The Festival started its activity as a National Festival in 1983. Over the years, the Festival has changed, until it has opened to International authors in 2013.

Ever since its foundation, it takes place in San Giovanni Valdarno, in the heart of Tuscany, between Florence, Siena and Arezzo.

The Festival consists in an Official Competition dedicated to feature and short movies in all genres, with also a special section for animated movies especially dedicated to very young audience, in addition to the official selection there are special events, special screenings for students and the section “Spazio Toscana” reserved to Tuscan productions or to directors who were born or live in Tuscany.

Winners of the competition are chosen by a highly qualified panel of judges who award prizes to the best short film and best feature film.

One of the most anticipated events is the Premio Marzocco awarded to the career of an author whose works have been appreciated all over the world. In the latest editions it's been awarded to Marco Tullio Giordana (director), Pupi Avati (director), Vittorio Storaro (cinematographer), Antonio Capuano (director) Marco Bellocchio (director), Carlo Verdone (director and actor), Abel Ferrara (director).

Awards & Prizes

[Official Awards]
- Premio Marzocco - Best Feature Film (trophy and €800 artistic contribution*).
- Premio Marzocco - Best Short Film (trophy and €300 artistic contribution*).
- Best Male Performance.
- Best Female Performance.
- Premio "Banca del Valdarno" - Best film that represents solidarity and cooperation values.

[Collateral Awards]
- Premio "Giuria Giovani" - To the best film, awarded by a giury of students of the local schools.
- Premio "Cineclub Fedic Sangiovannese" - Best film produced in Tuscany or made by a director who's born or lives in Tuscany.
- Premio "Diari di Cineclub" - Best film, awarded by a jury nominated by the Magazine.
- Premio "A.N.P.I." - Best film that represents the historical and ideological values that founded the Italian Costitution.
- Premio "Franco Basaglia" - Best film that represents the themes of mental healt.
- Premio "Accademia della Nunziata" - to the best film, awarded by a giury of the Accademia della Nunziata.
- Premio "Libera Università del Valdarno" - to the best film, awarded by a giury of the University of the Third Age.
- Premio "ValdarnoKids" - to the best short animation film, awarded by the students of the local schools.

*Cash prizes are given in the form of a contribution to the proposing artist.

Rules & Terms

1. FESTIVAL DATES
The 43rd edition of the ValdarnoCinema Film Festival will take place from October 7th to 11th, 2025, in San Giovanni Valdarno (Arezzo, Italy).

2. SUBMISSIONS
Submissions for the festival requires payment of a entry fee, as per the rates listed on the platform (FilmFreeway). The submission fee is non-refundable.
To qualify for selection, films must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2024. Film completed before January 1st, 2024 are NOT eligible for selection.
To submit, access the FilmFreeway platform via the provided link and complete the registration form in its entirety.
International films must be submitted with English and/or Italian subtitles for the selection process.
If a film is selected, acceptance of the registration terms binds the registrant to provide Italian subtitles for the film.

3. FILM DURATION
SHORT FILMS: Running time between 1 and 40 minutes.
FEATURE FILMS: Running time over 40 minutes.

4. SELECTION AND JURY
Selection is conducted at the sole discretion of the Festival's Artistic Direction.
Guarantee a national or regional premiere of the film during registration is considered a preferential criterion in case of equal artistic evaluation.
The Festival's Artistic Direction appoints a jury of experts that will award official prizes.
The Festival’s awards - except for those granted to actors and/or technical awards - are given to the directors of the film.

5. SELECTED FILMS, SCREENINGS, AND AWARD CEREMONY
The festival does not pay fees for films selected for the Official Competition.
International films selected for the official program must be provided for screening with Italian subtitles.
All selected films will be screened during the Festival days at Cinema Teatro Masaccio in San Giovanni Valdarno (Arezzo, Italy).
The award ceremony will take place on the Festival's final evening.

6. SIDE EVENTS
Films submitted may be used by the ValdarnoCinema Film Festival for promotional screenings for the Festival itself.

Registration for the Festival implies full acceptance of these regulations.
4 Reviews
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  • Diero srl

    Attenzione per i giovani autori e pubblico attento. Ottimo cinema !

    October 2024
    Helpful
  • Giovanni Guidelli

    Un Festival che nasce da lontano e sa rinnovarsi di anno in anno attraverso la sua funzione sociale e il suo legame con il pubblico. Onorato di essere stato selezionato e di aver vinto il Premio Basaglia.

    October 2024
    Helpful
  • Pegbar Animation

    Great festival thank for the selection

    October 2024
    Helpful
  • jean-marie villeneuve

    Beautiful festival, nice program and good communication. Thanks!

    October 2024
    Helpful