Bracciano Film and Arts Festival
Where History Meets Independent Cinema

The Bracciano Film and Arts Festival is an international event dedicated to independent cinema, held throughout the year in the historic town of Bracciano, just outside Rome. Supported by the Municipality of Bracciano, the festival highlights a diverse range of creative voices, offering filmmakers the opportunity to present their work in one of Italy’s most scenic and culturally rich settings.

A Historic Backdrop for Contemporary Voices
Bracciano is known for its cinematic heritage, having hosted productions by legendary directors such as Orson Welles, Federico Fellini, and Paolo Sorrentino. With its iconic Orsini-Odescalchi Castle and the stunning Lake Bracciano, the town provides a visually compelling and inspiring environment for storytelling.

A Festival for Independent Filmmakers
The festival welcomes submissions from around the world in categories including short films, feature films, documentaries, music videos, and experimental works. Its focus is on supporting emerging talent and original perspectives.

Screenings During Bracciano Art Week
Selected films will be screened as part of Bracciano Art Week, an international arts event that brings together creators from various disciplines. The festival offers visibility through curated screenings, media coverage, and opportunities for filmmakers to present excerpts of their work during the awards presentation.

Ongoing Opportunities
Submissions not included in one edition remain eligible for future events, including additional screenings planned throughout the year.

For participation details, screening inquiries, and submission guidelines, filmmakers are encouraged to contact the festival team in advance.

Awards & Prizes

All films selected for the official competition are eligible for awards in several categories, each recognizing outstanding achievements in areas such as direction, storytelling, performance, cinematography, and more. Each category will include a main award for the best entry, and may also include honorable mentions or special recognitions, depending on the strength and diversity of the submissions.

Winners are invited to participate in our public screenings, where their work will be formally acknowledged in front of the audience. These events are designed to foster dialogue and community engagement, with filmmakers encouraged to take part in Q&A sessions and share insights into their creative process.

Rules & Terms

1. OWNERSHIP AND RIGHTS

- All submitted films remain the exclusive intellectual property of the filmmaker(s). The festival does not claim any ownership rights over the submitted works and guarantees that no use will be made without the filmmaker(s)’ explicit consent.

2. SCREENING AND EVALUATION

- Submitted films will be screened privately for evaluation by the festival jury only. No public screenings will take place without the filmmaker(s)’ explicit consent.

- If a film is selected as a winner, it may be publicly screened only during official festival events and with prior written authorization from the filmmaker(s).

3. FESTIVAL DATES AND LOCATION

- The festival dates and location are subject to change. Although this rarely happens, in case of any modifications, we will always provide a similar date and venue.

- We understand that many visitors arrange travel to attend, so we handle this matter with great care to minimize any inconvenience.

4. FORMAT AND RESOLUTION FOR LIVE SCREENINGS

- A minimum Full HD resolution is required for live events.

- Before each public screening, if the filmmaker agrees to screen their film, they will receive instructions on how to submit the correct video files and any other necessary materials.

- Do not send DCP files. Some live events use standard projectors, and for those requiring DCP files, the festival will create them internally from the regular video files provided by the filmmaker.

5. PROMOTIONAL USE OF MATERIALS

- By submitting a film, the filmmaker authorizes the festival to use and share the film’s poster, trailer, synopsis, and stills on the festival’s social media and promotional channels.

- If the filmmaker wishes to restrict specific uses, they can send a detailed request via email.

- This authorization does not transfer any ownership or grant any additional rights to the festival.

6. CERTIFICATES, AWARDS, AND TROPHIES

- Winners in each category will receive an official recognition certificate in digital format, signed and sent via email as a PDF file within 1-2 days after the official notification on FilmFreeway.

- A physical trophy is optional and available upon request.

7. JURY AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

- Submitted films are carefully evaluated by a jury composed of professionals from the film, art, and media industries, including external members selected by the festival to ensure a diverse and inclusive assessment.

- External jury members may include representatives from social and cultural organizations, contributing unique perspectives to the evaluation process.

8. PARTICIPATION AND ELIGIBILITY

- The festival does not require exclusivity or premiere status. Films that have been screened at other festivals or events are welcome. Participation in our festival does not affect the eligibility of a film for other festivals.

9. SECURITY, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND PRIVACY

- The festival guarantees that submitted films will be handled with the highest level of confidentiality and security. The films will only be accessible to jury members and authorized staff for evaluation and organizational purposes.

- The festival fully respects filmmakers' rights and ensures that any use beyond what is described in these regulations will require a separate written agreement with the filmmaker.

- Upon request, the festival can implement additional measures to ensure the confidentiality of submitted works.

6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Teon Blake-Stewart

    An absolute pleasure to be Awarded by such a great festival . Thanks from us in London

    Teon Blake - Stewart / Anthony Young
    & team.

    February 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you! Hope to see you here with us soon! Check the new text description on our FilmFreeway page to find out about more upcoming events.

  • Christian Salinas

    This festival was very well curated with unforgettable works from all over the world. Unfortunately I was not able to make the 2nd day of the festival due to the train strike so I was left wanting more out of my experience. Michael and his team were so welcoming and hospitable, and he was nice enough to provide translation during my speech. I strongly recommend the castle film awards to any filmmaker around the world looking to get their work shown in the scenic medieval lake town of Bracciano.

    February 2025
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    Response from festival:

    So nice to have you here. Hope to see you again. Contact me... there were many positive changes. If you want to come again, you will be positively surprised.

  • gianni russo

    Un festival fantasma. Ricevuta la selezione e poi non è successo nulla.
    Social mai aggiornati ed evento inesistente.
    Sconsigliatissimo

    September 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Buongiorno, ci dispiace per l'errore, siamo sempre a disposizione, può contattarci ad ogni momento. La comunicazione l'abbiamo fatta e se non l'ha ricevuta ci siamo per risolvere.

  • Weam Namou

    My heartfelt thanks for the awards given to my two films. Your recognition and appreciation for independent filmmakers like myself mean the world.

    September 2023
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  • Osea Cipriani Cipriani

    Eccezionale. Tutto di alto livello.

    September 2023
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