Ventotene is an Italian island known for the Manifesto of Ventotene ("Towards a Free and United Europe") – a political document written in 1941 by Italian activists Altiero Spinelli and Ernesto Rossi while they were imprisoned there during World War II. The manifesto is seen as a key document supporting the unification of European countries and the creation of a united European government.

Sadly, the manifesto is often forgotten, even by locals. The few remaining witnesses of its creation are now over 90 years old. The island has become a popular tourist destination in the hot summer months but remains quiet and still in winter. My project is a visual exploration of the inspiring vision of a free Europe, born on this picturesque island but almost forgotten over time.

Today, as Europe grapples with rising far-right movements, stricter border controls, and increasing nationalism, the ideals of the manifesto seem more urgent than ever. Across the continent, we see a resurgence of anti-immigrant sentiment and political forces advocating for closed borders, challenging the post-war vision of unity and solidarity. The project aims to juxtapose this contemporary political climate with the fading memory of the Manifesto of Ventotene, reminding us of the importance of its message in an increasingly divided Europe.