Terre di Cinema is a celebration of the art and craft of Cinematography, taking place in Italy, every summer since 2011.
It is an international film festival and a residential training campus at once, highlighting the emerging European talents on the contemporary scene.
Terre di Cinema is made by filmmakers for filmmakers, it brings together, in a spectacular location, rich of cinematographic history – the Taormina District, in Sicily – the present and future protagonists of the moving pictures industry. And by doing so we promote a better understanding and knowledge of cinematography and filmmaking for our general audience.
We work hard to deliver each year a high profile programme of screenings, masterclasses, technical workshops, and a residential CineCampus, attended by film students and young filmmakers from all over Europe and the rest of the world. It is a full round showcase of the state of the art of the international filmmaking community, with a specific focus on the authors who are reshaping, through their visions, the aesthetics of cinema worldwide.
As cinematographers (aka directors of photography) we are the first collaborators of directors on set – those who transform, slate after slate, their ideas and stories into moving images, starting with the choice of the lighting for each shot.
In cinema light provides the tone, the depth, the colors, the atmosphere, the emotions, the style, films are essentially written by light: our goal is to raise awareness and educate about the value and relevance of the non verbal narrative dimension of the cinematographic art.

Awards & Prizes

A Jury, consisting of at least three international personalities is appointed by the Festival Director to award:
Iris Award for Best Young Director – 100 € worth vouchers for technical equipment
Iris Award for Best Young Cinematographer – 100 € worth vouchers for technical equipment
The Festival Director reserves the right to add more prizes and awards to the main competition that will be officially communicated before the deadline of 25 April 2017.

Rules & Terms

1 – Aims
The Short Films Competition at TDC17 will highlight new, original and refreshing directions in filmmaking, with a special emphasis on the visual, non verbal narrative style of each film, as an art form and springboard for young talents.
The screenings will take place within the framework of the 2017 Edition of Terre di Cinema – International Cinematographers Days, selected filmmakers will be encouraged to actively participate in all the programmed activities, such as Masterclasses, workshops and Q&As.
2 – Eligibility
Filmmakers under 35 years old of age, by the time when the short film had been completed, are given priority.
The competition is open to all genres and types of narrative short films, including documentary, and animation, up to a maximum length of 15 minutes (including credits).
The Cinematographer/Director of Photography (DOP)/Lighting Designer positions must be present in the credits of the submitted short film.
Accepted screening formats: Blu-ray, QuickTime ProRes 422.
Date of completion: within the 24 months prior to the opening of the Festival.
In case of international coproductions the main country of production will be considered as country of origin.
The Festival Director has the right to settle any cases not covered by the regulations.
3 – Submission & Selection
Films are to be submitted in their original version for the selection process. Films in English do not require translation. Films in other languages, including Italian, must be subtitled in English.
Formats accepted for selection are online screeners only (at least 720p resolution)
Formats accepted for screenings are Blu-ray (region free / all regions) and Apple Pro Res 422 Files.
4 – Entry fees & procedures
Films will only be considered for selection after the entry fee is received. The fee for submitting a short film is: See below.
The following documents:
an online screener link (720p resolution minimum)
a short synopsis (max 1000 words)
director & cinematographer short biographies (max 1000 words each)
technical note including: Main cast and HoD’s credits, shooting format, aspect ratio, camera specs
evidence of the Paypal Entry Fee payment
must be sent to fest.terredicinema@gmail.com within the deadline of 1Th May 2017
5 – Means of Payment
Payment of the entry fee is to be effected by Paypal during the online submission to the following account:
terredicinema2014@gmail.com
6 – Versions and subtitling
All films, including Italian-language films, are shown in their original version with English subtitles.
The producer is required to meet the costs of subtitling.
The original version is the version shown (or which will be shown) in the country of origin.
7 – The International jury
The jury comprises a minimum of three Italian and international personalities.
No person involved in the production or commercial exploitation of a selected film may serve on the jury.
The Festival Director or an authorised representative may be present during the jury’s deliberations but does not take part in the voting.
The jury members are sworn to secrecy. The jury’s discussions and ballots are strictly confidential, even after the end of the Festival.