WELCOME TO THE HEARTH OF MOTOR VALLEY, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN!

The Cinematic Motor Fest is a unique film event designed to celebrate the intersection of cinema and the world of motorsports. Born in the historic Motor Valley of Emilia, where the passion for engines is an integral part of local culture, the festival brings to the big screen films that have made vehicles and racing the absolute protagonists of the narrative, alongside those that, although not centred on motorsports, explore the deep connection between humans, mechanics, and the road trip experience.

From the adrenaline of car races to the stories of freedom and adventure in road movies, the Cinematic Motor Fest offers a wide selection of films that, through the lens of motors, convey the essence of pushing beyond one's limits, challenging the road and fate. Set in a region rich in motorsport history, between Bologna, Modena, and Reggio Emilia — the cradle of the most famous automotive and motorcycle brands — the festival serves as a tribute to the passion, innovation, and tradition that make the Motor Valley a global reference point in the world of motorsports and automotive culture.
With a program packed with screenings, special events, and encounters with directors, actors, and key figures from the motorsports world, the Cinematic Motor Fest is the perfect opportunity to experience cinema from a new perspective, immersing oneself in stories that, through engines, tell of speed, freedom, competition, and the dream of overcoming every barrier.

An unmissable event for all film and motorsport enthusiasts, which each year transforms Modena and Reggio Emilia into the global capital of motorsport and cinematic culture.

Awards & Prizes

AWARD CATEGORIES

Best Short Film Fiction
Best Short Documentary
Best Short Animation
Best Commercial Film

Rules & Terms

Eligibility Criteria

- General: Films of any genre are welcome, provided they include a substantial element of motors, vehicles, racing, or road trips. The connection to the motor world must be inherent and integral to the creative material.
- No Public Distribution: Films must not have had any public distribution
(streaming, online) prior to the CMF edition.
- Completion Date: Films must be completed between the years 2022 and 2025.
- Film Language: Films must be either in Italian or subtitled in Italian (for non-Italian language films) or in English;
- All works of a racist or defamatory nature will be automatically rejected.

Submission Guidelines
- Submission Platform: All films must be submitted via the FilmFreeway
submission system.
- Film Format: Films submitted must be able to send the file in DCP (Digital Cinema Package) if required.
- Length:
o Short Films / Documentary/ Animation: Maximum duration of 50 minutes.
o Commercial Films: Maximum duration of 5 minutes.
- Multiple Submissions: Filmmakers are allowed to submit multiple films to the festival
- Fees: Submission fees are non-refundable once submitted. All fees must be paid via FilmFreeway’s payment system.

Selection Process
- Pre-Selection: All submitted films will be reviewed by the festival’s programming team and evaluated based on creativity, technical execution, originality, and relevance to the festival's motor theme.
- Official Selections: High-scoring films will be selected as Official Selections and will be notified by email and on the festival website.
- Jury Review: A panel of jurors, including filmmakers and industry professionals, will evaluate the Official Selections and award the prizes in each category.

Rights and Permissions
- Copyright: By submitting, filmmakers confirm that they hold all necessary rights to the film and its content, including music, visuals, and any other material.
The festival is not responsible for any copyright disputes or legal claims related to the submitted film.
- Use of Film Material: The festival reserves the right to use up to eight minutes of selected films for promotional purposes, including on the festival website and digital or print marketing materials.

Festival Participation
- Attendance: Filmmakers of selected films are encouraged to attend the festival, participate in discussions, and engage with other industry professionals. Travel and accommodation expenses are not covered by the festival.
- Marketing Materials: Official Selections may bring promotional materials for their screenings with prior permission from the festival.

Liability
- Film Protection: The festival will take all reasonable care to protect films
submitted. However, CMF is not liable for any damage, loss, or theft of submitted materials during the submission process or festival screenings.

Disqualification and Refunds
- Late or Incomplete Submissions: Submissions that are late, incomplete, or broken will be disqualified.
- Non-Refundable Fees: Submission fees are non-refundable under any
circumstances.

Indemnity
- Filmmakers agree to fully indemnify and hold the festival, its partners, and screening venues harmless from any legal claims, damages, or losses arising from the submission or screening of their films.

Terms of Participation
By submitting a film to CMF, the filmmaker agrees to all terms, rules, and conditions set forth in this document. CMF reserves the right to modify or amend the rules and terms as necessary.

Privacy and Data Protection
All personal data provided during the submission process will be used solely for festival- related purposes and in compliance with privacy laws.

Contact Information
For any inquiries or further information, please visit the official Cinematic Motor Fest website or contact the festival team at info@cinematicmotorfest.com