I have vivid childhood memories of watching flag throwers in Italy. My aunt has lived in Ascoli Piceno for over 40 years, a place deeply connected to these traditions. I spent summers there with family in my early years.

While researching locations for the Ffern short film I created last summer, I discovered by chance that our trip coincided with La Giostra dell’Archidado, a festival in Cortona.

This week-long event blends medieval re-enactments with archery competitions and showcases performances by local flag-throwing teams. It’s a dynamic mix of art, sport, and acrobatics, all accompanied by the powerful rhythms of drums and horns from marching bands.

Our film wove the folk singer Sam Lee into the Tuscan summer's vibrant world. During our three-day shoot, I managed to capture fleeting moments from the festival: the flag throwers and musicians, jesters and archers featured in our film, festival-goers in Cortona’s square, and the stunning landscapes we visited to bring the story to life.