NOAM Film Festival is a celebration of independent North American cinema in Italy, held in the vibrant city of Faenza. Dedicated to uncovering fresh talent and showcasing the best of indie filmmaking, NOAM offers a dynamic platform for storytellers and cinephiles alike. Many of the featured films have their Italian premiere at NOAM, offering audiences a first look at groundbreaking works from North America.

NOAM complements its feature film competition with a competitive shorts section. The festival is proud to host internationally renowned filmmakers, with special guests such as Andrea Pallaoro, Tim Sutton, Chris Nash and Miguel Salgado and a prestigious lifetime achievement award honoring an iconic figure in independent cinema.

Beyond screenings, NOAM thrives as a hub of creativity and connection. Attendees can engage in thought-provoking panels, lively parties, and exclusive special events, making it a must-attend destination for discovering the voices shaping the future of North American cinema.

Awards & Prizes

NOAM winners receive a valuable physical award made of ceramic, a hallmark of Faenza, a symbol of the city’s heritage and a shining example of Made in Italy excellence, crafted by the renowned ceramicist Andrea Salvatori. This unique and prestigious award not only honors the artistic achievements of the filmmakers but also highlights the rich cultural heritage of Faenza. Moreover, films showcased at NOAM have the exciting potential to secure distribution in Italy, providing filmmakers with an invaluable opportunity to reach new audiences and gain international recognition.

Rules & Terms

THE FESTIVAL AND THE ORGANIZATION

NOAM aims to promote the art of independent cinema from North America through the presentation of groundbreaking and thought-provoking films.

DATE AND DURATION

The upcoming edition will take place from November 12 to 17, 2025.

SECTIONS IN COMPETITION

NOAM features two competitive sections focusing on both feature films and short films (labeled NOAM Lab).

SHORT FILM SUBMISSION RULES

- Eligibility Criteria -

1. Duration: Films must have a maximum duration of 30 minutes.
2. Production Countries: Films must have been produced in Canada, Mexico, the United States, or the Caribbean; films from other countries will only be considered if the director is from the countries already mentioned.
3. Premiere Status: Priority will be given to films that have not yet had an Italian premiere.
4. Production Year: Only films produced after January 1 2024 will be considered..

- Submission Process -

1. Opening Date: Submissions open on January 15, 2025.
2. Deadline: The submission deadline is September 30, 2025. The early bird deadline is May 31, 2025, while the regular deadline is August 15, 2025.

- Technical Requirements -

1. Resolution: Minimum recommended resolution is Full HD (1920 x 1080).
2. Video Codec: Apple ProRes 422HQ or Apple ProRes 444 / H264 or H265 (minimum bitrate 20Mbps).
3. Video Container: .mov or .mp4
4. Audio: If possible, provide audio in uncompressed .wav format, 24bit - 48kHz, 3.0 or 5.1 channels preferred or Stereo audio.
5. Recommended frame-rate is 24 fps.

- Language and Subtitles -

There must be no subtitles printed on the file: a dialogue list must be provided in English or Spanish or French in .srt (the frame-rate must match with the film sent).

- Additional Materials -

Promotional Materials: Please send at least three high-resolution images of the work, any promotional material, posters, director’s photo, and biography.

- Rights and Permissions -

1. Ownership: The director/distribution submitting the work must hold the rights to the film and any accompanying material. By submitting a film, the director/institution certifies that all images and soundtracks used are either original or authorized by the rights holder.
2. Permissions: By submitting, the director/distribution authorizes the festival to promote the work, organize one single screening and use excerpts or promotional material without infringing on copyrights. Only the winning short will have a second screening within the festival.

- Legal Responsibilities -

1. Compliance: The director/distribution must ensure that the submitted work does not violate the rights of any individual or entity. This includes ensuring that no content in the film infringes on copyright, privacy, or any other legal rights.
2. Liability: The director/distribution agrees to indemnify the festival and its organizers against any legal claims or disputes arising from the submitted work.

SELECTION AND AWARDS

1. Selection: Films selected for the festival will be notified via email. Selected films must provide a high-quality digital copy for screening.
2. Awards: Winners will receive a prestigious physical award crafted from ceramic by renowned Faenza-based ceramicist Andrea Salvatori. The exposure and recognition from NOAM can lead to opportunities for distribution in Italy.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Changes: The festival reserves the right to make changes to the rules and regulations without prior notice.
2. Agreement: By submitting a film, the applicant agrees to all terms and conditions outlined above.

For further details and updates, visit our official website or contact us at: associazionefilmeeting@gmail.com