From the Tyrrhenian to the Adriatic. On the Routes of Fire: first landing of the Proposal for Understanding between Communities.

On April 11, 2025, in the Council Chamber of the Municipality of Termoli, the public initiative *“From Landscape Sentinels to On the Routes of Fire”* was held, marking the first national landing of the Proposal for Understanding aimed at enhancing Fire Rituals and the International Tour Film Fire Festival (ITFFF).

A symbolic and concrete event, it brought together mayors, school principals, teachers, students, representatives of national associations, and figures from the cultural sector, united to sign a pact between communities who share the responsibility of preserving and innovating the intangible heritage linked to ritual fire.

The signing was initiated by the Mayor of San Giacomo degli Schiavoni, “Costanzo Della Porta”, who chose to be the first signatory, publicly acknowledging the cultural and institutional value of the Proposal. Following his lead, the Mayors of Termoli and Poggio Mirteto, also signed the document, joined by school leaders, associations, teachers, and students.

With this milestone, the interregional project – conceived and promoted by the OML (Osservatorio Molisano sulla Legalità) - reaches a symbolic and operational landing on the Adriatic coast, ushering in a new phase of territorial alliances, school leadership, and new opportunities for civic and cultural growth.

Institutional Contributions and Strategic Alliances

The event featured several noteworthy contributions, including:

- Mayor Nicola Balice (Termoli): actively participated, signed the Proposal for Understanding, and offered full institutional support, reaffirming the Municipality's commitment to the growing Network.

- Mayor Andrea Arcieri (Poggio Mirteto): emphasized the idea of an interregional network “from the Tyrrhenian to the Adriatic,” signed the Proposal, and publicly invited a delegation from Termoli to visit Sabina to continue their shared journey.

- School principals, teachers, students, and representatives of associations made powerful contributions rich in educational vision, planning, and civic testimony.

- Michele Barile, Termoli’s Councillor for Culture, and **Fabio Cofelice**, Regional Councillor for Culture of Molise, though unable to attend due to prior commitments, sent their greetings and expressed strong support and interest in the initiative.

-The Real Protagonists: Students

The true protagonists of the event were the students of I.I.S. “Ugo Tiberio” and “Federico di Svevia" in Termoli:

https://oml2010.blogspot.com/2025/04/chiamiamoli-adulti.html

Thanks to the passionate guidance of their principals, teachers, and tutors, the schools demonstrated how Article 9 of the Italian Constitution can be brought to life through meaningful educational experiences—fostering a sense of belonging, active citizenship, and stewardship of the cultural landscape.

It is from this synergy between education, territory, and community that a new, replicable educational model can emerge—already visible in the collaboration underway between the schools of Termoli and Poggio Mirteto.

Recognition and Future Perspectives

To conclude the event, the President of the International Tour Film Festival, Piero Pacchiarotti, presented an official plaque to the Osservatorio Molisano sulla Legalità, “as a sign of appreciation for the passion and creativity shown, a bridge toward new future synergies.”

A genuine gesture of recognition that seals the ongoing collaboration and opens new pathways between cinema, schools, and cultural heritage—potentially culminating in the ITFFF – International Tour Film Fire Festival, the first international film festival entirely dedicated to fire, which is planned to be hosted in Termoli for the first time in 2026.

The enthusiasm and energy sparked by the April 11 meeting confirm that the Fire Network can now stand on its own—provided that institutions, schools, and citizens continue to work together to strengthen existing alliances, gather new support, and activate the necessary funding channels.