JCU Students Attend 2024 International Journalism Festival in Ferrara
From October 4th to October 6th, four John Cabot University students attended the 31st edition of Internazionale a Ferrara, an international journalism festival held in Ferrara, Italy. With a lineup of thought-provoking presentations, exhibitions, and workshops, the festival celebrated the impact of journalism on today’s global narratives.
The JCU delegation included members of The Matthew (JCU’s student-led newspaper): Vice President Annalucia Scotto di Clemente, Layout Designer Vishwa Parmar and Webmaster Vittoria Caroli, along with contributor and Communications senior Francesca Motta. They were accompanied by Assistant Director of Student Engagement Federica Bocco, who organized the trip for the second year in a row.
“What I found particularly inspiring was the opportunity to engage with journalists, activists, and authors from around the world, all sharing insights on human rights, politics, and the environment,” said Annalucia. “The city of Ferrara itself enhances the experience, its historic setting becomes a hub for dialogue and exchange, turning you into an active participant in the global conversation.”
The festival explored climate change, the Israel-Gaza conflict, advancements in science and politics. One of the key takeaways for many participants was the emphasis on empathy and humanity, which emerged as recurring themes throughout the discussions.
“In my opinion the festival was a remarkable event, not only for the depth and breadth of its agenda but also for its focus on peace as the central theme,” said Francesca. “In a world grappling with conflict, division, and uncertainty, the festival’s commitment to promoting dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation through art, literature, and culture was very powerful. The discussions and presentations emphasized that peace is not merely the absence of war but a multifaceted concept that requires justice, equality, and sustained efforts to foster empathy between individuals and nations.”
The festival’s wide range of subjects gave attendees the chance to dive deeper into their areas of interest. Whether they were drawn to the complexities of international politics or the ethics of journalism, students left with a greater understanding of the inner workings of newspaper production and storytelling in the modern media landscape.
“This was our second time at the Internazionale a Ferrara and it marks the fifth journalism festival in three years for us,” said Federica. “The Student Engagement Office will proudly continue sponsoring student participation in these initiatives. We believe in the power of journalism and wholeheartedly support students who want to enter the field and pursue this career path.”
(Vishwa Parmar)
