Since 2000, ShorTS IFF has been a landmark for short films and up and coming cinematographers at international level. In every edition, ShorTS IFF aims to make the short film genre known to a broad and heterogeneous audience, with particular attention to the young with specific sections for children and teenagers aged 6 to 15.

Selected films compete for a number of awards. Along with the best short film award as chosen by the audience, other awards will be assigned by one or more juries made up of diverse experts from the film industry appointed by the Festival management.

Maremetraggio section
Best short film award (4.000,00 €)
Best short film as chosen by the audience

ShorTS Express section
Best short film (1.000,00 €)

Italia in ShorTS section
Best short film (2.000,00 €)

AMC award – best editing

Eco-ShorTS section
Best short film (environmental themes) (1.000,00 €)

Shorter Kids’n’Teens section
Best short film (awarded by the Kids jury)
Best short film (awarded by the Teens jury)

ShorTS Immersive section
Best virtual reality short film (1.000,00 €)
Best 6DoF experience (1.000,00 €)
The selection will also participate in the VR section of FEKK

The Artistic Direction of the Festival may add awards or change the above-mentioned awards as well as assign special mentions.

Please note that cash prizes are subject to taxation according to Italian law (25% – ex art. 30, 2°comma, DPR 600/73) and are intended for the director of the winning short film. Should the cash prize be collected by third parties (production or distribution) a disclaimer signed by the director is required.

Cash prizes must be claimed within one year after notification.

1. ORGANISATION
ShorTS International Film Festival (ShorTS IFF) is organised by the Maremetraggio Association.

2. DATES AND DURATION
The 26th edition of ShorTS International Film Festival will be held in Trieste, Italy, from 28th June to 5th July 2025, for a total of 8 (eight) days.

3. COMPETITIVE SECTIONS
3.1 MAREMETRAGGIO SECTION
This section is open to short films of all genres from all over the world with a maximum length of 20 minutes (including credits) and produced after January 2024.
3.2 SHORTS EXPRESS SECTION
This section is open to short films of any genre from all over the world with a maximum length of 5 minutes (excluding credits) and produced after January 2024.
3.3 ITALIA IN SHORTS SECTION
This section is open to Italian short films of any genre with a maximum length of 20 minutes (including credits), and produced after January 2024.
3.4 ECO-SHORTS SECTION
This section is open to short films of any genre from all over the world focussing on an environmental theme (in every aspect), with a maximum length of 15 minutes (including credits), produced after January 2024.
3.5 SEZIONE SHORTER KIDS’N’TEENS
This section – which consists of two different segments - is open to short films of any genre from all over the world dedicated to children and teenagers aged 6 to 15. Short films must not exceed 15 minutes (including credits) and must be produced after January 2024.
The selection of films is divided into two segments (Shorter Kids e Shorter Teens). It is carried out by two groups made up of children and teenagers, the Selecters, during a workshop of film education guided by the Artistic Direction of the Festival. Awards are assigned by two juries, made up of children aged 6 to 10 for the Kids segment and teenagers aged 11 to 15 for the Teens segment.
Particularly welcomed are short films, animated or not, suitable for children and teenagers aged up to 15, as well as short films focusing on themes such as tackling bullying, emotional education, education to legality, environmental education, inclusion and integration, equal opportunities and raising awareness against violence against women and gender-based violence.
3.6 SHORTS IMMERSIVE SECTION
This year, the section is divided into two competitions.
The first competition is open to VR short films from all over the world with a maximum length of 20 minutes.
Compatible formats are: Video 360 3D o 2D, codec H264, audio stereo or spatial AmbiX embedded.
The second competition is open to 6DoF experiences in VR or MR compatible with Meta Quest 3 standalone (NO PCVR).
The selection will also participate in the VR section of FEKK

4. SUBMISSIONS
Short films may be submitted by completing the online procedure on one of the following platforms, on or before 16 February 2025:
Festhome (https://festhome.com/f/2418)
Filmfreeway (https://filmfreeway.com/festival/ShorTSInternationalFilmFestival)
Films submitted become part of the Festival’s archive and may be screened by the Festival free of charge for educational purposes, research and other, in different locations and contexts linked to the Festival. These screenings are always and exclusively non-commercial.
5. SELECTED FILMS
Authors of the films selected will be contacted by the Festival offices and are required to provide all the materials requested by the given deadlines.
The selection of films is carried out by, and at the discretion of, the Artistic Direction of the Festival.
6. FILM SCREENINGS
The programme and screening schedules will be established by the Artistic Direction of the Festival and published once they have been defined.

7. GENERAL RULES
Each author is liable for the content of his or her works. Participants authorize the Festival to use their data for all purposes related to the event. The information given in the entry form will be published in the Festival catalogue and on the website.
Participation in the Festival implies the full understanding of this regulation, and compliance with its terms.
This regulation is issued in both Italian and English. In case of problems or inconsistencies relating to its interpretation, the Italian version shall prevail.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • I had an incredible three-day experience at the ShorTS International Film Festival in Trieste. The event was exceptionally well-organized, and the interactions with the curator of the Virtual Reality section, Antonio Giacomin, were particularly memorable. His passion for VR was truly inspiring. I am honored to have won the Cinematic VR award for the best short film as chosen by the audience. This festival provided a fantastic platform for networking and showcasing innovative VR films. Highly recommended for short film filmmakers and VR filmmakers!

    July 2024
  • Ulf Grenzer

    We experienced a wonderful world premiere of "Monkey Domino" at the Festival's Shorter Kids section of 2021. The Children had the possibility and time to ask questions about the films after the screenings. The always friendly and patient ShorTS-Festival Team made us feel really welcome.
    The evening screenings of the main programme in a nice park under night sky gave a nice atmosphere. Thanks again for everything!

    September 2021
  • Beatrice Aliné

    Really nice festival! - Wish I could have been there in person.
    But since this year, all festivals must adapt to the pandamic, it was still a very smart way to continue to hold the festival online.
    Also I was very surpriest that the festivals ceremony was even shown on italien television. So I really hope I can visit some other year and enjoy the festival in Italy. :)

    October 2020
  • One of the best european film festivals with a friendly staff, a great selection and a great audience! Besides, Trieste is very beautiful!

    August 2019
  • ilaria maria Nizzo

    Festival molto interessante! Consiglio la partecipazione, soprattutto ai giovani registi

    September 2018