Venice and its iconic waterbuses have arrived in New York through the vision of filmmaker Silvia Busacca, whose documentary "Waterbus" has been selected for the Official Selection of the New York Film and Cinematography Awards 2026. The international festival, dedicated to independent cinema and contemporary filmmaking, recognized the documentary for its poetic portrayal of the Venetian Lagoon.
Filmed in Venice, "Waterbus" was created as a tribute to the city's extraordinary cultural identity. Through evocative imagery, philosophical and literary references, and historical reflections, the documentary takes viewers on a poetic journey through the canals, bridges, and timeless atmosphere of the Serenissima. Silvia Busacca, who has long been connected to Venice through both personal and artistic experiences, describes the city as "a splendid and luminous pearl wrapped in the sound of violins," adding that "Venice is the place where violins sail." This vision finds expression in a cinematic work that blends memory, culture, and visual storytelling.
The film's Official Selection in New York marks an important milestone for the project and highlights its growing international appeal. Particular appreciation was expressed for the documentary's soundscape. In the evaluation shared by the festival, "Waterbus" received the highest possible score of 10/10 in the Sound & Music category, with positive remarks regarding the quality of the vocal narration and the atmospheric sound design that accompanies the film's poetic narrative.
The narration is performed by Gianluca Testa, film producer and Director of Teatro Formativo in Rome, whose voice contributes significantly to the contemplative and emotional tone of the documentary. Produced in collaboration with Teatro Formativo and the International Center for Generative Expressivity Studies (CISEG) in Rome, "Waterbus" now continues its international festival journey, bringing to audiences around the world a cinematic celebration of Venice's history, culture, and enduring beauty.
Through "Waterbus," Busacca seeks to promote Italian culture around the world, celebrating Venice as a universal symbol of history, art, and inspiration while honoring the iconic waterbuses that continue to shape life across the Venetian Lagoon. The documentary has been presented at several Italian and international film festivals, and its recent recognition in New York underscores its resonance with global audiences.
For more information about the film and its festival journey, visit the official selection page at https://bestfilmawards.com/official-selection/newyorkcinematography or the filmmaker's profile at https://filmfreeway.com/silviabusacca.
