The Stop-eMotion (SeM) Days is an exciting new event dedicated to the art of stop-motion animation, a unique cinematic technique that blends the craftsmanship of live-action with the creativity of traditional animation. Held in the vibrant cultural hub of M9 in Venice-Mestre, the festival will showcase a wide range of works from emerging and established filmmakers, offering both short films and feature-length movies in competition.

The festival aims to celebrate all the techniques that are part of stop-motion animation, stop-frame animation, or frame-by-frame animation, such as puppet animation, claymation, model animation, pixilation, and cutout animation. Films that do not use one or more of these techniques for more than 80% of their running time will not be considered.

The festival runs from April 15 — 19 2026 in Venice, a city that breathes film in every possible way.

Our goal is to raise awareness and promote the various aspects of international stop-motion animation. The festival will feature a diverse lineup of around 60 short films and 10 feature films, including retrospectives of renowned artists.

The festival includes interactive experiences, such as professional workshops aimed at young talents interested in stop-motion production. Workshops, retrospectives, screenings, and talks will create a rich program designed to inspire and engage audiences from across Europe and beyond. We aims to create a lasting space for cultural exchange and discussion. The festival also offers a unique opportunity for students and local residents to experience the art of cinema in a dynamic, collaborative setting.

Join us in celebrating the magical art of stop-motion.

Awards & Prizes

TBD

Rules & Terms

Submission Guidelines:

Eligibility: Films of any genre and length are welcome for submission, provided they meet the following criteria:
Films must have been completed from June 2024 to be eligible.
All films must have English subtitles and all non-italian films that are presented with italian subtitles are welcomed.
Multiple submissions are allowed, but each submission requires its own entry fee.
Submission Formats: We accept submissions via FilmFreeway only. Please ensure your submission meets our technical specifications.
Entry Fees: Entry fees vary depending on the submission category. Please refer to our submission page for current rates.
Deadlines: Be sure to submit your film before the deadline specified on our FilmFreeway page. Notification: Filmmakers will be notified of the selection status of their submissions via email by the notification date.
Screening Formats: Selected films will be screened in the format provided during the submission process. Please indicate your preferred screening format at the time of submission.
Rights: By submitting your film to SeM Days, you grant us the right to screen your film during the festival and to use excerpts for promotional purposes.
Accepted Films: Selected films will be listed on our website and promoted through our social media channels. Filmmakers will receive laurels to use for promotional purposes.

Terms and Conditions:
By submitting your film to SeM Days, you agree to abide by the rules and regulations outlined above.
SeM Days reserves the right to disqualify any submission that does not meet the eligibility criteria or fails to comply with the submission guidelines.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
Sem Days reserves the right to make changes to the terms and rules at any time.
We look forward to receiving your submission and celebrating the art of filmmaking with you at SeM Days!
The participant declares and guarantees that he/she is the holder of all usage rights necessary for the use of the film in the context of this agreement. The participant affirms that any third parties involved in the production and distribution of the film have agreed, where necessary, to its use in the context of the SeM Days as specified in this agreement. The participant guarantees that by using the film in the context of this agreement, no rights of third parties, including persons depicted in the film, are infringed.
If you have any questions or require further clarification, please don't hesitate to contact us.