Silvia Busacca's Documentary 'Waterbus' Earns Official Selection at New York Film and Cinematography Awards 2026

Filmmaker Silvia Busacca's documentary Waterbus has been selected for the Official Selection of the New York Film and Cinematography Awards 2026, an international festival celebrating independent cinema. The film, which pays homage to Venice's iconic waterbus system and the city's rich cultural identity, received the highest possible score of 10/10 in the Sound & Music category.

Filmed entirely in Venice, Waterbus combines evocative imagery with philosophical and literary references to explore the city's history and atmosphere. Busacca, who has deep personal and artistic ties to Venice, described the city as "a splendid and luminous pearl wrapped in the sound of violins." The documentary aims to capture Venice's timeless beauty through a poetic narrative that blends memory, culture, and visual storytelling.

The recognition from the New York Film and Cinematography Awards underscores the film's growing international appeal. According to the festival's evaluation, the sound design and vocal narration by Gianluca Testa were particularly praised. Testa, a film producer and director of Teatro Formativo in Rome, contributed to the contemplative tone of the documentary. The production was a collaboration with Teatro Formativo and the International Center for Generative Expressivity Studies (CISEG) in Rome.

Waterbus continues its festival journey, showcasing Venice's history and culture to global audiences. The documentary celebrates the waterbuses that are integral to life in the Venetian Lagoon, serving as a symbol of the city's enduring beauty. For more information about the film and its festival run, visit FilmFreeway or the New York Film and Cinematography Awards official selection page.

Silvia Busacca, the film's director, has presented Waterbus at several Italian and international festivals. Through this work, she aims to promote Italian culture worldwide, honoring Venice as a universal symbol of art and inspiration.