1. Organization
The Milano Film Fest (hereinafter also referred to as “MFF” or the “Festival”) is organized by the Fondazione Milano Film Fest. 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 4 to 9, 2026.
Any cancellation resulting from directives issued by local or international authorities due to force majeure or emergency situations (including, but not limited to, those arising from an epidemic or pandemic, especially regarding COVID-19 and its consequences) will result in the cancellation of all or most screenings, the cancellation of the Festival edition, and the termination of all contractual obligations on the part of the MFF.
Even in the absence of official directives, MFF reserves the right to cancel the Festival at any time, if required by urgency, necessity, or to safeguard overriding public or private interests (especially, but not exclusively, related to COVID-19 and its consequences). In this event, any contract or agreement concluded with the filmmakers of the selected films will be automatically and immediately terminated.
In case of a force majeure or emergency situation, the MFF may, at any time and if circumstances require it, modify the structure of the event (including, but not limited to, digital alternatives or a reduced program).
In all such scenarios, MFF commits to promptly inform the filmmakers of the submitted/selected films. Submission fees or any other fees will not be refunded nor become payable.
MFF adheres to data protection laws in accordance with current privacy regulations.
3. Objectives
The Milano Film Fest aims to promote auteur cinema and artistic quality, provide a platform to showcase major films, and support new forms of cinematic expression. Milano Film Fest 2026 intends to create an inclusive cinematic experience that celebrates film and audiovisual culture, promotes diversity and innovation in the industry, and actively engages the city of Milan and its communities.
4. Program
The Festival comprises two sections:
a) “International Feature Films 2026”:
Presents a selection of fiction films, documentaries, or animated films with a minimum running time of over 60 minutes, all in Italian premiere. Films in competition will be selected by a committee of selectors either through direct evaluation of films presented at international festivals or from submissions made via the selection form available on www.filmfreeway.com (linked from www.milanofilmfest.it) from October 15, 2025, to March 1, 2026.
b) “International Short Films 2026”:
Presents a selection of fiction, documentary, and animated shorts in Italian premiere, with a duration between 2 and 30 minutes. The selection follows the same process as the feature films, via FilmFreeway from October 15, 2025, to March 1, 2026.
5. Film Eligibility Requirements
Selected works must have been produced within the 24 months preceding the MFF. Therefore, works made before June 2024 are not eligible.
A selection committee (in an advisory capacity), composed of cinema experts, will assist the Artistic Direction in the pre-selection phase.
Selected works must be Italian premieres.
Films available online, broadcast on television, or released on VOD, DVD, Blu-ray, or any other medium will not be considered.
Works created exclusively for advertising, educational, or scientific purposes will not be admitted to the Festival.
6. Submitting Works
Submissions for the 2nd edition of the Milano Film Fest open on October 15, 2025, and close on March 1, 2026, for both short and feature films.
All participants must fill out an online submission form for each film or short film they wish to submit, via www.filmfreeway.com.
Submission must be made by the author or rights holder (hereinafter also the “Author”).
The person submitting the work confirms they are legally authorized to represent all rights holders. By submitting the form, the MFF is released from any obligation to verify the legitimacy of the submission and is thus exempt from any related liability.
Eligible films include any genre or language, in any format, without category distinctions, for:
* “International Feature Films 2026” (min. 60 minutes)
* “International Short Films 2026” (2–30 minutes)
Submission fees:
* Feature Films: €20.00
* Short Films: €10.00
Submissions will not be considered until the fee is paid. Both the upload and fee payment must be completed by March 1, 2026. Incomplete or false submissions will not be considered. Fees are non-refundable, even if a film is withdrawn or not selected.
All works must be submitted in their original language, with subtitles in Italian or English. Films without Italian or English subtitles will not be considered. English-language films do not require subtitles during pre-selection.
Due to the large number of submissions, the Festival may be unable to provide individual feedback on non-selection.
By submitting a film to the Festival, the participant accepts these Regulations.
Unforeseen cases will be resolved by the Festival Direction.
