Francisco Saia is a young director from Savona, known for his early talent. He opened the 2024 Taormina Film Fest with his successful fantasy film Il ladro di stelle cadenti.

Francisco Saia is a young Italian director and screenwriter from Savona, recognized for his early talent and international successes. Born on September 18, 1998, he began his filmmaking career at a young age, graduating in 2018 from the Genoa Film School, specializing in directing and screenwriting. His first short film, Il lupo di Germania (2017), was selected for the David di Donatello awards in 2018, marking the beginning of his rise in the Italian and international cinema scene .

Saia gained further recognition for being the ninth youngest director in the world to direct a feature film. He won the “Best Ligurian Talent” award in 2021 and continued to earn accolades for his works. His most recent film, Il ladro di stelle cadenti, opened the 70th edition of the Taormina Film Fest in 2024. This fantasy film, featuring an international cast including Daniel McVicar and Hal Yamanouchi, has attracted attention for its originality and high production quality .

In addition to directing, Saia has worked as an assistant director and second unit director on several TV and film projects, collaborating with renowned directors like Phil Hawkins. His career reflects a dedication to creativity and innovation, making him a prominent figure among the new generation of Italian filmmakers.