Trieste Science+Fiction Festival

Trieste Science+Fiction Festival

Also known as: TS+FF, scienceplusfiction
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Science fiction, horror and fantasy define the international film programme of Trieste Science+Fiction Festival in Trieste, Italy. Organized by the film centre La Cappella Underground, the festival combines feature competitions with European and international shorts, Italian productions, animation and science documentaries. Its Artificial Universe section explores short films made with artificial intelligence, while retrospectives and special screenings connect contemporary genre cinema with its history. The festival belongs to the Méliès International Festivals Federation, which it joined in 2005.

The 2026 edition dates are 3–8 November 2026. Screenings use the Politeama Rossetti and Cinema Ariston, alongside events at the SciFi Dome. The Fantastic Film Forum provides workshops, professional meetings and networking for the film industry.

Country

Italy

Focus

Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi

Categories

Animation, Documentary, Feature, Short

Dates

3 November 2026 — 8 November 2026

Awards and prizes

The Asteroid Award recognizes the best international science-fiction, horror or fantasy feature by an emerging director. Méliès d’argent competitions recognize European fantastic feature films and short films; their winners enter the federation’s Méliès d’or competition. The 2026 announcement also identifies the Stars War critics’ award for the best first feature.

Festival rules

2025 regulations, as published in the festival’s submission profile: The Asteroid competition accepts first, second or third features by emerging directors, completed within the preceding 18 months and unreleased in Italy. The 2025 minimum running time is 70 minutes. European fantastic features enter the Méliès d’argent competition from 59 minutes. European fantastic shorts run up to 25 minutes, are completed within the preceding 18 months and require an Italian premiere. European eligibility follows the federation’s production rules. Winning Méliès films proceed to the Méliès d’or competition. Films previously submitted or outside the genre requirements are disqualified.

Contacts

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