Art. 1 - Overview of the Festival
The 23ª
Edition of the Salento International Film Festival (SIFF) is set to illuminate the charming town of Tricase, Salento, in Apulia, from September 9 to 14, 2025. Founded in 2004 by Luigi Campanile, SIFF has consistently celebrated the art of filmmaking, emphasizing the role of cinema as a potent cultural force and a bridge between diverse cultures and peoples. This festival is dedicated to promoting international independent films, offering filmmakers a platform to showcase their work to a global audience and engage in cultural exchange.
Art. 2
Festival Sections and Competitions
SIFF 2026 is excited to present a variety of competitive sections, each designed to highlight different aspects of international cinema:
World Cinema:
International Feature Competition - Showcasing feature-length films from around the globe, this competition celebrates the diversity and creativity of filmmakers whose works push boundaries and provoke thought.
The "World Cinema" section of the Salento International Film Festival stands as a cornerstone of the festival’s dedication to international storytelling and cinematic artistry. This competitive segment is specifically reserved for 8 to 10 international films that exemplify the highest standards of filmmaking from across the globe.
A Window on the World:
International Documentary Competition - This competition focuses on documentaries that provide insightful perspectives on global issues, personal stories, and diverse cultures.
Italy in Short:
Italian Short Film Competition - Dedicated to Italian filmmakers, this section highlights short films that encapsulate the vibrancy and innovation of Italy’s filmmaking.
Women in Cinema:
International Competition of Short Films Directed by Women
This section honors the unique perspectives and contributions of female filmmakers in the international short film arena.
International Short-Film - Open to short films from all over the world, this competition celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship of short-form storytelling.
Special Events and Tributes -
A series of special screenings, tributes, and events designed to celebrate significant contributions to the film industry and to acknowledge emerging and established talents.
Salento Award Show -
The festival culminates in an award ceremony that recognizes outstanding achievements in various categories, celebrating the best in international cinema.
Art. 3
ligibility and Selection Criteria:
Exclusive Premieres:
Priority will be given to films that have not yet been shown in Italy or other European festivals, ensuring that the SIFF audience experiences fresh, innovative content.
International Diversity: The section seeks films from outside the European country of origin to maximize the diversity and range of storytelling perspectives presented at the festival.
Jury and Awards:
Popular Jury:
Unlike traditional jury panels comprised solely of industry experts, the World Cinema section will be judged by a Popular Jury. This jury will be made up of selected festival attendees, reflecting a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives. This approach democratizes the judging process and aligns with the festival’s mission to make cinema accessible and relatable to all.
Awards:
Based on the verdicts of the Popular Jury, several prestigious awards will be assigned. These awards are designed to recognize and honor the creativity, insight, and craftsmanship of international filmmakers. The specific categories of these awards will be detailed in the festival’s program, ensuring recognition across various aspects of filmmaking.
Impact and Importance:
The Salento International Film Festival invites filmmakers around the world to submit their work to the World Cinema section and be part of a vibrant celebration of global cinematic art at one of Italy’s most anticipated film events.
Art. 4 - Film Selection and Scheduling
The selection of films for all sections of the Salento International Film Festival is personally curated by Artistic Director Luigi Campanile. With an extensive background in film and a keen eye for cinematic quality and relevance, Mr. Campanile's role is pivotal in shaping the festival's lineup. His expertise ensures that the festival showcases a diverse and compelling array of films that align with the festival's mission to celebrate international cinema and foster cultural exchange.
Selection Process:
Artistic Vision:
Luigi Campanile selects films that not only adhere to the festival’s high standards of artistic excellence but also reflect its thematic focuses on diversity, innovation, and social relevance. Global Representation: The selection aims to include films from a wide range of cultures and perspectives, providing audiences with a rich, educational, and entertaining cinematic experience.
Scheduling:
Optimal Timing:
Mr. Campanile also determines the screening dates for each film during the festival, organizing them in a manner that maximizes audience engagement and participation. This scheduling is carefully planned to ensure that each film receives the attention it deserves and fits harmoniously within the festival's overall flow.
Special Screenings: Attention is also given to the placement of premieres and special events, which are strategically scheduled to highlight key moments of the festival.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Art. 5 - Film Presentation and Subtitling Requirements
All films selected for the various sections of the Salento International Film Festival will be presented in their original language to preserve the authenticity of each cinematic work. To ensure accessibility for both local and international audiences:
Subtitles:
Films will include subtitles in both Italian and English. This dual-subtitling approach is designed to facilitate a more inclusive and engaging viewing experience for attendees.
Costs and Responsibilities:
For all non-Italian films, the responsibility for the subtitling into Italian rests with the participants. The festival requires that these films arrive with Italian subtitles already in place, as this will be essential for screening at the festival. Conversely, Italian films must be submitted with English subtitles to accommodate international viewers.
Quality Assurance:
Subtitles must be clear, accurate, and professionally rendered to meet the festival's standards, ensuring that all narratives are accessible and understandable to the audience.
Art. 6
The following materials are requested for each film to be included in the catalogue:
- film stills (min. 10)
- director's picture
- director's bio-filmography
- short synopsis
- Subtitles with time code in English and Italian SRT format.
All enclosures must be sent by e-mail to info@salentocinema.com in order to be icludeed in the catalogue.
Festival Participation Guidelines
Art. 7 - Selection Notification and Materials Request
Upon selection of a film, the Festival will contact the entrant via phone, fax, or email to request additional materials needed for publication and promotional purposes.
Art. 8 - Requirement for Presence
For each selected film, the presence of at least one member of the cast or crew (director, producer, lead actor, or actress) is required at the Festival. The director and/or producer must be present to introduce their film. The Festival will cover accommodation for two nights for one representative from the cast or crew. However, flight and other expenses will not be covered.
Art. 9 - Award Protocol
Award winners must attend the Festival's Closing Ceremony. They are also obliged to mention the received award, both nationally and internationally, in all their publicity and promotional materials.
Art. 10 - Use of Film Excerpts
The Festival is authorized to use excerpts (up to 3 minutes) of the selected works for promotional purposes, as provided by the producers.
Art. 11 - Award Protocol
Award winners must attend the Festival's Closing Ceremony. They are also obliged to mention the received award, both nationally and internationally, in all their publicity and promotional materials.
Art. 12 - Use of Film Excerpts
The Festival is authorized to use excerpts (up to 3 minutes) of the selected works for promotional purposes, as provided by the producers.
Art.13
Award winners are expected to attend the Festival Closing Ceremony. Award winners are obliged to mention the award as announced, nationally as well as internationally, in all publicity and promotional material.
Art. 14
The Festival is authorised to use excerpts of the selected works (3 minutes maximum), made available by the producers, for promotional purposes.
Art. 15 Rights of the Work
By submitting their work, the director/producer/user grants the Festival the rights to use their work (including trailers, teasers, posters, sequences) for promotional and projection purposes. This includes sharing the materials on the Festival's website, social media, and with partners. The rights also extend to streaming and on-demand platforms affiliated with the Festival, with any benefits accruing directly to the Festival.
Art. 16 - Deadline for Screening Prints
Screening prints of selected films must arrive no later than July 15, 2026.
Art. 17 - Shipping Costs
Round-trip shipping charges for the selected copies are to be paid by the participants.
Art. 18 - Acceptance of Rules
By signing the entry form, candidates confirm their full acceptance of these rules and regulations.
Art. 19- Indemnification
Participants shall indemnify and hold harmless the Salento International Film Festival against any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including legal fees and court costs) related to copyright, trademark, publicity, screening, and any damage to or loss of screening videos.
