Italian Film Festival USA

Audiences rate features from one to five stars; the highest average wins Best Feature Film. The 2027 short-film winner receives $500; audience votes across locations combine with a jury of city-committee members.

Feature films must run at least 60 minutes; documentaries have no duration restriction. Feature and documentary submissions go to info@italianfilmfests.org; shorts use FilmFreeway. 2027 shorts: completion by 31 January 2027; maximum 40 minutes; Italian filming, director, screenwriter or dialogue required. Non-English dialogue needs English subtitles. No widespread US commercial availability before screenings; previous festival screenings allowed. Submit a complete form and online screener. All films receive full viewing; judging covers writing, acting, production, originality, technique, cinematography, sound, editing and locations/design, favoring low budgets/small crews. Notification: 21 February 2027. Selected films require high-quality files and director introductions up to two minutes; missing introductions disqualify. Publicity materials may be requested. Each film/revision requires a separate nonrefundable fee. Decisions are final; selection is not guaranteed. Entrants affirm accurate information, representation authority, copyright/music clearances and acceptance of regulations/legal responsibility. Breaches may delay/disqualify entries. Promotional stills and excerpts up to 30 seconds are authorized unless otherwise specified. Organizers may amend policies or complete missing information without liability for errors. 2027 short-film submissions open 11 October 2026 and close 31 January 2027. The standard entry fee is USD 20 per film. The listed 1–30 April 2027 festival dates are tentative; the organiser will notify filmmakers of programme changes.