The winners of Caffè Letterario and Fuori Fuoco Moak – contests awarding the best writers and photographers – were announced.
In the last few years, writing and photography have changed rapidly, hand in hand with the process of technology and new means of dissemination. Films and pens have been replaced by keyboards and digital cameras. However, the message that the author of a project wants to spread through his or her own work remains unchanged. Whether it’s a written story, a picture or an advertising campaign, the most important thing is to let emotions flow – both one’s one and of the audience – and avoid artificial intelligence to replace human intelligence altogether and, instead, rather enrich. This is the thought that arose from the interventions of the Caffè Letterario and Fuori Fuoco judges (Saturday, October 27th) during the Prize-giving evening, where the winners of the two literary and photography contests promoted by Caffè Moak were announced. The message was above all addressed to the younger generations and to business people: they should not lose sight of the human and creative side that feeds and holds up all forms of culture.
Vicky Gitto, one of the Fuori Fuoco panel members pointed out the following in her speech: “I am a great fan of human intelligence, which I believe represents a great added value in this historical period. It is what makes the difference when everyone uses the same technology. That’s why I think that having companies like Moak, which invest in cultural and creative heritage, is extraordinary”.
In fact, creativity and the ability to excite – starting with coffee as spark for writing and taking pictures of stories – were some of the requirements that convinced the panel of judges of Caffè Letterario and Fuori Fuocoto award three winners for each competition, chosen among about 500 works. Piero Dorfles,president of the Caffè Letterario panel said: “Coffee is not only an excuse to give rhythm to narration. It is as if the narration of the great problems in life were an excuse for another coffee.”
The winners of Caffè Letterario Moak 2018
First place
Costanza Frola, aged 33 anni from Turin, with her short story “Maria Antonia: la Morte e la tazzina di caffè” (Maria Antonia: Death and the cup of coffee).
Explanation: the biggest of problems, an ending life, narrated in an ironic and spontaneous way in a folk-tale form.
Second place
Renzo Brollo, Friulan who writes and edits books, with his short story “Il sacro rito di Zito Caffè” (The holy ritual of Zito Caffé).
Third place
Sara Formisano, aged 29 from Torre Annunziata (Naples), with her short story “Caffè americano” (American coffee), who also received the Belgiorno Prize, which awards the youngest and most talented writers.
The winners of Fuori Fuoco Moak 2018
First place
Fernando Zaccaria, photographer living partly in New York and partly in Italy, with his work “Semiosis caffè pittografico” (picture below). .
Explanation: The time that passes and the movements of a life told through the traces of coffee left in the scratches of the sides by a moka pot. A pictorial approach that opens up new readings of reality.
Second place
Salvatore Zito, photographer from Syracuse, with his work “Recall eterne icone” (Recall eternal icons) (picture below).
Explanation: a work of great classicism recalling the period and history of art and photography.
Third place
Alberto Schettino, photographer from Castellammare di Stabia, with his three snapshots “La danza degli aromi” (Dancing flavours).
Explanation: Efficient breakdown of a daily ritual in three pictures.
Moak’s commitment to culture is not limited to bringing out only writers and photographers. Since 2016 – together with Abadirand Aiap– the company promotes “Sicilia Felicissima”, a competition directed to designers, companies and students who have developed projects of visual communication related to the Sicilian territory in the last decade. During the evening, Annalisa Spadola(Caffè Moak Marketing Director) and Vincenzo Castellana(Abadir teacher and ADI Sicilia coordinator) announced the date of the third edition presentation, which will be held in March, in conjunction with the exhibition of the winners of the second edition.
Special guests of the event, presented by Betty Senatore (Radio Capital) were
“Le Sorelle Marinetti”, the vocal trio of swing, who brought the audience back to the thirties.
Partners of the evening were Sicilian companies sharing Moak’s same values: Birrificio Tarì, Cantine Marilina, Fioreria Pollice Verde, Arùci, Syglaand Libreria Mondadori Modica.
photo credits @adele_statello
