Blog: Film festivals

The Itabaiana International Film Festival was created with the aim of enabling and encouraging young audiovisual producers living in Brazil and abroad to promote their work, thus promoting new productions and professionals in the regional, national and even international segments.

The Festival will show films from all categories and film genres, through competitive and informative exhibitions; in addition to promoting debates on audiovisual with lectures/round tables/workshops that will be held.

The Itabaiana International Film Festival returns for its fourth edition, from July 30 to August 2, 2025.

The Atena Nike Film Award, now in its fourth edition, is distinguished by the growing space it dedicates each year to emerging talents and debut works.

We are already working on the fourth edition, the 2025 edition: this year, as in previous years, both short films and feature films may be submitted.
As always, the theme is linked to social issues.

Date and location of the new edition:
9 July – Casa del Cinema, Rome

Submission deadlines
Feature films: 28 February 2026
Short films: 28 April 2026

Artistic Director: Giampietro Preziosa

Giampietro Preziosa

An architect and film producer, he has made his artistic flair into a profession, bringing his innovative ideas into the cinematic field. A skilled communicator and businessman, he is a key figure at INTHEL FILM S.r.l., a film production company with thirty years of experience. He has overseen the artistic direction of the Atena Nike Award in previous editions, giving the Prize a distinctly refined identity and high editorial quality.

Alina Trabattoni

Journalist and foreign correspondent with decades of experience at major outlets including CGTN Europe, TRT World, Reuters, Bloomberg, Associated Press, BBC, LA Times, CNN, CNBC, ABC, People Magazine, NBC, Eurovision, Standard & Poor’s Platts, Deutsche Welle, The Times, Screen International, the European Broadcast Union (EBU), International Herald Tribune, Euronews, and Montel News. She served as co-artistic director of the Globo D’Oro Film Award for six editions, beginning in 2018.

Artistic Management
Fabrizio Apolloni

(Artistic management and direction of the awards ceremony)
Actor, voice actor and dubbing director, Apolloni began working in theatre at a very young age, later moving into film and TV. Also active in education, he is currently a teacher at Action Academy. He is a member of the supervisory board of Nuovo Imaie and a founding member of RAAI – the Register of Italian Actresses and Actors.

Salvo Saverio D’Angelo

(Short Film Jury Coordinator)
Actor and music producer under the pseudonym SSd Project, he trained at Francesca De Sapio’s acting school and at Actors Planet. His eclectic personality has led him to work in TV, cinema and music. He has been a radio presenter, TV correspondent for Rai2 Notte, and TV host on Sky channels and for TV Cinquestelle. He has received various awards, including the Atena Nike Award.

Armando Pizzuti

(Artistic management)
One of the most respected casting directors in the Italian film scene, his career began in 2015 collaborating with major Italian and international productions, including the series The Young Pope directed by Oscar-winner Paolo Sorrentino. Since then, he has worked with renowned directors such as Ben Affleck, Derek Cianfrance, David Frankel, Terrence Malick, Simon Curtis, Edoardo Ponti and Michael Mann. In 2022 he received the Ischia People Award as Best Casting Director for his contribution to Italian cinema worldwide.

Academy

The work of the artistic management, co-directors and the foreign press jury is supported by an Academy selected for its experience and high artistic and professional qualification. It consists of five figures from the fields of acting, cinema, music and theatre.

Claudia Gerini

An eclectic and versatile actress, born in Rome, where she began her artistic career. After working in fashion and television, she gained public attention with Carlo Verdone in Viaggi di nozze and Sono pazzo di Iris Blond. Hollywood cast her in Under the Tuscan Sun and in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, where she played Claudia Procula, the wife of Pontius Pilate. In 2004 she appeared in Don’t Move by Sergio Castellitto. Many intense years followed with Nero bifamiliare, The Unknown Woman, My Tomorrow by Marina Spada, and the horror film Tulpa by Zampaglione. She returned to comedy in Love Is in the Air by Fausto Brizzi. She achieved international fame in John Wick 2 with Keanu Reeves and won the David di Donatello for Love and Bullets by the Manetti Bros. On TV she played Sara Monaschi in Netflix’s Suburra. She made her directorial debut in 2022 with Tapirulan and recently appeared in Il corpo by Vincenzo Alfieri.

