Idda
Directed by Irene Dionisio
Written by Irene Dionisio, Marco Borromei
Starring Tecla Insolia, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Giuseppe De Domenico
2026 | Drama | 1h 33m | Italy
Catania is the second-largest city in Sicily, built on volcanic lava stone from Mt. Etna. Residents refer to the restive volcano as Idda. “If you’re in the right place at the right time, you can hear Idda breathing.” And we do hear the volcano softly in the background throughout Irene Dionisio’s fluid film.
Last month Idda had its premiere at TIFF, the Toronto International Film Festival.
Popular storyline of two friends reuniting after years apart, Sofia (Romana Maggiora Vergano) and Adele (Tecla Insolia). Culturally intriguing as they attend the festival of St. Agatha, patron saint of Catania, celebrated by throngs of worshippers who carry the holy statue from church along a traditional thoroughfare. And atmospheric as their troubled friendship plays out against the backdrop of Mt. Etna, Idda, erupting over thousands of years.
An instant connection between Sofia and Adele at the airport, good chemistry that allows the actors to convey many emotions with a slight change in facial expression. You are interested in this friendship: what caused them to separate and what brought them together again. Is there trepidation behind the excitement?
WATCH: IDDA | Official Trailer (TIFF 2026)
Crowds surround the movement of St. Agatha along ancient streets, and at this moment Sofia and Adele encounter a photographer, Florian. Adele employs a small camera in her journalistic work, but Florian is loaded down with equipment. He explains that he records religious hymns.
These three are joined by a friend of Florian for beer at a streetside cafe. Questions and stories flow. First Florian and then Adele appear guarded on some topics. There are secrets here, which the flow of beer cannot unlock. They smoke cigarettes and tell jokes. Sofia offers that she prefers a liquid diet: beer, prosecco, spirits.
The next day Sofia teases Florian about his feelings of awe toward volcanoes. Then she says about Idda: “If you’re in the right place at the right time, you can hear Idda breathing.”
There are secrets here, which the flow of beer cannot unlock.
And then the real journey begins. Will Adele agree to keep her promise to climb Mt. Etna? Are they “hunting for the blow,” wanting to be there when Idda overflows her crater? They know this mountain, grew up here, and have the gear they need. What about motivation?
Sofia and Adele are advised to stay on the trail. Of course they do not. At some point Salvatore is summoned by cell phone for assistance. He arrives and says the word in Milo (where they get supplies) is that Idda will blow soon, so they probably should return.
Of course Sofia and Adele decide to stay and complete their climb. Salvatore brings firewood to the cabin (where climbers stay overnight) and prepares to leave. They persuade him to stay, have a drink or two, dance with them, dance closely with them…
A leisurely film with an ambience that keeps you watching to learn the impact of secrets. The historical beauty of this ancient city, the timeless beauty of Mt. Etna’s surroundings, the loyalty even in troubled friendships.
Recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Idda about?
Idda follows Adele (Tecla Insolia) and Sofia (Romana Maggiora Vergano), childhood friends from Catania, Sicily, who reunite after years apart during the festival of St. Agatha to fulfill a long-broken promise: climbing Mount Etna together.
What does Idda mean?
Idda is the Sicilian word for “she,” the name locals in Catania give to Mount Etna, the active volcano that rises above the city.
Who directed Idda?
Irene Dionisio directed Idda and co-wrote the screenplay with Marco Borromei. It is her second narrative feature, following Pawn Street (2017).
Where did Idda premiere?
Idda had its world premiere on September 11, 2026 at the Toronto International Film Festival in the Platform competition. It also screens at the Vancouver International Film Festival in October 2026.
Where can I watch Idda?
Idda is playing the 2026 festival circuit and will be released in Italian cinemas by FilmClub Distribuzione and Minerva Pictures.
How long is Idda, and what language is it in?
Idda runs 93 minutes and is in Italian with English subtitles.
IDDA: FURTHER VIEWING AND RESOURCES
