LATERALE FILM FESTIVAL is an international non-competitive festival of cinematic art organized by the Associazione Culturale Laterale.

Its aim is to highlight the most innovative aspects of contemporary audiovisual languages and to bridge the gap between artistic research and public engagement. Particular attention is given to young and independent filmmakers, as well as to self-made, no-budget works that result from individual exploration.

The tenth edition of LATERALE will take place in Cosenza (Italy), at cinema San Nicola, in August 2026.

The festival promotes a free and stimulating platform for sharing, showcasing what is usually neglected or rejected due to its departure from conventional approaches to making and interpreting cinema.

It is a space that breaks down barriers and prejudices, resisting massification and standardization; a space that aims to become an artistic laboratory where the cinema of the future can be discovered today.

Rules & Terms

1) Films of all genres, styles, and narrative forms released on or after January 1st, 2024, are eligible.

2) Films must have a maximum length of 20 minutes, including credits.

3) Films may only be submitted via FilmFreeway.

4) The registration fee is non-refundable and is considered a voluntary contribution to Associazione Culturale Laterale for the event's organization.

5) The film selection is curated by the festival's artistic direction; notification of selection must remain confidential until the program is announced.

6) Once selected, films cannot be withdrawn from the festival.

7) Some frames from the selected films may be used for festival promotional purposes.

8) Selected films will be added to the Laterale Film Festival archive and will not be commercially exploited to protect the interests of the authors and producers. The organizers commit to using the films solely for cultural purposes.

9) Films submitted in previous editions and not selected will not be considered.

10) The festival's direction reserves the right to include in the Lateral Selection films that slightly exceed the scheduled time limits but are considered significant for their artistic value.

11) Participation in the festival implies full acceptance of these regulations. The artistic direction has final judgment on any controversial cases.
22 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alena Starostina

    We were absolutely delighted to be part of the program of this wonderful film festival. It is incredible how attentively and thoughtfully the organizers approach the film selection, how they shape the overall concept of the program out of these films, and how creatively they design everything around it. In every aspect, one can feel the love and passion for cinema. We wish the entire team every success and further growth. And we also wish for ourselves to return to Cosenza in the future and once again experience the wonderful films at the Laterale Film Festival!

    September 2025
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  • José Freitas

    We’ve participated in many festivals, but not all of them make you feel truly accompanied throughout the process. Laterale Film Festival stood out from the very first contact for its clarity, kindness, and genuine care towards filmmakers. Communication was always warm and efficient. Even though we couldn’t be there in person, we truly felt that our work was received with real attention and sensitivity.

    It was our first time presenting a film at Laterale, and we were genuinely happy to have the 'You Belong to the River' international premiere take place there. The thoughtful curatorial note written about our film made us feel especially seen and validated — it’s rare to encounter such depth and generosity in how a festival engages with the films it selects.

    Laterale is not only remarkable for the quality of its programming, but also for the human quality of its team. We’re deeply grateful to have been part of this edition.

    September 2025
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  • Griffin Conner

    Such a nice festival! Hope to attend in person one day. Grateful to be involved!

    September 2025
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  • Joana Patrão

    Laterale is an exceptional festival with a truly unique and inspiring vision. Carefully curated, it offers great communication and reflection on films.
    Even though I couldn't attend, I felt part of the event, the team is very attentive and does a very good job communicating on social media.
    I am very proud that my film was part of this selection and I wish the Festival much success and that it continues to inspire and offer new views on cinema!

    September 2024
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  • Giorgos Efthimiou

    Remarkable festival. I would like to be there.

    September 2024
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