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

SHORT FILMS
-Best Short Film Fiction
-Best Short Documentary
-Best Short Animation
-Best Commercial Film
-Best short AI video
-Best short video for Social Media

FEATURE FILMS
- Best Feature Film Fiction
- Best Feature Documentary

Rules & Terms

1_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.
• Completion Date: Films must be completed between the years 2023 and 2026.
• Film Language: Films must be either in Italian (subtitled in English) or subtitled in Italian (for non-Italian language films).
• All works of a racist or defamatory nature will be automatically rejected

2_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 30 minutes.
o Commercial Films / Short AI video/ Social Media Projects: Maximum duration of 5 minutes.
o Feature Films and Documentary: duration over 45 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.

3_ Selection Process
• Jury Review: A panel of jurors, including filmmakers and industry professionals, will evaluate the submissions and award the prizes in each category based on creativity, technical execution, originality, and relevance to the festival's motor theme

4_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.

5_ Festival Participation
• Attendance: Filmmakers of selected films are encouraged to attend the festival and participate in discussions. Travel and accommodation expenses are not covered by the festival.

6_ 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.

7_ 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.

8_ 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.

9_ 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.

10_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.

11_ 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

5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Paper Horse Pictures

    Based on the submission experience and communication alone, Cinematic Motor Fest made an excellent impression. Even without attending in person, the festival felt highly professional, well organized, and deeply committed to independent film. Communication was clear, timely, and thoughtful, reflecting a team that genuinely respects filmmakers and their work. From a distance, it’s easy to see the care and intention behind the programming and overall experience. It’s absolutely a festival we would be excited to return to and continue supporting in the future.

    June 2026
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  • Pedro Bruno Rodrigues

    Two Wheel and a Crank Camera emerges at the intersection of cinema, travel, and mechanical gesture. This short documentary offers a sensitive perspective on the relationship between body, machine, and the act of filming, where the motorcycle is not merely a means of transportation but an extension of thought and cinematic time. The film is built through movement, sound, and observation, deliberately avoiding spectacle in favor of presence, rhythm, and attentive listening. Both the camera and the motorcycle demand intention, balance, and commitment.

    Receiving the Best Short Documentary Award is a meaningful recognition of this authorial path and of a filmmaking approach driven by limited resources but guided by purpose, rigor, and honesty. I would like to thank the festival, the jury, and the programming team for valuing films that explore alternative narratives and expand the language of documentary cinema. This award reinforces the importance of continuing to film the road not as a destination, but as an ongoing process.

    December 2025
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  • blue redwood film

    CMF has the potential to establish itself as an important date on the Motor Fest calendar. Modena is the home of Ferrari, and is as beautiful as it sounds. The festival takes place during the Motor Valley Fest with exhibitions from Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Ducati and more. If you are a finalist (they screen the finalists in fiction, documentary, animation and commercial), try to attend. Francesca and Fabio are very communicative and welcoming - even helping to refine our subtitles. We were interviewed for Italian TV and by Moda & Motori Magazine, which gave the short films expansive coverage. It was fantastic.

    June 2025
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  • Nino Chutkerashvili

    Great Thanks and my pleasure to this festival. Interesting films, kind people... I hope , Cinematic Motor Fest will grow up and give the people more nice days. Success to you!

    June 2025
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  • Matt Jacobs

    Wanted to give a big thanks to the organizers of the Cinematic Motor Fest. We were very proud to be asked to be included in their program. Love that they put together a film festival dedicated to motor sports! Lavoro ben fatto!

    June 2025
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