CA’ FOSCARI SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 15
Auditorium S. Margherita - Venice - March 19th - 22nd, 2025

COMPETITION OPEN TO FILM STUDENTS ONLY

Ca' Foscari Short Film Festival is the first European film festival managed by university students under the guidance of a staff of professors in film studies and professionals from the world of cinema. Our initiative results in an International Competition open to film students from all over the world and it has become an important landmark for those involved in film studies. We promote the diffusion of the achievements accomplished in the field of cinema and transmedia by cooperating with international cinema schools and distributors. Internationally relevant producers, cinema experts, directors and actors join us each year as members of the jury or as special guests.

Besides the main International Competition, Ca’ Foscari Short Film Festival includes the High Schools' competition - centred on short movies directed by high school students -, and the Music Video International Competition, which includes music videos made by film school students or university students.

The 15th edition of the Ca’ Foscari Short Film Festival will award the following prizes and special mentions:

First prize (with no ex-aequo condition) - International Competition
Best soundtrack award (with no ex-aequo condition, music, words, sound) - International Competition
Special mention to the movie offering the most significant contribution to cinema as an expression of art - International Competition
Special mention Best Photography - International Competition
Venezia, Murano, Burano Municipality “Pateh Sabally” Award to the most significant contribution to the multi-ethnicity issue movie
First prize (with no ex-aequo condition) - International Music Video Competition
First prize (with no ex-aequo condition) – International High School Competition

Rules & Terms

The Festival consists in:
1- The main International Competition of short films directed by film school students or university students;
2- The High Schools competition - centered on short movies directed by high school students;
3- The International Competition of Music Videos directed by film school students or university students.

Only films that meet the following conditions may be chosen for invitation in the official selection:
a) All films must not exceed 30 minutes in length.
b) All films must have been completed after January 1st, 2024;
c) All films must be submitted in digital format (HD video, preferably MOV or MP4 files, web links);
d) Non-English-language films must be subtitled in English.

The deadline for submissions is December 20th, 2024.
Applicants may submit the film via Filmfreeway.com or to cafoscarishort@unive.it; Wetransfer, MyAirBridge, Dropbox, Vimeo and similar services can be used. Please note that if you submit your film via FilmFreeway and/or the above mentioned services, they may collect and process your personal data as an independent data controller. Your personal data and the film will be then shared with Ca' Foscari for the following steps of the selection procedure in which a complete privacy notice will be handed to you

Applicants will be informed of the selection of their film by January 17th, 2025. Once the selection has been completed, no selected movie may be withdrawn from the Festival program.

The submission of the selected movies must be completed including the following:
a) A filled and signed PDF copy of the entry form the Festival staff will send when selected;
b) The film in digital format, or a link to a streaming copy of the movie, with English
dialogues/subtitles; a dialogue list must be included;
c) A teaser/trailer, or a one-minute extract of the movie, and 3 stills.

The Festival invites film directors of the main International Competition as its guests; we offer free Festival accreditation and free accommodation when available. Travel expenses are not covered.

Jury / Awards
The Artistic Director of the Festival appoints an International Jury of three members. No jury member may have been involved in the production or promotion of any of the films included in the competition. The International Jury awards the Grand Prix, and the mention to the movie offering the most significant contribution to cinema as an expression of art.
Different juries are in charge respectively with the award for the first prize of high Schools competition, and the first prize for the International Competition of Music Videos, and the special mentions do the international competitions: Best Soundtrack – Best Script – Best Cinematography.

The submitted films will be preserved in Ca’ Foscari Short Film Festival Archive for further free screenings within University programs.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Great experience, awesome team, and wonderful hospitality in Venice. I felt truly welcomed, and it was a pleasure to have the chance to present my short film "Home." Proud to be part of the Ca’ Foscari Short Film Festival.

    May 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you!

  • Festivals ALBA

    It was a very welcoming experience from the beginning. The fact that it was held at the beautiful Auditorium Santa Margherita in Venice added a special charm to the event, making it even more memorable. One of the most impressive things about the festival was how well it was organized. Even though it was fully run by students, everything was very smooth and professional. Communication with the organizers was fast and clear, making everything easy to navigate. It was amazing to see students manage such a big event with so much dedication and skill.
    As for the selection of films, it was fantastic, with a great mix of different genres and styles. Every film was high quality.
    The closing ceremony was a real highlight. It was a beautiful way to wrap up the festival, honoring art and cinema in the most beautiful way

    March 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you!

  • Ca' Foscari Short Film Festival is a prestigious short film festival organized by Ca’ Foscari University in Venice, Italy. It is known as the only festival in Europe entirely managed by students, providing a platform for young filmmakers from around the world to showcase their works. With a strong emphasis on innovation and creativity, this festival serves as a prestigious stage for emerging talents in cinema.

    We are truly grateful for the opportunity to have *Decepcion* selected as an **Official Selection** at Ca’ Foscari Short Film Festival. This recognition is a great motivation for us to keep telling stories and bringing meaningful narratives to life. Huge thanks to our entire team and everyone who has supported this film’s journey!

    March 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you!

  • Thank you for your hospitality and warm atmosphere.
    We will be glad to participate in your festival in the future.

    March 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you!

  • Thank you so much for showcasing my film, "LATE SEPTEMBER" in this year's festival! Great showcase.

    March 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you!