The bells of the Church of San Nicola ring through the historic streets of the village of Irgoli, in the
heart of Sardinia. On the island, church bells have historically functioned as a structured acoustic
system for religious and civic life. In Irgoli, local bellringers still play an important role in major
religious events such as Holy Week and saints' days.
This documentary explores the cultural and musical significance of bell ringing in Irgoli, focusing on
the bell tower and its four ringers. It explores the ritual, communicative and musical dimensions of
the bell strokes (arrepicos), which are perceived by the community as a local cultural heritage.
Based on ethnographic research carried out between 2023 and 2024, with a collaborative approach
that deeply involved the local musicians, the film Mannoi (Grandfather) documents the knowledge
of older bell ringers, their techniques and practices, as well as the efforts of young ringers to keep this
practice alive.