APCOM

The Institute of General and Applied Physics of the Università degli Studi of Milano, together with the Province and Fondazione Cineteca Italiana presents the 12th edition of the International Festival of Scientific Video, Film and Documentary. The event is particularly significant, as 2008 has been declared by UNESCO as the 'International Year of Planet Earth'. From March 31st to April 6th, the 'Spazio Oberdan' of Vittorio Veneto Avenue will host a rich program of movies, documentaries and meetings on scientific issues.

Experts of environment, earth and sky exploration - without forgetting natural sciences and genetics - school students and science enthusiasts will offer their skills to understand these issues. Besides, an international panel formed by scientists and experts of scientific communication will choose the winner among the over 50 titles which entered the contest. The documentaries come from all around the world and many are unedited for the Italian audience.

The Festival's opening, which will take place on March 31st at 9.30 a.m. at Teatro dal Verme, will be dedicated to space exploration with two exceptional guests: astronaut Roberto Vittori and Giovanni Bignami, President of the Italian Space Agency (ASI). There free entrance for all the sessions: only school groups must book to take part in the morning meetings.