Welcome to the Appian Way Film Festival, a bold new spot on the global indie map - based in Rome, inspired by the spirit of the road that’s been connecting people for over two thousand years.

We’re here for the risk-takers, the storytellers, the dreamers. Whether you’re shooting guerrilla-style with a smartphone or crafting polished cinema - if your film has a voice, we want to hear it.

Our festival is all about fresh ideas, visual impact, and emotional honesty. We showcase short and feature-length films across all genres: narrative, documentary, experimental, animation, student work - anything that feels alive.

Best Short Film
Best Feature Film
Best Documentary
Best Comedy
Best Drama
Best Director
Best Screenwriter
Best Experimental Work
Best Feature Screenplay
Best Short Screenplay

1. Submission Guidelines
We accept short and feature-length films in the following categories: Narrative, Documentary, Animation, Experimental, and Student Films. All genres are welcome. Submissions must be made via FilmFreeway only.
2. Language
Films not in English or Italian must include English subtitles. Italian subtitles are appreciated but not required.
3. Completion Date
We accept films completed after January 1, 2021. Premieres are not required, but previously screened films should not have had major theatrical or broadcast release in Italy.
4. Multiple Entries
You may submit multiple projects, but each entry must be submitted separately with its own entry fee.
5. Screening Format
Selected films must be available in high-quality digital format (preferably .mp4 or .mov, H.264). Screening copies must be delivered on time after notification of selection.
6. Rights & Permissions
By submitting, you confirm that you hold all necessary rights to the film, including music and footage, and that you grant us permission to screen your film and use excerpts for promotional purposes.
7. Entry Fees
All entry fees are non-refundable.
8. Selection Process
All submissions are reviewed by our programming team. Selection decisions are final. We will notify selected filmmakers by email.
9. Festival Attendance
While attendance is not mandatory, we warmly welcome filmmakers to join us in Rome and engage with our audience and fellow creators.
10. Spirit of the Festival
We value authenticity, creativity, and bold storytelling. We encourage submissions that reflect personal vision, cultural diversity, and emotional depth.