festival project is a testament to our commitment to infusing design with purpose, channeling creativity to ignite conversations, and fostering a sense of belonging and unity through the medium of cinema.
The BIFF Festival project is a testament to our commitment to infusing design with purpose, channeling creativity to ignite conversations, and fostering a sense of belonging and unity through the medium of cinema.