The Sapienza Short Film Fest (SSFF) is an international film festival that celebrates the work of independent young filmmakers, film students, and amateur brilliant filmmakers from all over the world. It is a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent and creativity, and to receive feedback and advice from established industry professionals.

The festival was originally founded by Sapienza University of Rome and the Dipartimento di Storia dell'arte e Spettacolo (Department of History of Art and Entertainment). It has since grown to become one of the most prestigious short film festivals in Italy, and is now sponsored by both the city government and private companies.

The SSFF accepts submissions in a variety of genres, including fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental film. The festival also has a special section for short films made by students enrolled in Italian film schools.

The SSFF jury is composed of renowned filmmakers, critics, and academics. The jury selects a number of short films to be screened at the festival, and awards prizes to the best films in each category. The festival also presents a number of special awards, such as the Audience Award and the Best Student Film Award.

The SSFF is a unique opportunity for young filmmakers to network with other filmmakers and industry professionals, and to gain exposure for their work. The festival is also a valuable educational experience for filmmakers, as they have the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by established filmmakers.

The SSFF is a vibrant and dynamic festival that celebrates the diversity and creativity of short filmmaking. It is a must-attend event for anyone interested in independent film and emerging filmmakers.

Best Fiction Short Film
Best Documentary Short Film
Best Animated Short Film
Best Experimental Short Film
Best Student Short Film
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Sound Design
Best Original Score
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Screenplay
Best Director
Audience Award
Special Jury Prize

The festival also has an additional special award category list such as:

Best Short Film on a Social Issue
Best Short Film by a Female Filmmaker
Best Short Film by a Filmmaker of Color
Best Short Film Made in Italy
Best Short Film Made on a Budget of Under €10,000

Eligibility: The SSFF is open to independent young filmmakers, film students, and amateur brilliant filmmakers from all over the world. Short films must be submitted by the filmmaker or their authorized representative.

Genre: The SSFF accepts submissions in a variety of genres, including fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental film.

Length: Short films must be no longer than 30 minutes in length, including credits.

Language: Short films must be in English or have English subtitles.

Premiere status: Short films must be premiere films, meaning that they have not been screened publicly or broadcast on television or the internet before the SSFF.

Submission format: Short films must be submitted in a digital format, such as MP4 or MOV.

Submission deadline: The deadline for submitting short films to the SSFF is May 20th, 2024.

Selection process: A jury of renowned filmmakers, critics, and academics will select a number of short films to be screened at the SSFF.

Awards: The SSFF jury will award prizes to the best films in each category, as well as a number of special awards, such as the Audience Award and the Best Student Film Award.

Screening: All selected short films will be screened at the SSFF. Filmmakers are encouraged to attend the festival and participate in the Q&A sessions following the screenings.

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  • Great selection of Shorts!!! Competent Jury and outstanding partnerships. Amazing experience for student film makers

    December 2017