Preview copies submitted for selection will become part of the Milano Film Fest Video Archive (see note below). Any related shipping or submission costs are the responsibility of the participant.
Authors, producers, and/or rights holders of selected works authorize the publication of their data on www.milanofilmfest.it, in the Festival catalog, and promotional use by the press in compliance with legal regulations**.
7. Selection of Works
The selection committee will choose, from among the eligible submissions, the works that will participate in the Festival.
The list of selected films will be announced on www.milanofilmfest.it prior to the Festival, at the official Press Conference.
8. Delivery of Screening Copies
Participants will receive an official selection notification by email by April 30, 2026.
Selected films must be uploaded as unencrypted DCP (Digital Cinema Package) copies, final versions, both in the original version (without subtitles) and with English subtitles, to the partner lab’s server by May 1, 2026.
A dedicated upload link will be provided.
If additional DCP copies are requested, they must be sent by express courier no later than May 1, 2026. Late deliveries may result in exclusion from the Festival. Exceptions must be granted in writing by the Festival Direction.
All DCP copies (backup and screening) must have the same timecode to ensure proper subtitling.
The Festival reserves the right to reject technical copies that are not compliant and may prevent the film’s participation.
Participants must also provide poster, press kit, and any other promotional materials available, to be distributed to the press and for promotional purposes during the Festival.
All transport and customs costs related to the submitted materials are the responsibility of the participants.
Return shipping costs of original screening copies will be covered by MFF.
9. Insurance of Copies
The Milano Film Fest is not responsible for loss or damage during shipping.
Transport and digital uploads are at the participant’s own risk.
The Festival’s liability is limited to reimbursing the cost of a standard copy, based on production costs indicated by the producer. No additional costs or liabilities will be accepted. The value of negatives is considered equal to that of a standard copy.
10. Screenings
Works will be screened, where possible, in their original projection format, with subtitles in Italian and English.
By accepting the selection, the authors, producers, and/or rights holders authorize the screening of their work during MFF and for a maximum of five years thereafter, as well as the broadcast (TV, online) of selected clips for promotional purposes (up to 50 seconds for shorts and 3 minutes for features).
It is encouraged that selected films be represented at the Festival by a delegation.
Directors or crew of selected works will be invited to attend, and provided with personal, non-transferable free accreditation. The MFF may, depending on financial resources, contribute to travel and/or accommodation costs.
Producers and distributors of all selected films agree to mention participation in the Festival on all promotional materials (poster, press kit, trailer, website, etc.) using the official logo provided by the Festival. The logo must not be modified without authorization. All materials must be approved by the Festival.
After the Milan screening, producers and distributors agree to include the official logo at the start of the distribution copies.
Each selected film may have up to five public screenings during the Festival.
The Festival is open to the public. Ticket purchasing methods will be announced at www.milanofilmfest.it following the press conference.
11. Jury, Awards, and Recognition
Two juries, composed of five film and culture professionals, will assign the following awards:
* Best Feature Film Award
* May be awarded to more than one film ex-aequo.
* Additional Special Mentions may also be given.
* The winner receives a cash prize of €5,000 and a trophy.
* Best Short Film Award
* May be awarded to more than one film ex-aequo.
* Additional Special Mentions may also be given.
* The winner receives a cash prize of €2,500 and a trophy.
Each trophy will be awarded as a single copy to the director of the winning work.
The Festival will inform participants about award details, amounts, and availability.
Awards may be subject to change in quantity or amount, based on funding, sponsorship, or other unforeseen circumstances.
It is the responsibility of the authors of selected works to follow official Festival communications to obtain accurate and updated award information.
Producers, distributors, buyers and sellers of awarded works agree to mention the award received at MFF on all promotional materials (poster, press kit, trailer, website, etc.).
The official award logos will be provided by the Festival and may not be modified. All publications must be approved. The animated version of the award logo must also be added to the beginning of distribution copies.
* Video Archive: All submitted films/shorts will be cataloged and made available for consultation at the Festival headquarters. If public screenings are proposed, the MFF will contact the rights holders.
** Privacy Notice: Pursuant to EU Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) concerning the protection of personal data.
