1. ORGANISATION
ShorTS International Film Festival (ShorTS IFF) is organised by the Maremetraggio Association and financed by public entities and private sponsors.
2. DATES AND DURATION
The 27th edition of ShorTS International Film Festival will be held in Trieste, Italy, from June 27 to July 4, 2026 for a total of 8 (eight) days.
3. COMPETITIVE SECTIONS
The Festival has seven competitive sections. In 2023, three new sections have been added to diversify and complete the thematic fields of the traditional Maremetraggio section. This year, a new competitive section dedicated to horror short films has been introduced.
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 2025.
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 2025.
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 2025.
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 2025.
3.5 SHORTS HORROR PICTURE SHOW SECTION
This new section is intended as a tribute to horror genre cinema, seen as a celebration of imagination and the creative world of ideas, nightmares, and obsessions—yet always in contrast and resistance to the more insidious and disturbing horrors of everyday life. The section is dedicated to short films from all over the world, with a maximum duration of 20 minutes (including titles), produced after January 2025, and falling within the genres of horror, fantasy, grotesque, or gothic—whether animated, fictional, or experimental.
3.6 SHORTER KIDS’N’TEENS SECTION
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 2025.
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.
3.7 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 the following platform, on or before February 16, 2026:
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.
