Independence - Future of Cinema that is happening now.
In 2022 We’re opening our hearts to all forms of independent filmmaking.
MIAFF celebrate, screen, promote and work with independent creators.
Here at the centre of Italian culture you’ll be immersed in the new era of cinematography. We’re screening works that have the power to evoke emotions and change minds. We’re selecting works every 3-4 months and best of the bests will compete in offline screenings

The Annual Event, featuring screenings, Q&A sessions, and networking with filmmakers, will be held on October 24, 2026, at 8:00 PM.

Venue: Anteo Palazzo del Cinema (Sala Ciak)

Awards & Prizes

Best Picture
Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Drama
Best Comedy
Best Horror
Best Thriller
Best Action
Best Sci-Fi
Best Fantasy Film
Best Crime Film
Best Mystery Film
Best Film Noir
Best Virtual Reality
Best Documentary
Best Animation
Best Microfilm
Best Indie Film
Best Web Series
Best TV Series
Best Web/TV Pilot
Best Music Video
Best Experimental Film
Best Inspirational Film
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Actor in an Indie Film
Best Actress in an Indie Film
Best Child/Young Actor
Best Child/Young Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Duo
Best Ensemble
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Original Score
Best First Time Director (Feature)
Best First Time Director (Short)
Best Student Film
Best TV Series
Best Web/TV Pilot
Best Song in a Film
Best Sound Design
Best Visual Effects
Best Trailer
Best Original Story
Best Television Script
Best Screenplay Short
Best Screenplay Feature
Best First Time Screenwriter

Rules & Terms

Films must have been completed in the past 4 years.
We consider films regardless of their premiere status.
Even if your film has already premiered at another festival, whether it screened at a physical venue or online, it’s still eligible for consideration.
The applicant holds the sole responsibility of copyright clearance of any copyrighted material in the film.
The festival has the right to use a trailer, stills, pics and posters for promotional purposes in various film magazines, social media, websites, etc.
Entry fees are non refundable.
English subtitles are required for foreign language films.
Shorts must be less than 50 minutes. All projects over 50 minutes should submit to the feature category.
The festival will only communicate with the submitter of the film project.

Festival reserve rights to change date and place of the annual event due to COVID - restrictions.
29 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • SHULIN ZHANG

    It is easy to win the honorary award of the Milan Independence Award. Thank you, judges! This is a very special day. Thank you for everyone's affirmation and support! I'm looking forward to our next meeting!

    February 2026
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  • Arseny Ovchinnikov

    Great emotions, very excited for the results! Thank you very much for choosing our film!

    February 2026
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  • Fragolon Film omarcremon

    Thank you for selecting my first short film. The screenings and discussions between the authors take place in a comfortable and relaxing room.

    February 2026
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  • Fumitaka Otoguro

    It is a great honor to receive the Best Narrative Award from the Millan Independent Awards.

    “TOKYO STRANGE TALE” is a deeply personal film that explores grief, obsession, and beauty within the landscape of Tokyo.
    To have its storytelling recognized in this way is incredibly meaningful to me and our entire team.

    Thank you so much to the festival for this recognition and encouragement.

    — Fumitaka Otoguro
    Producer, Lead Actor, and Creator
    “TOKYO STRANGE TALE”

    July 2025
    Helpful
  • Sergio Garcia

    We were delighted to receive the news that our short film "i-REAL" won Best Short Film. Thank you to the organizers and collaborators!

    July 2025
    Helpful