IMDb Qualifying Festival
Rieti International Film Festival is the first international film festival held in the capital city of the Rieti province, near Rome.
The event was founded by director Nicolas Morganti Patrignani and film editor Gerardo Lamberti, and it is entirely organized and produced by the audiovisual production company REA Film, based in Rieti. The Festival boasts the support of the Italian Ministry of Culture and SIAE, as well as several institutional, technical, and cultural Partners.

The main goal of the Rieti International Film Festival is to promote independent short films in all their forms, as a powerful artistic and expressive language.
The festival aims to establish in Rieti an annual gathering where directors, videomakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts can meet, share ideas, and connect different experiences.
Special attention is also given to promoting the local territory as a potential filming location and a source of cultural opportunities.

“REA D’ORO” AWARD
The statuette awarded to all RIFF winners is inspired by the legend of Rea Silvia, mother of Romulus and Remus, from whom the city of Rieti is said to take its name.
According to one version of the legend, Rea Silvia was buried alive right in Rieti, by order of her uncle Amulius, enraged by his niece’s broken vow of chastity.
Romulus and Remus were entrusted to a servant, who saved them by placing them in a basket and setting it adrift on the waters of the Tiber River. Miraculously, the basket floated safely downstream and came to rest at the very spot where the twins would later found Rome.

OFFICIAL JURY
The RIFF Official Jury gathers a highly esteemed group of award‑winning artists and industry professionals, a mark of the Festival’s commitment to excellence.

• Giorgio Colangeli - Actor
Awards: 1 David di Donatello, 3 Silver Ribbons
Nominations: 2 David di Donatello, 6 Silver Ribbons, 1 Ciak d’Oro

• Daniele Ciprì - Director of Photography/Director
Awards: 2 David di Donatello, 4 Silver Ribbons, 3 Ciak d’Oro, 3 Globo d’Oro
Nominations: 4 David di Donatello, 15 Silver Ribbons, 9 Ciak d’Oro, 5 Globo d’Oro

• Marco Spoletini - Film Editor
Awards: 3 David di Donatello, 3 Silver Ribbons, 3 Ciak d’Oro
Nominations: 6 David di Donatello, 9 Silver Ribbons, 9 Ciak d’Oro

• Massimo Gaudioso - Screenwriter/Director
Awards: 1 European Film Award (EFA), 4 David di Donatello, 3 Silver Ribbons, 3 Ciak d’Oro
Nominations: 2 EFA, 10 David di Donatello, 10 Silver Ribbons, 6 Ciak d’Oro, 1 Globo d’Oro

• Luca Miniero - Director/Screenwriter
Awards: 1 Globo d’Oro
Nominations: 4 David di Donatello, 2 Silver Ribbons, 1 Ciak d’Oro, 1 Globo d’Oro

• Massimo Cantini Parrini - Costume Designer
Awards: 1 EFA, 5 David di Donatello, 5 Silver Ribbons, 4 Ciak d’Oro
Nominations: 2 Oscars, 1 BAFTA, 8 David di Donatello, 7 Silver Ribbons, 4 Ciak d’Oro, 2 CDG

• Dimitri Capuani - Production Designer
Awards: 3 David di Donatello, 3 Silver Ribbons, 3 Ciak d’Oro
Nominations: 4 David di Donatello, 7 Silver Ribbons, 3 Ciak d’Oro

• Daria D’Antonio - Director of Photography
Awards: 1 David di Donatello, 1 Silver Ribbon, 2 Globo d’Oro
Nominations: 2 David di Donatello, 3 Silver Ribbons, 1 Ciak d’Oro, 3 Globo d’Oro

• Walter Fasano - Film Editor/Screenwriter
Awards: 1 David di Donatello, 1 Silver Ribbon, 1 Ciak d’Oro
Nominations: 3 David di Donatello, 6 Silver Ribbons, 2 Ciak d’Oro

• Maricetta Lombardo - Sound Engineer
Awards: 3 David di Donatello, 4 Silver Ribbon, 1 Ciak d’Oro
Nominations: 7 David di Donatello, 6 Silver Ribbons, 6 Ciak d’Oro

• Ferran Paredes Rubio - Director of Photography
Awards: 1 Ciak d’Oro
Nominations: 2 David di Donatello, 1 Silver Ribbon, 2 Ciak d’Oro

• Laura Luchetti - Director/Screenwriter
Awards: 1 Silver Ribbon
Nominations: 1 Silver Ribbon

• Paola Freddi - Film Editor
Nominations: 3 Silver Ribbons, 1 Ciak d’Oro

• Pietro Morana - Film Editor
Nominations: 1 Silver Ribbon, 1 Ciak d’Oro

• Francesco Di Giacomo - Director of Photography
Nominations: 3 David di Donatello, 2 Silver Ribbons

• Menotti - Screenwriter
Nominations: 1 David di Donatello, 2 Silver Ribbons, 2 Ciak d’Oro

• Franco Pistoni - Actor
Awards: 1 Ciak d’Oro
Nominations: 3 Ubu Awards, 1 Ciak d’Oro

Awards & Prizes

PRIZES WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF MORE THAN 10.000€
(Visit the “AWARDS” page on the official website www.rietifilmfestival.com
to discover all the prizes)
The selected films will compete for several awards, assigned by the audience and by one or more juries composed of professionals from the film industry, appointed by the Festival Management. During the closing night, the winners designated by the juries will be awarded. The Audience Awards will be determined based on votes cast by the audience in the theater. The juries’ decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

Best Italian Fiction Short Film – Under 35
Best Italian Fiction Short Film – Over 35
Best International Fiction Short Film
Best International Animated Short Film
Best International AI Short Film
Best International Music Video
Audience Award for each section

The Official Jury will also present the following awards:
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Leading Actor
Best Leading Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Production Design
Best Costume Design
Best Sound

The Artistic Direction of the Festival reserves the right to modify or add to the awards listed above, as well as to grant special mentions at its discretion.
The winners will be awarded the Rea d’Oro statuette, along with products and services offered by the event’s sponsors and partners.

