Venice Documentary 'Waterbus' Earns Top Sound Score at New York Film Awards
Silvia Busacca's documentary 'Waterbus' has been selected for the New York Film and Cinematography Awards 2026, receiving a perfect 10/10 rating for its sound and music, highlighting its international appeal and tribute to Venice's cultural identity.
The documentary "Waterbus," directed by filmmaker and actress Silvia Busacca, has been officially selected for the New York Film and Cinematography Awards 2026, an international festival dedicated to independent cinema. The film, which pays tribute to Venice and its iconic waterbus transportation system, received the highest possible score of 10/10 in the Sound & Music category, according to the festival's evaluation.
Filmed entirely in Venice, the documentary explores the city's cultural identity through evocative imagery, philosophical and literary references, and historical reflections. Busacca, who has long been connected to Venice through personal and artistic experiences, describes the city as "a splendid and luminous pearl wrapped in the sound of violins," adding that "Venice is the place where violins sail." The film blends memory, culture, and visual storytelling into a poetic journey through the canals and bridges of the Serenissima.
The recognition at the New York Film and Cinematography Awards marks a significant milestone for the project and underscores its growing international appeal. The festival's evaluation praised the documentary's soundscape, noting the quality of the vocal narration and the atmospheric sound design that accompanies the film's poetic narrative. The narration is performed by Gianluca Testa, a film producer and Director of Teatro Formativo in Rome, whose voice contributes to the contemplative and emotional tone of the documentary.
Produced in collaboration with Teatro Formativo and the International Center for Generative Expressivity Studies (CISEG) in Rome, the documentary now continues its international festival journey. The film's selection in New York highlights its ability to resonate with audiences beyond Italy, celebrating Venice as a universal symbol of history, art, and inspiration.
Busacca, who conceived "Waterbus" as a tribute to Venice's historic waterbus system, aims to promote Italian culture worldwide through the film. The documentary showcases the city's cultural richness, artistic legacy, and enduring beauty, honoring the iconic waterbuses that continue to shape life across the Venetian Lagoon. For more information about the festival selection, visit the New York Film and Cinematography Awards official page.