Lucia Sardo (Aurora Sardo)

Actress, director and screenwriter, she studied under major masters of experimental theatre such as Eugenio Barba, Peter Brook and Jerzy Grotowski. She founded the Institute of Theatrical Culture in Santarcangelo di Romagna and directed the prestigious Santarcangelo Festival, one of the most important experimental theatre events in Europe. She made her film debut in 1992, working with directors such as Aurelio Grimaldi, Giuseppe Tornatore and Marco Tullio Giordana in One Hundred Steps. Unforgettable protagonist of Picciridda – With Feet in the Sand by Paolo Licata and The Carousel by Giorgia Cecere, she reached Hollywood with the Netflix series From Scratch by Reese Witherspoon, alongside Zoe Saldana. Her collaboration with Franco Battiato, playing herself, is memorable. Recently she appeared as Lucia in It Happens in the Best Families and as Rosa Balistreri in The Love I Have, presented at the Torino Film Festival.

Lorenzo Urciullo & Antonio Di Martino (Colapesce & Dimartino)

The Sicilian singer-songwriters, best known as Colapesce and Dimartino, are among the most acclaimed names in contemporary Italian music. Since 2020 the duo has won over audiences and critics with songs such as Musica leggerissima and Splash, earning multiple awards: at Sanremo, the Lucio Dalla Press Room Award and the Mia Martini Critics’ Prize; a Nastro d’Argento; and Best Original Score at the Globo d’Oro Film Award. They are also active in cinema, with their first film La primavera della mia vita, accompanied by an album of the same name.

Federica Vincenti

Actress, theatre and film producer, singer and composer. In 2004 she founded Goldenart Production, an outstanding company producing numerous theatre shows, feature films and short films marked by strong artistic and emotional identity, earning her many awards. Since 2006 she has acted and sung in various theatre and film productions, working with directors such as Roberto Andò and Michele Placido, and performing alongside icons like Giorgio Albertazzi, Mariangela Melato, Moni Ovadia, Massimo Ranieri and many others. After playing Marta Abba in Michele Placido’s latest film Eterno visionario, she is currently preparing to star in the new theatre production Sissi, the Empress, directed by Roberto Cavosi, premiering in late February 2025.

Press Jury

For the 2026 edition, a press jury will again be introduced, composed of Italian and international journalists, experts in their field and passionate about cinema.
The Press Jury is chaired by Vera Naydenova, journalist and Italy correspondent for bTV Media Group. From 2018 to 2024 she was part of the Cinema Committee as Head of TV Series for the prestigious Foreign Press Award Globo d’Oro. She currently also serves as a Board Member of the Association of Foreign Press in Italy.

Short Film Section

Responsible:
Salvo Saverio D’Angelo

Jury President:
……………

Jury Members:

Matthew Gentile, award-winning director and screenwriter, known to the general public for his debut feature film American Murderer, which achieved significant success.

Paolo Licata, director, trained in film and theatre directing at Cinecittà; he made his film debut with his first feature Picciridda, awarded at the Taormina Film Festival. His latest film L’amore che ho will be released in theatres in spring.

Alessandro del Vigna, Italian-Romanian film producer and writer, executive producer of Triangle of Sadness (Ruben Östlund), Siberia (Abel Ferrara) and The End (Joshua Oppenheimer).

Donatella Pascucci, expert in French cinema; she has worked for the Gan Foundation, and been involved in the organization of the Italian Film Festival, Comicittà, the Campidoglio Masters of Cinema Award, and the Barbaro Award for Best Cinema Book. She has served on juries for the Montre Leonard Festival du Film d’Amour in Mons, the Bolzano Film Festival, the Florence Short Film Festival, and Valdarno Cinema. She is a member of the Italy-France Co-production Commission of the Ministry of Culture (Cinema and Audiovisual Directorate).

