About the festival:
Welcome to the captivating realm of the CineMente Movies & Screenplay Awards, an exhilarating film festival headquartered in the vibrant city of Milan, Italy. Our festival is brought to life by a passionate team of festival enthusiasts, led by the esteemed experts in programming management and festival curation, Settimo Calabrese, Fiorello Conti and Daphne Lucchese.
At CineMente Movies & Screenplay Awards, we are deeply immersed in the world of cinema. Our unwavering dedication lies in presenting the most extraordinary and thought-provoking films and screenplays from across the globe. With a finger on the pulse of the ever-evolving film industry, we meticulously craft a diverse and captivating program that will transport you to new realms of storytelling and ignite your imagination.
Under the visionary guidance of Settimo, Fiorello and Daphne, the driving force behind our festival, their unparalleled expertise and infectious enthusiasm infuse every aspect of our event. Their boundless love for the art of cinema fuels their mission to curate a lineup that will leave audiences spellbound, craving for more unforgettable cinematic experiences.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Milan, a city pulsating with artistic heritage and an unmistakable flair for creativity. Amidst its bustling streets and awe-inspiring architecture, our festival serves as a vibrant hub for filmmakers, screenwriters, and cinephiles to connect, collaborate, and celebrate their shared passion.
The CineMente Movies & Screenplay Awards is more than just a festival; it is a magical convergence of talent, innovation, and pure cinematic brilliance. Through riveting screenings, enlightening workshops, and engaging panel discussions, we foster an environment where ideas flourish, collaborations thrive, and lifelong friendships are forged.
Submission Guidelines:
Eligibility:
The CineMente Movies & Screenplay Awards are open to filmmakers and screenwriters from around the world.
Submissions must be original works and can be in any genre, including narrative fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental films.
Screenplays should be original and written in English or accompanied by an English translation.
Submission Process:
Submissions will be accepted exclusively through our officially designated submission partner, FilmFreeway and also directly. Write to us for more information on direct submission.
Filmmakers and screenwriters must provide the required information, including contact details, film or screenplay synopsis, production credits, and any relevant links or files or any other information.
Submission fees will apply, deadlines shall be announced in advance. The submission fees shall be used to run operational costs such as paying an honorarium to the juries, buying stationeries for the festival, running an office, etc. Cash grants are given out to eligible filmmakers and screenwriters as and when we receive them from our sponsors, if there is any at a given season. We are non-profit and our staff mostly works pro-bono so please don’t ask for complete waivers.
Formats and Requirements:
Films can be submitted in digital formats, preferably in high-definition (HD), with clear audio and English subtitles if the original language is not English.
Screenplays should be submitted in PDF format, properly formatted and free of any identifying information (name, contact details) within the document.
Multiple Entries:
Filmmakers and screenwriters are welcome to submit multiple entries; however, each submission must meet the eligibility criteria.
Awards Section:
Award Categories:
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary
Best Animation
Best Experimental Film
Best Screenplay
Audience Choice Award (for annual event)
Additional award categories :
Film Categories:
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Original Score
Best Production Design
Best Costume Design
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Best Sound Design
Screenplay Categories:
Best Drama Screenplay
Best Comedy Screenplay
Best Thriller/Horror Screenplay
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Screenplay
Best Historical/Period Screenplay
Best LGBTQ+ Screenplay
Jury and Selection:
The jury, consisting of renowned filmmakers, industry experts, and film critics, will evaluate the selected films and screenplays based on various criteria. The jury panel shall be shuffled every season to keep judgements and decisions fair in every way. The identity of the jury panel shall not be disclosed to protect them from them inappropriate advances.
Award winners will be determined by the jury's collective decision, except for the Audience Choice Award, which will be voted on by festival attendees on the day of the annual gala event as mentioned earlier.
Award Presentation:
Winners will be announced and honored during the festival's closing ceremony in person at the end of the annual gala event. All winners every season shall be emailed their laurels and certificates. If there’s a special treatment such as a free review or an interview or a distribution offer, the same shall be communicated via email and shall be promoted with vigour on social media.
Prizes and Benefits:
In addition to the recognition and accolades, winners may receive prizes that support their future projects, such as cash grants (shall be given out to eligible winners as and when available), production resources, distribution opportunities, or mentorship programs.
Please note that the management's decisions regarding the selection of films, screenplays, and award winners are final and non-negotiable. The jury's collective decision, along with the management's expertise and experience, ensures a fair and impartial evaluation process.