Tuscania in Corto Short Film Festival - 6th Edition 2026

Introduction and Rationale for the Festival

The "Tuscania in Corto Short Film Festival" presents itself for its sixth edition (2026) as a key event for the promotion of film culture, social integration and the enhancement of the Tuscania area, historically known as the "Land of Cinema" (the filming location of landmark films such as L'armata Brancaleone, Romeo and Juliet and The Gospel According to St Matthew).

The event has consolidated its importance, as demonstrated by the results of the 2025 edition:

• 461 participating short films.
• Submissions from 27 countries around the world.
• Growing media attention and high quality of the finalist works.

This project is not merely a film showcase, but a cultural laboratory that uses the dynamic and accessible format of short films to stimulate debate, education and community involvement.

Festival Programme and Structure (2 Days)

The Festival is structured around two thematic days to maximise the involvement of different audiences and address highly topical issues.

Friday (Morning, from 10:00) – School Short

Focus: School Short (participation of lower and upper secondary schools with their film projects).

Activities:

• Screening of the finalist short films made by students.
• Discussion/meeting with students on the theme of cinema as an educational and expressive tool.
• Award ceremony for Best Short Film in the "School Short" category.

Objective: To introduce young people to audiovisual media, stimulate creativity and encourage visual literacy.

Friday (Afternoon, from 16:00) – International Shorts

1. "International Shorts": Works of various genres (fiction, animation, experimental) from around the world that demonstrate particular innovation and artistic quality.

Official Events:

• Screening of the finalist short films in the "International Shorts" section.
• Award ceremony for the winner of the "International Shorts" section.

Saturday (Morning, from 10:00)

Competition Sections and Focus:

• "Al Femminile" (Female Perspectives): Short films exploring gender issues, equality, discrimination or highlighting female figures.
• "Ambiente" (Environment): Short films focusing on sustainability, ecology, climate change and the relationship between people and their environment (particularly relevant to the Tuscia area).

Activities:

• Screening of the finalist short films in the "Al Femminile" section.
• Screening of the finalist short films in the "Ambiente" section.
• Screening of the winner of the "School Short" section.
• Presentation by Assotuscania Association.
• Presentation by Katairo Association.
• Presentation by FECS – Travelling Deaf Film Festival, whose aim is to promote Deaf identity and sign language through sustainable and collaborative management, spreading awareness of Deaf cinema throughout Italy.
• Awards: Presentation of awards for the "Al Femminile" and "Ambiente" sections.

Saturday (Afternoon, from 16:00) – Finalist Short Films in Competition

Competition Sections and Focus:

1. "Sociale" (Social Issues): Short films addressing current issues, inclusion, human rights, marginalisation and solidarity.
2. "Tema Libero" (Open Theme): Works of various genres (fiction, animation, experimental) that demonstrate particular innovation and artistic quality.

Official Events:

• Guest of Honour: The participation of actor Massimo Bonetti for a public discussion is almost certain.
• Screening of the winner of the "School Short" section.
• Screening of the finalist short films in the "Sociale" section.
• Screening of the finalist short films in the "Tema Libero" section.
• Presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to director Paolo Bianchini.
• Awards: Presentation of awards for the "Sociale" and "Tema Libero" sections.
• Closing of the Festival.

Cultural, Social and Economic Impact

The festival forms part of the Municipality's cultural policies, providing direct benefits:

• Promotion of the Local Area: Promotion of Tuscania's image internationally (461 short films from 27 countries) and strengthening of its historical identity as a filming location.
• School Involvement: The introduction of a competition section dedicated to schools stimulates young people's creativity and the responsible use of audiovisual media, in line with civic and digital education.
• Tourism-Related Economic Activity: The three days of the Festival generate visits to accommodation facilities, restaurants and commercial establishments, contributing to the local economy.
• Inclusion and Debate: The thematic sections ("Sociale", "Al Femminile", "Ambiente") stimulate debate on relevant issues, transforming cinema into a vehicle for civic awareness.
• Cultural Quality: The high quality of the works (as confirmed by previous editions) enhances the Municipality's cultural offering, attracting a broad and discerning audience.