1. *Organization*
The Milano Film Fest (hereinafter referred to as “MFF” or the “Festival”) is organized by the Milano Film Fest Foundation. It is primarily funded by organizations, institutions, and private partners.
2. *General Information*
The 1st edition of the MFF will take place in Milan from June 3 to June 8, 2025.
If canceled due to a directive issued by local or international authorities in the context of a force majeure or emergency (including but not limited to situations stemming from an epidemic or pandemic, particularly in relation to COVID-19 and its consequences), the Festival may cancel screenings, the edition itself, and void any contractual obligations.
Even in the absence of an official directive, MFF reserves the right to cancel the Festival edition at any time if circumstances demand, for urgent, necessary, or protective reasons of public or private interests, particularly in connection with COVID-19. This would automatically nullify any agreements made with participants of the selected films.
In the event of a force majeure or emergency, MFF may alter the format of the Festival if needed (such as digital alternatives or a reduced program).
In all cases, MFF commits to promptly notifying participants of any cancellations, with no refunds or additional charges.
MFF adheres to current data protection laws regarding personal information.
3. *Objectives*
The MFF aims to promote auteur cinema and artistic quality, providing a platform for great films and new cinematic expressions. Milano Film Fest 2025 aspires to create an inclusive cinematic experience celebrating film culture and art, promoting diversity and innovation, and actively involving the city of Milan and its communities.
4. *Program*
The Festival has two sections:
a) “International Feature Films 2025”: premieres in Italy, featuring a selection of fiction films, documentaries, or animated films over 60 minutes in length. The selection committee will choose films from both international festivals and submissions from creators via a selection form available on [FilmFreeway.com](https://www.filmfreeway.com) (with a link from [milanofilmfest.it](https://www.milanofilmfest.it)) from November 15, 2024, to March 30, 2025.
b) “International Short Films 2025”: premieres in Italy, featuring a selection of fiction, documentary, and animation short films between 2 and 30 minutes in length. The selection committee will choose films from both international festivals and submissions from creators via a form on [FilmFreeway.com](https://www.filmfreeway.com) (with a link from [milanofilmfest.it](https://www.milanofilmfest.it)) from November 15, 2024, to March 30, 2025.
5. *Work Requirements*
Selected works must have been produced within 24 months prior to the MFF; works created before June 2023 are not eligible.
A selection committee of cinema experts will support the Artistic Director in preselecting works.
Works must be Italian premieres and cannot be available online, broadcast on television, or commercially distributed via VOD, DVD, Blu-ray, or any other media.
Works with exclusively advertising, educational, or scientific content are not accepted.
6. *Submission of Works*
Submissions for the 1st edition of Milano Film Fest open on November 15, 2024, for both feature and short films and close on March 30, 2025.
Participants must complete an online application form for each film they wish to submit, registered on [FilmFreeway.com](https://www.filmfreeway.com).
The author or rights holder must submit the work and is responsible for having the legal authority to do so. The statement provided by the person signing the registration form exempts MFF from verifying the right to submit.
Feature films (min. 60') and short films (min. 2', max. 30') of any genre and language are accepted, with no category division.
The submission fee is €20 for features and €10 for shorts. Registration is not considered until payment is completed. All uploads and payments must be completed by March 30, 2025. Incomplete or false registrations will not be considered. If withdrawn or ineligible, the fee is non-refundable.
All works must be in the original language with Italian or English subtitles. Films without subtitles will not be considered, except English originals during preselection.
Due to the high volume, the Festival may not explain non-selection reasons.
Submission implies acceptance of these Regulations. Matters not covered are under the Festival Director’s discretion.
Preview copies will join MFF's video archive, with all preselection copy expenses borne by the participant.
The author/producer/rights holder of each selected work authorizes the publication of their data on [milanofilmfest.it](https://www.milanofilmfest.it) and in the first edition catalog for promotional purposes, as per the law.
7. *Selection of Works*
From all submissions, MFF’s selection committee will designate those participating in the Festival.
Selected works will be announced on [milanofilmfest.it](https://www.milanofilmfest.it) before the Festival's opening press conference.
8. *Submission of Screening Copies of Selected Works*
Participants will receive an official notification of their selection via email by April 30, 2025.
Authors of selected works must upload DCP (Digital Cinema Package) screening copies in their final version with English subtitles to the partner lab server by May 15, 2025.
Any additional DCP copies, if required, must arrive via express courier by May 15, 2025. Late arrivals may not guarantee a screening. Exceptions may be granted by the Festival Director.
Screening and backup copies must have identical time codes to ensure accurate subtitling.
The Festival may refuse copies unsuitable for public screening.
Participants must also submit posters, press kits, and other promotional material.
All transport and customs costs are borne by participants. Return costs are covered by MFF.
9. *Copy Insurance*
MFF is not liable for copies lost in transit.
Shipping and uploading risks are borne by participants. The Festival’s liability is limited to covering the cost of producing a new copy, calculated per the producer’s indicated expenses.
10. *Screening of Works*
Works will be screened, where possible, in the original format with Italian and English subtitles.
Authors/producers/rights holders of selected works authorize screenings at Milano Film Fest for up to 5 years and promotional clips (up to 50 seconds for shorts, 3 minutes for features).
Representatives of selected works are encouraged to attend the Festival.
Directors or other crew members of selected works are invited, with complimentary non-transferable badges. MFF may cover travel or accommodation costs, budget permitting.
Producers and distributors of all selected films agree to feature MFF’s official logo in promotional materials. The logo must not be modified without MFF’s permission.
11. *Awards and Recognitions*
Two juries, composed of five cinema and cultural personalities, will award the following prizes:
- Best Feature Film Award: €5,000 and a statuette.
- Best Short Film Award: €2,500 and a statuette.
Additional prizes and special mentions may be awarded.
Awards may vary based on funding, sponsorship, and unforeseen conditions. The Festival will provide updates regarding prizes.
Producers/distributors of awarded films agree to feature the award mention in promotional materials and display the official animated logo at the start of distributed copies.
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*Video Archive: all registered films/shorts will be cataloged for consultation at the Festival venue. For public screenings, MFF will contact the rights holders.
**Notice: as per EU Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR), governing personal data protection.
