Bellaria Film Festival

Bellaria Film Festival

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Italian independent cinema and experimentation shape Bellaria Film Festival in Bellaria Igea Marina, on the Adriatic coast. Its history begins in 1983 with Anteprima per il cinema indipendente italiano. Approdi organises the festival, promoted by the municipality. Casa Rossa focuses on first and second works, while Gabbiano presents Italian independent films in world or national premiere across fiction, documentary, animation and essay film. An international Casa Rossa competition and Gabbiano Shorts extend the programme. BFF Industry supports filmmakers and producers through mentoring, pitching and professional meetings.

The 44th edition dates are 6–10 May 2026. The separate BFF Open Air series runs at Cinema Apollo from 25 June to 20 August 2026.

Country

Italy

Categories

Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Feature, Short

Awards and prizes

2026 edition awards (archived regulations): Casa Rossa — Best Italian Film (€5,000) and Best International Film (€5,000); Gabbiano — Best Film (€3,000) and Best Film for Cinematic Innovation (€2,000). The Italian Casa Rossa award is decided by the BFF Young Jury. Professional juries decide the Gabbiano prizes; special mentions and shared awards are possible.

Festival rules

2026 edition regulations (archived): Gabbiano accepts Italian independent films in world or Italian premiere, without restrictions on duration, format or genre, including fiction, documentary, essay film and animation. Casa Rossa Italy and Casa Rossa International are selected directly by the artistic direction and selection committee. Submissions use FilmFreeway and require the complete film, technical information, synopsis, director’s statement and biography, two film stills and a director’s photograph. Casa Rossa screening copies require DCP and Italian subtitles when the original language is different; other formats are agreed with the festival.

Contacts

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