Marianna Sciveres, Italian director, screenwriter and set designer, graduated in set design from the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia. In 2002 she made her first feature film Sara May, a work of national cultural interest. She has been a set and costume designer for numerous film and TV productions.

Heidrun Schleef, Italian screenwriter of German origin, studied directing at the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia. She has received three David di Donatello nominations and two Nastro d’Argento awards, and has worked with numerous masters of cinema.

Il Concorso ART JUKEBOX è aperto a registi, case di produzione, enti, società e associazioni legate al mondo della musica. Il Festival si terrà a Bergamo e Seriate (BG) dal 18 al 21 giugno 2025.

Possono essere inviati documentari, cortometraggi, lungometraggi, fiction, film d’animazione, videoclip e opere d’ingegno prodotte dopo il 2020.

Saranno valutate e premiate opere cinematografiche dedicate alla musica in tutte le sue declinazioni.

“ART Jukebox” è operativamente inserito nell’organizzazione della “Festa Europea della Musica - Città di Bergamo” del prossimo giugno 2025.

Ogni regista/produttore può partecipare al Concorso iscrivendo uno o più film.

La partecipazione al Concorso è gratuita.

Scadenza bando: 15 aprile 2025.

MDOC – Melgaço International Documentary Film Festival will select for 2025, documentaries under the themes of identity, memory and border. All films must express the author's point of view on aspects related to social, individual, cultural and identity issues.

SMR13 INTERNATIONAL INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL

The SMR13 International Independent Film Festival is an annual, IMDb-certified, four (4)-day event held in the second half of November, in Saint-Mitre-Les-Remparts, in the south of France, near Marseille.

First and foremost, it's a physical festival, taking place in "La Manare", a dedicated performance hall with a total surface area of 1000m² and a capacity of 250 spectators.

The 10th edition of the SMR13 international independent film festival will take place from November 21 to 23, 2025.

The festival stands out for its highly developed network, passionate members and trusted partnerships. It is a unique showcase for independent cinema, attracting professionals from all over the world.

Since its inception, the festival has been supported by a patron, an emblematic figure in independent cinema. John Carpenter (2018), director, screenwriter and composer (Halloween, The Thing, New York 1997...). Andréa Ferréol (2019), actress (La Grande Bouffe, Le Dernier Métro, La Scoumoune...). Francis Ford Coppola (2019), director and screenwriter (Godfather, Apocalypse Now, Dracula...). Virginie Lemoine (2020), actress (Famille d'Accueil, Nos années parallèles, Oscar...). Sean S. Cunningham (2021), director and producer (Friday The 13th, Spring Break, DeepStar Six...). Patrice Leconte (2022 and 2023), director and producer (Les Bronzés, Les Spécialistes, Maigret, Olivier Marchal (2024), actor, screenwriter and director ( 36 quai des Orfèvres, Flics, Braquo and Pax Massillia.

DIGO – I International Film Festival on Gender and Sexual Diversity of Goiás, is the first film festival in the heart of Brazil to address issues such as Diversity, Gender and Sexuality, by showcasing contemporary audiovisual work and urging historical reviews. Our main goal is to raise awareness on this topic, in order to promote inclusion, social change and respect for others. As an international event, the DIGO team also believes in the importance of cross cultural communication.

Experience the latest Festival Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPUHR_YotMI&ab_channel=MiraBanLtd

Welcome to the fifth edition of the MiraBan UK Film Awards (MUFA), an annual London-based Independent Film Festival driven by diversity and inclusivity. We are members of BFI Film Audience Network, Film Hub London and Winners of the BFI Film Exhibition Fund.

MUFA is the brainchild of MiraBan Ltd, a creative content company specialising in film festival management and distribution, brought to life by its dedicated fans, followers, and subscribers.

Our primary goal is to shine a global spotlight on emerging and seasoned independent filmmakers, celebrating artistic excellence while highlighting exceptional British and International films that champion diversity.

