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, awarded the documentary the highest possible score of 10/10 in the Sound & Music category, with particular praise for its vocal narration and atmospheric sound design.
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. Long connected to Venice through both personal and artistic experiences, Busacca describes the city as 'a splendid and luminous pearl wrapped in the sound of violins,' adding that 'Venice is the place where violins sail.'
The film's Official Selection in New York marks an important milestone for the project and highlights its growing international appeal. The documentary's soundscape received particular appreciation, with the New York Film and Cinematography Awards noting the quality of the vocal narration 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, educational institutions specializing in film directing, acting, and creative performance training, 'Waterbus' continues its international festival journey, bringing to audiences around the world a cinematic celebration of Venice's history, culture, and enduring beauty. Through this documentary, 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.
For more information about the film and its festival journey, visit FilmFreeway or the New York Cinematography Awards official selection page. Additional details are available on Silvia Busacca's website.