Rules & Terms

1. ORGANIZATION
The Rieti International Film Festival (RIFF) is organized by REA Film Srl and is supported by public institutions and private sponsors. Its goal is to promote new talents, enhance creativity and social themes, foster dialogue between audiences and filmmakers, and contribute to the cultural growth of the region.

2. DATE AND DURATION
The first edition of the Rieti International Film Festival will take place in Rieti from February 18 to 22, 2026. The organization reserves the right to modify the dates if necessary.

3. FESTIVAL SECTIONS
The Festival is divided into six sections. Film selection is entrusted to the Artistic Direction, whose decisions are final. All works must have been produced after January 1, 2021.

- Section “Italian Fiction Short Films Under 35”: works created by Italian filmmakers born after January 1, 1991, of any genre, with a running time not exceeding 30 minutes.

- Section “Italian Fiction Short Films Over 35”: works created by Italian filmmakers born before January 1, 1991, of any genre, with a running time not exceeding 30 minutes.

- Section “International Fiction Short Films”: works created by filmmakers of any nationality other than Italian, with no age limits, of any genre, and with a running time not exceeding 30 minutes.

- Section “Italian and International Animated Short Films”: works created by filmmakers of any nationality, including Italian, with no age limits, of any genre, and with a running time not exceeding 30 minutes.

- Section “Italian and International AI Short Films”: works created with the aid of artificial intelligence by filmmakers of any nationality, including Italian, with no age limits, of any genre, and with a running time not exceeding 20 minutes.

- Section “Italian and International Music Videos”: works created by filmmakers of any nationality, including Italian, with no age limits, and with a running time not exceeding 10 minutes.

4. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Film entries for the Festival must be submitted exclusively through the FilmFreeway platform, no later than February 5, 2026.

5. SELECTED FILMS
All short films will be viewed by the Festival Management, which will select approximately 10 short films for each competitive section. The management may also choose submitted works for showcases, special events, and “out of competition” screenings held alongside the official competition.
The authors of the selected films will be contacted by the Festival’s organizing office and must provide the requested materials upon notification of selection, within the deadlines established.
The selected works will be presented and screened during the four days of the event, and the finalists for each section will be chosen.

6. SCREENING OF COMPETING FILMS
The schedule and screening times are determined by the Artistic Direction of the Festival and will be announced once the program is finalized.
The selected films from all competition sections will be screened during the days of the Rieti International Film Festival at the Multisala Moderno in Rieti.

7. AWARD CEREMONY
All prizes will be presented to the winners during the award ceremony, which will take place on the evening of February 22, 2026, at the Multisala Moderno in Rieti.

8. AWARDS
The selected films will compete for several awards, assigned by the audience and Official Jury composed of professionals from the film industry, appointed by the Festival Management. During the closing night, the winners designated by the juries will be awarded. The Audience Awards will be determined based on votes cast by the audience in the theater. The juries’ decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

Best Italian Fiction Short Film – Under 35
Best Italian Fiction Short Film – Over 35
Best International Fiction Short Film
Best International Animated Short Film
Best International AI Short Film
Best International Music Video
Audience Award for each section

The Official Jury will also present the following awards:

Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Leading Actor
Best Leading Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Production Design
Best Costume Design
Best Sound

The Artistic Direction of the Festival reserves the right to modify or add to the awards listed above, as well as to grant special mentions at its discretion.
The winners will be awarded the Rea d’Oro statuette, along with products and services offered by the event’s sponsors and partners.

9. GENERAL RULES
Each author is responsible for the work submitted and for the use of any copyrighted music. Participants authorize the Festival to use their name and address for all purposes related to the event. The information provided in the entry form will be made public in the Festival catalog and on the Festival’s official website.
Participation in the competition implies full acceptance of these regulations.
These regulations are written in both Italian and English. In the event of interpretative discrepancies, the Italian version shall prevail.
4 Reviews
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  • Tara Aghdashloo

    Really glad to have been a part of the festival with Empty Your Pockets! Thanks for having us.

    March 2026
    Helpful
  • Nicolas d'Autryve

    Wonderful — the director and the lead actress loved it

    March 2026
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  • Baldassare Caradonna

    Davvero una bella esperienza, tanta professionalità e impegno.
    Festival di alto livello pieno di opere importanti nonostante fosse alla sua prima edizione. Spero di poter partecipare nuovamente in futuro

    March 2026
    Helpful
  • Jorge Morais

    It was truly a pleasure to discover the first edition of the Rieti International Film Festival. I would like to sincerely thank the entire team for the work, dedication, and passion that made this festival possible. From the very beginning, it was clear that this project was created with genuine love for cinema, something that could be felt in every detail of the event.

    What impressed me most is how remarkable it is that this was the very first edition. The festival already felt vibrant, well-organized, and full of personality, as if it had been part of the film community for many years. The thoughtful programming, clear communication, and active presence on social media all reflected a project built with vision and care.

    I would also like to congratulate the entire team for creating such a welcoming and inspiring space for filmmakers and audiences alike.

    I am especially grateful for the warm reception and for the recognition given to my animated film In Half. It was truly an honor to be part of this first edition and to share the film within such a passionate and supportive environment.

    If the festival continues to grow with the same energy, care, and dedication, I am certain it has a very bright future ahead.

    Thank you for this wonderful experience, and congratulations again to the entire team behind the festival.

    March 2026
    Helpful