Inaugurated on December 7th, 2018, the first MUFA edition premiered at the iconic Electric Cinema, a historic venue that holds a legacy of pioneering filmmaking. With a heritage dating back to 1910, the Electric Cinema was one of Britain's first electrically powered motion picture exhibition locations—a hub for independent film pioneers.

MUFA is a festival of and for independent filmmakers, embracing diversity and inclusivity in auteur cinema. Behind MUFA's success stands a team of active film practitioners who share a passion for elevating independent cinema.

MUFA welcomes submissions across a range of categories, including International and UK Feature Films, Short Narratives (Comedy or Drama), Comedy, Drama, Documentary, Experimental, Animation, Editing, Screenplay, Film Score, Acting Performance, Film Script, and more.

Learn more about us on Youtube, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook:

Visit our website: mirabanukfilmawards.co.uk

¡Hola! We are MADRIFF • Madrid Indie Film Festival, an international film festival with screening events from Madrid, Spain, and member of the IBERIFF • Iberia Indie Film Festivals, which celebrates and showcases new productions and independent artists from all over the world in Madrid (MADRIFF), Barcelona (BARCIFF), València (VALÈIFF), Seville (SEVIFF), Lisbon (LISBIFF) and Montpellier (MONTIFF), that you can also find them here in Festhome.

MADRIFF shares the mission of its associate festivals of supporting emerging talents, encouraging artistic exploration, fostering networking, promoting cultural exchange and engaging the local community by providing a platform to present the work of independent filmmakers.

Fiction films, animation, documentary and experimental works of any genre and subject are welcome!

Cine Zolhos is a traveling event that brings diverse programming to the community, showcasing independent films, documentaries, music videos, and experimental productions.

Unlike traditional cinemas, Cine Zolhos aims to present works that go beyond commercial cinema, offering the audience an opportunity to discover new perspectives and forms of audiovisual expression. From innovative documentaries that portray reality through unique lenses to music videos that reinvent the language of videoclips, the program promises to surprise and delight viewers.

Additionally, Cine Zolhos will feature experimental productions that push the boundaries of cinematic language. These works challenge conventional standards, inviting the audience to engage in a sensory and reflective experience, expanding the horizons of the seventh art.

The event is entirely free, democratizing access to this type of content, which often remains confined to specific circuits. By bringing this programming to public spaces like schools and the Galeria Braga, Cine Zolhos aims to reach diverse audiences, fostering dialogue and the exchange of experiences.

After the screenings, there will be space for discussions and reflections on the themes addressed in the films, promoting interaction and a deeper cinematic experience.

Don't miss the chance to embark on this journey of audiovisual discoveries. Join Cine Zolhos in February 2025 and be captivated by the richness and diversity of independent and experimental productions.

CINEfoot - International Football Film Festival is the first film festival in Brazil and Latin America with unique curatorial and conceptual approaches about football. The event aims the promotion, diffusion, reflection and appreciation of football films from all over the world.

The Elche Film Festival, organized by Mediterraneo Foundation's main objective is to offer a cultural space to filmmakers and moviegoers.

In a constant commitment to the promotion of culture and supporting emerging values of cinema, focusing on innovation, public conversation with the authors and the elimination of technological compete when barriers and vote.

Only for Spanish Filmmakers.

Cortoons Gandia is the International Animated Film Festival of Gandia, organized by Cortoons Festival, the city of Gandia, la Generalitat Valenciana, through the Institut Valenciá de Cultura (Culturarts), and the participation of Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) Campus de Gandia.

In the 2016, after 12 years of great success in Rome, Cortoons international festival of animated films, he moved to Spain in the beautiful town of Gandia in the province of Valencia.

The 21th Cortoons Festival Gandia edition will be a great festival of animated films for professionals, animation film funs and all the general public.

The competition categories are:

International animated short film from 1 to 4 minutes

International animated short film from 4 to 20 minutes

Spanish animated short film

Spanish animated short films produced in the

Valencian Community

Graduation animated film

Works may take place after January 1st, 2023.

