SHORT FILM COMPETITION
16 - 24 JUNE 2025
Cinemaitalia – Cascais Short Film Competition, an exciting contest open to filmmakers of all ages and from all over the world.
The competition takes place during the Cinemaitalia – Cascais Film Festival in Portugal and serves as a creative platform to celebrate Italian culture through the universal language of cinema.
The Cinemaitalia – Cascais Short Film Competition bridges the virtual world and the vibrant city of Cascais for the 2025 edition of the festival. It invites submissions of short films that showcase a strong connection to Italy, highlighting its rich culture, traditions, stories, or contemporary themes.
You can submit your film with English subtitles, and only selected films will be required to provide additional subtitles to ensure accessibility for an international audience:
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Films in Italian must include subtitles in English and European Portuguese.
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Films in English must include subtitles in Italian and European Portuguese.
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Films in Portuguese must include subtitles in Italian and English.
This competition offers a unique opportunity for both emerging and established filmmakers to present their work on a prestigious international stage, celebrating Italy and the art of cinema.Submit your short film and be part of this exceptional journey!
RULES & TERMS
1. Eligibility:
Short films of any genre are eligible for submission.
Films must have been completed after January 1, 2022.
The maximum runtime for submissions is 15 minutes, including credits.
Films must be either produced in Italy or have a significant connection to Italian culture (e.g., Italian directors, themes related to Italy, or Italian locations).
All films must be in Italian or have English subtitles. Selected films will be required to provide additional subtitles to ensure accessibility for an international audience:
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Films in Italian must include subtitles in English and European Portuguese
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Films in English must include subtitles in Italian and European Portuguese.
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Films in Portuguese must include subtitles in Italian and English.
2. Submission Process:
Submissions must be made exclusively through FilmFreeway.
A non-refundable submission fee applies for each entry.
Filmmakers may submit more than one film, but each must be accompanied by a separate submission form and fee.
3. Language and Subtitles:
SELECTED films in Italian must include subtitles in English and European Portuguese.
SELECTED films in English must include subtitles in Italian and European Portuguese.
SELECTED films in Portuguese must include subtitles in Italian and English.
Subtitle files must be provided in SRT format or an equivalent file type, properly synchronized and proofread.
4. Selection Process:
All submissions will be reviewed by a jury panel of industry professionals.
Selection criteria include creativity, originality, technical quality, and thematic resonance.
Finalists will be notified via email by [specific date] and announced on the festival’s official website.
5. Screening and Awards:
Selected films will be screened during the festival.
Winners will receive certificates and laurels. Additional prizes may be announced closer to the festival dates.
6. Rights and Permissions:
By submitting, filmmakers grant CINEMAITALIA the non-exclusive right to screen their films during the festival.
Filmmakers affirm that they own or have secured all necessary rights, including music and image rights.
The festival is not responsible for any claims regarding copyright, trademark, credits, or royalties related to the submitted films.
7. General Conditions:
The festival reserves the right to disqualify submissions that violate any of the rules or fail to meet technical requirements.
Submission fees are non-refundable.
The festival’s decisions regarding selection and awards are final.
The schedule and venue are subject to change.
8. Contact:
For any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at cinemaitaliacascais@gmail.com
AWARDS & PRIZES
Best Short Film Fiction
Best Short Documentary
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Editing
Best Originale Song
Best Make-up
Honorable Mentions