Memory Forum 2 – Italy

29th of April 2024

Introduction to the Memory Forum 

Francesca Morganella, CEIPES: Solrem project presentation 

Maria Letizia Colajanni, ANPI: Resistance, as a Memory necessity 

Daniela Dioguardi, President Udipalermo: Antifiascist Resistance 

Coffee break 

Documentary: “Alba Meloni, Stelle nelle mie stanze”, director: Nadia Pezzuti Q&A 

CEIPES ETS conducted the Memory Forum on Antifascist Resistance on April 29, 2024. This significant event, part of Work Package 2 (WP2), Deliverable 2.3, was held at Cinema Vittorio De Seta, located via Paolo Gili 4, 90134, Palermo, and spanned from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. 

The forum garnered substantial participation from a diverse array of high school students, including those from “Liceo Classico Internazionale Statale – Giovanni Meli” and the technical high school IPSSEO “Pietro Piazza” of Palermo. These students, accompanied by their teachers, actively engaged in a robust discussion regarding the importance of historical memory, the essence of antifascism, and the pressing need to reconsider these fundamental concepts amidst contemporary far-right rhetoric. Approximately 150 students were present. The event featured two distinguished speakers, besides Francesca Morganella, SOLREM project manager, such as Daniela Dioguardi, and Maria Letizia Colajanni. 

The forum, strategically scheduled shortly after the commemoration of the Italian Resistance on April 25, served as a platform to delve into the memory of the Antifascist Resistance. The event featured speakers, protagonist of the ongoing commitment to preserving the legacy of the Resistance, commencing with Maria Letizia Colajanni, the honorary president of the Italian Association of Partisans (A.N.P.I.), and Daniela Dioguardi, representing the Union of Women in Italy, an association that emerged from the Resistance Movement during World War II. 

In the opening session of the forum, Francesca Morganella, the project manager of the SOLREM project on behalf of CEIPES ETS, provided a comprehensive overview of the project, its partners, activities, and achievements. Her presentation included insights from prior events, thereby setting the stage for the discussions that followed. 

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Following the introduction, Maria Letizia Colajanni delivered an in-depth exposition on the history of the Resistance during World War II. She emphasized the critical role of maintaining the memory of the partisans and the various political parties, particularly the youth engagement in the Resistance Movement. Her detailed narrative underscored the enduring relevance of these historical events in contemporary society. 

Thereby, Daniela Dioguardi, representing the Union of Italian Women, shared testimonies of partisans. Her presentation wove together individual stories that collectively form the broader historical tapestry of their struggles, commitments, and the profound risks they undertook to realize Liberation Day on April 25. 

In addition to the insightful presentations, the attendees were treated to a screening of the documentary “Alba Meloni. Stelle nelle mie stanze,” directed by Nadia Pizzuto. The film provides an intimate exploration of the life of Alba Meloni, a young partisan relay girl, by delving into the remnants of her life and experiences within her home. The narrative reconstitutes Meloni’s story, capturing the essence of her contributions to the Resistance. Through the film, director Nadia Pizzuti initiates a reflective dialogue between the past and present, transforming a personal monologue into a broader discourse on the Resistance. 

The event concluded with a comprehensive discussion, allowing participants to reflect on the documentary and the overarching themes of the forum. This final dialogue underscored the critical importance of preserving the memory of antifascist resistance and the enduring lessons it imparts to contemporary society.