The deadline is September 01, 2025

There is no entry fee

Contact us:
info@cortoons.es
www.cortoons.es

The Humus Film Fest is an international festival of short films with environmental themes, focused on audiovisual pieces that show, from fiction or reality, agroecology experiences, urban gardens, connections between the countryside and the city or new ruralities.

The festival aspires to accommodate both the most professional and amateur creators, with
the aim of broadening views on the connections between these two ecosystems, the countryside and the city. We look for stories that tell us about these relationships from humor, poetry, surrealism or everyday life.

FIRST FILM

Loreto International Film Festival 2025 - Second Edition!

The first edition of the Loreto International Film Festival has arrived to take us on an extraordinary cinematic journey!✨ Join us in this exciting debut, where the screen will light up with captivating stories and the magic of the seventh art.

Welcome to a new chapter in the history of cinema at Loreto. In this first edition, we will explore the diversity of cinema from its classic roots to new emerging voices. Get ready to experience exciting screenings, participate in conversations with filmmakers and immerse yourself in the unique cinematic experience we will offer.

Experience the Magic of Independent Cinema at the Onyko Films Awards (OFA)

The Onyko Films Awards (OFA) is not just a festival—it's a movement. Verified by IMDb, we are driven by the mission to prove that everything is possible, guided by our inspiring motto: "Miracles Around."

At OFA, we believe in the power of independent cinema to reshape the way we see the world.
Independent filmmakers bring raw, unfiltered stories to the forefront, igniting conversations and inspiring change. While major studios have vast resources for promotion, independent creators rely on recognition, reviews, and meaningful connections. That’s where we come in.

Why OFA Matters:

Showcasing Talent: We shine a spotlight on independent filmmakers, giving their work the platform it deserves.

Building Community: At OFA, we foster connections among filmmakers and audiences, creating a global network of creative minds.

Innovative awards: We introduce the NFT Awards, a unique, cutting-edge way to recognize talent and create a lasting digital legacy that our winners can buy.

Opportunities for Winners:

Independent cinema is the heart of true art and innovation, and at OFA, we’re here to nurture and elevate it. Join us, and let’s prove together that miracles are all around us.

Secure your place in history—be part of the festival that celebrates talent and creativity like never before.

Al Este is a festival coming out from the french festival A l'Est du Nouveau. Present in Peru since 2008, the mission of the festival is to promote film culture of the other Europe, that relegated to independent circuits, owning however, an invaluable wealth and tradition. Thus, Al Este seeks to spread the filmography of Europe, Latin America and Asia.

This cultural proposal takes place within the framework of the commemoration of a new anniversary of Punta del Este, celebrating the best independent cinema from around the world. It began as a Mercosur cinema and grew to become an international festival. Cine del Mar has been declared of Presidential Interest and is sponsored and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, the Municipality of Maldonado, the Municipality of Punta del Este, the Ministry of Education and Culture through ACAU (Uruguayan Film and Audiovisual Association), and the embassies of the participating countries.

The "Golden Flower Award" Beijing International Children's Film Festival, supported by the Children's Science and Education Committee of China's largest Children's Culture and Arts Promotion Association, was held in 2018. Now it has become the largest children's film festival in China. Partners in the Asian market are invited to recommend excellent films to promote cultural exchanges, cooperation and distribution. This year, we will expand the number of screening and forum exchange activities of young filmmakers to other venues on the basis of past successes. Launch richer and more meaningful new projects, such as public services in mountain villages and campus screening.

The Beijing International Children's Film Festival is a non-profit film festival supported by the Red Cross Foundation of China. open to films from all over the world. More than 200 films were screened every year, with more than 5 million young people and children watching online. "Child friendly" offline screenings were held in Chinese cinemas, schools and art centers. At the same time, round tables, art exhibitions, drinking parties and other activities were held

Public services: The expenses of the film festival are used for organizing activities, and in cooperation with the Red Cross Society and other foundations, the festival donates film watching activities and cultural facilities for disabled children and left behind children.

the BRICS competition unit will be added, which will be supported by TV BRICS. BRICS countries will select 5 awards and hold special screening activities

For more information, please find on the official website: gfa-beijing.com

Zed Fest Film Festival & Screenplay Competition was founded to encourage and support independent low and big budget, filmmakers, who work in the horror, suspense, science fiction, drama, action, adventure, and art house genres.

