Cittadella International Film Festival (1)

Festival start: 08 May 2026      Festival end: 10 May 2026

CIFF – Cittadella International Film Festival is an international film event held in the stunning medieval town of Cittadella (Padua, Italy)—a walled city rich in history, culture, and architectural beauty.

The festival is dedicated to promoting independent cinema from around the world, giving space to emerging filmmakers and established artists who craft stories that move, challenge, and inspire.

The prestigious Malta’s Tower Award (Premio Torre di Malta) is the festival’s top honor, awarded to the film that best exemplifies narrative innovation, visual impact, and artistic excellence. The award is named after the historic "Torre di Malta," a medieval landmark that stands as a symbol of the city’s cultural heritage.

CIFF welcomes short films, documentaries, feature films, experimental cinema, and animation, across all genres and languages. Screenings take place in spectacular historic venues, offering a cinematic experience deeply rooted in place and tradition.

CIFF is more than a festival—it’s a hub for exchange, with masterclasses, industry panels, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities designed to connect creators and audiences worldwide.

OFFICIAL REGULATIONS

CIFF – Cittadella International Film Festival

Cittadella (Padua), Italy
Malta’s Tower Award
Next edition: May 8–10, 2026

1. ORGANIZATION AND MISSION
CIFF is an international festival dedicated to promoting independent cinema and enhancing new artistic voices, within the unique cultural and historical context of the walled city of Cittadella (PD), Italy.

It is organized by Revolux Studios S.r.l., with the patronage of the Municipality of Cittadella and the support of local cultural institutions.

2. SUBMISSIONS AND CATEGORIES
Eligible for submission are works produced after January 1st, 2023, regardless of nationality and language, provided they are subtitled in english or Italian.

Competition categories:

Fiction Feature Films

Short Films (max 30 minutes)

Documentaries

Animated Films

Experimental Films / Video Art

Student Films / Film Schools

Web Series (episodes or pilots)

Drama

Action Films and Shorts

Music Videos

Focus Italy (films by Italian directors or set in Italy)

All selected works will be considered for technical and artistic awards.

3. deadlineS AND SUBMISSION FEES
Submissions are open exclusively through the Festhome platform and are divided into:

Early deadline – €20 (until [date])

Regular deadline – €30 (until [date])

Late deadline – €40 (until [date])

4. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The following will not be accepted:

Works produced before 01/01/2023

Works submitted in previous CIFF editions

Amateur or basic school-level works

Works created by CIFF staff members

Works containing illegal, discriminatory, or propagandist content

5. REQUIRED MATERIALS
Each submission must include:

.mp4 video file (H.264 codec), with download enabled

Vertical A4 poster (300dpi JPG or PDF)

Short synopsis (200–350 characters)

Full technical sheet: Director, Cast, Screenwriter, Cinematography, Editing, Music, Sound, VFX, etc.

subtitles in english are mandatory if the original language is neither english nor Italian.

Files must be uploaded via the Festhome platform.
Other delivery methods will not be considered.
Incorrect file submissions or non-compliant materials may result in disqualification.

6. SELECTION
All works will be reviewed by a technical committee and, if deemed suitable, will be admitted to the official selection (announcement: April 16, 2026).
An external artistic jury will assign the awards. Jury decisions are final and unquestionable.

7. awards
Winners will be awarded during the closing ceremony with:

Malta’s Tower Award – miniature of the medieval tower

Personalized plaques with name and category

Main awards:

Best Overall Film (Malta’s Tower Award)

Best Feature Film

Best Short Film

Best Documentary

Best Animation

Best Student Film

Best Web Series

Best Music Video

Audience Award

Young Talent Award

Special Mentions

Technical and Artistic awards:

Best Direction

Best Screenplay (Feature / Short / Web)

Best Cinematography

Best Editing

Best Original Score

Best Production Design / Makeup / Costume

Best Sound / VFX

Best Actor / Actress (Leading and Supporting)

Honorary Special awards:

Lifetime Achievement Award

Culture & Territory Award

Future Visions Award

If absent from the ceremony, awards will be shipped (shipping costs borne by recipient, within 6 months).

8. SCREENINGS
The festival will take place in person, with an optional online section at the organizers’ discretion. Screening files must meet the technical specifications communicated during the selection phase.

9. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
By submitting, the applicant:

Declares to be of legal age and holder of all rights to the work

Releases CIFF from any legal liability regarding copyright and content

Authorizes the non-commercial use of excerpts and materials for festival promotion

10. ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
The festival does not cover travel/accommodation costs, but may offer discounts with partner venues

If fewer than 3 suitable works are received in any category, the section may be canceled (fee refunded)

Out-of-competition works must still fully accept these regulations

11. GROUNDS FOR EXCLUSION
CIFF reserves the right to exclude or disqualify works in the case of:

Missing or non-compliant materials

Content violating the law or inciting hate

Aggressive or inappropriate behavior toward the festival

Attempts to influence the jury

False or misleading information provided

12. ACCEPTANCE
Submitting to CIFF implies full acceptance of all the clauses in these regulations.

For further information or clarification:
cittadellafilmfestival@gmail.com