After participating in Zed Fest Film Festival, many of our filmmakers have been able to advance their careers develop their next projects. We take pride in the fact that we are able to maintain relationships with participants, encourage and help them develop and promote their future endeavors.

" WE HOPE TO DISCOVER THE CULT MOVIES OF THE FUTURE."

****ZED FEST FILM FESTIVAL is an IMDB award Listing Qualifier****

Please visit our website for more information
www.zedfest.org/faq.html
www.zedfest.org


For News & Updates please follow us on Social Media:
www.facebook.com/zedfestfilmfestival
twitter.com/Zedfestfilmfest
www.instagram.com/zedfestfilmfestival

FYI:
WE CONSIDER YOUR PAYMENT DATE AS YOUR ENTRY DATE

For information about us please visit us
www.zedfest.org or our new FAQ Submissions Info page http://www.zedfest.org/faq.html
to learn more about our special Awards:
http://www.zedfest.org/zedfestspecialawards.html

The Top Zed Fest Film Festival 2024
Prizes: Over $5000 in Cash & Prizes will be Divided among winners

-ZED FEST FILM FESTIVAL CERTIFICATE
-Bonus Top Prize winners Movie Magic Screenwriter software
-Inktip Listing
Get your scripts in front of producers, agents, and managers today.
Writers use InkTip every day to connect with industry professionals looking for writers to hire, scripts to produce and writers to represent. Whether you're breaking into the industry or are an established writer, InkTip can help you further your career.

InkTip Script Listing: A listing of your script on InkTip so that producers and reps can find you. 
InkTip Magazine: Publication of your logline in InkTip's magazine sent
to nearly 15000 producers and reps.

$500 1st Place Screenplay
$300 2nd Place Screenplay


Top Zed Fest Film Festival Filmmaker and Screenplay Awards:

Zed Fest Film Festival Independent Spirit Award is bestowed each year to a filmmaker that Pursues their filmmaking vision from concept to film.


This award has been inspired by Independent Filmmaking Pioneers Robot Monster (1953) Director Phil Tucker, Jim Jarmusch, John Waters, Elaine May, John Cassavetes, and Penelope Spheeris,Wes Anderson.



These filmmakers followed their passion for filmmaking. They embraced the love of filmmaking as an art form. They used their creativity and ingenuity in their filmmaking and did not let their budget stand in the way of their film projects. That is very inspirational to us and we hope to today's emerging filmmakers.



Feature Film Golden Marquee Award -
The Feature Film Golden Marquee is for the highest achievement award in recognition of the Feature Film that displays exemplary technical proficiencies in filmmaking and storytelling.

Short Film Golden Marquee Award -
The Short Film Golden Marquee is for the highest achievement award in recognition to the Short Film that displays exemplary technical proficiencies in filmmaking and storytelling.

The Pickford Award -
THE PICKFORD AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE FILM ARTS
This Award is to Highlight Women in The Film Arts. We call it the "The Pickford Award" In honor of the Great Mary Pickford Silent Film Pioneer.



ZED FEST FILM FESTIVAL 2025 ENTRY DEADLINES
Early Bird Deadline Feb 28, 2025
Spring Deadline April 28, 2025
Regular Deadline July 30, 2025
Deadline July 30, 2025
Final Film Deadline September 30, 2025
Notification Date October 30, 2025

ZED FEST FILM FESTIVAL GENRES:
Horror
Suspense
Supernatural
Arthouse
Action/Adventure
Science Fiction
Fantasy
Documentary
Music Videos
Super 8


Enter your music Video any music genre, we play top winners at the Zed Fest Film Festival 2025 Event in November to be held in Regal Noho West, North Hollywood, California on Nov 12-17,2025

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO BE PLAYED AT THE ZED FEST FILM FESTIVAL EVENT 2025!!!