Coliseum International Film Festival (6)

Festival start: 24 August 2026      Festival end: 26 September 2026

VI COLIFFE - COLiseum International Film Festival 2026

THE SIXTH EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATING WORKS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

IT HAS A DEEP INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION AND WAS CREATED WITH THE GOAL AND NEED TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENT CINEMA AND FIRST FILMS.

FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES

The sixth edition of the Festival defines itself as social, meaning its aim is to promote the aggregation of all the protagonists of independent cinema and debut works.

From August 24 to September 1, 2026, the COLiseum International Film Festival (COLIFFE) will be organized online through two web channels, one Italian and one international, where the finalist works will be broadcast in full HD or 4K for online public voting.

Screenings will be held 24 hours a day online in full HD and 4K on Coliffe TV and Coliffe TV International.

From September 17 to 25, the best works from the 9 competitions will be screened in 4K.
On September 26, 2026, the gala evening will take place with the presentation of the 51 awards.

All activities will take place in Sardinia island.

The Festival is organized by the Pianeta Empatia Social Promotion Association.

The association promotes and pursues exclusively the goal of promoting human, civil, cultural, and social solidarity, which are grounded in the principles of the Italian Constitution.

The association focuses its attention specifically and primarily on:

The development of the human personality in all its expressions and the removal of obstacles that impede the implementation of the principles of freedom, equality, equal social dignity, and equal opportunity, promoting the right to health, social protection, education, culture, training, and sport, as well as the enhancement of professional skills and abilities; and the promotion of welcome and hospitality for individuals, adults or minors, Italian or foreign, with disabilities, marginalization, and/or social vulnerability, including in conjunction with the proposed public or private entities.

To promote the leisure time of disabled and marginalized individuals, through educational and community initiatives of a cultural, sports-recreational, and social nature aimed at preventing hardship and/or deviance (e.g., festivals, shows, stays, weekly meetings at the headquarters, Sunday outings, peace education, ecological and environmental protection initiatives, etc.).

The association also provides, based on additional availability, the following initiatives, listed by way of example:

• study and research services, management of information, multimedia, and social spaces, including in prisons and detention centers for adults and minors;

• support and initiatives for any cultural activity (exhibitions, conferences, and events), music videos, theater, and cinema, physical expression and gymnastics, amateur and recreational sports activities, nutrition education, and the provision of food and beverages, including for a fee or contribution;

• promotion and implementation of any cultural activity (exhibitions, conferences, and events), music videos, theater, and cinema, physical expression and gymnastics, amateur and recreational sports activities, nutrition education, and the provision of food and beverages, including for a fee or contribution;

• Community-based hospitality, including non-hotel accommodations, for social tourism purposes, aimed at socially marginalized individuals and their families and/or associations.

The PIANETA EMPATIA Association, committed to developing proposals that promote cultural opportunities in the region, sees cinema as a vehicle through which a region can initiate a process of cultural growth capable of triggering development mechanisms in conjunction with the region's activities.

In this case, the region is the splendid reality of Sardinia and its beaches, places rich in natural oases, ancient ruins, and breathtaking views, as well as a generous food and wine offering.

The festival's goal is to foster international competitiveness through attractiveness, a theme that concerns regions not only for what they are but also for how they can be developed and communicated. A region is social value, value of exchange, and value of experiences, but also cultural value and economic value.

And the theme of exchange between economy, experience, and culture is what drove us to focus on these territories, which, located in this splendid geographical area, can spread the culture of cinema as a privileged meeting place for the histories of distant countries and peoples, fostering the rapprochement of different cultures.

The Coliseum International Film Festival is a fundamental resource for the film industry as it not only contributes significantly to the cultural, economic, and social development of the region in which it is held, but also constitutes an essential link in the film industry ecosystem.

The Coliseum International Film Festival has multiple missions:

• it promotes awareness and dissemination of international cinema in all its forms as art, entertainment, and industry, in a spirit of freedom, equality, and equal opportunity;

• it offers filmmakers broader recognition for their work, spreading word of mouth
among critics, film buffs, and audiences;

• it discovers new talent and helps structure emerging production areas;

• it creates business opportunities for films that have not yet secured agreements for commercial exploitation or for specific territories.

COLIFFE can be considered a GREEN FESTIVAL in many ways, from Sustainable Mobility (the locations are always located near subway and/or train stops, which are recommended to guests, along with electric vehicles and car sharing) to Sustainable Energy Consumption (in-person locations, the goal is to reduce energy consumption, reducing lighting to the bare minimum and setting the heating system to the lowest level for comfort), and from Printing Materials (digital formats are preferred for communication, information, and promotion of the event, or printed press materials).

From Waste Management (separate waste collection at numerous collection points and easily recognizable and visible bins) to Guest Management (only digital train and subway tickets are offered, and hotels are certified by Travelife or Green Globe), from Food Sustainability (local DOCG wines, water and soft drinks on tap, no food waste, local seasonal products, washable tableware, and certified tissue paper napkins) to Environmental Culture and Social Sustainability (sponsors who share and support the festival's sustainability values and suppliers with a certified Environmental Management System, selected locations free of architectural barriers and accessible to people with disabilities and special needs, promotion of gender equality and the full participation of all individuals, and valorization of the local area), all the way to Training and Communication (staff adequately trained in environmental sustainability and the conduct policies adopted by management, and communication of the festival's environmental and eco-sustainable policies).

The festival invites all participants, in every capacity and role, to pay particular attention to adopting green behaviors.

JURIES AND AWARDS

The jury is chaired by Film Producer ROBERTO BESSI.

The jury will also include other leading figures in the relevant film industry categories.

In addition to the official awards, there will also be an online audience award and any other recognitions.

The Festival program is divided into the following film sections, each awarding the following prizes:

ITALIAN FEATURE FILM Competition
11 categories will receive the "VI COLIFFE 2026" award:

Best ITALIAN FEATURE FILM, Best ITALIAN FEATURE FILM judged by the ONLINE AUDIENCE, Best DIRECTOR, Best ACTOR, Best ACTRESS, Best SUPPORTING ACTOR, Best SUPPORTING ACTRESS, Best PHOTOGRAPHY, Best SCREENPLAY, Best PRODUCTION DESIGN, and Best MUSIC.

INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM Competition
8 categories awarded with the "VI COLIFFE 2026" award:

Best INTERNATIONAL FILM, Best INTERNATIONAL FILM judged by the ONLINE AUDIENCE, Best DIRECTOR, Best MUSIC, Best ACTOR, Best ACTRESS, Best SUPPORTING ACTOR, Best SUPPORTING ACTRESS.

ITALIAN DOCUMENTARY Competition
4 categories awarded with the "VI COLIFFE 2026" award:

Best ITALIAN DOCUMENTARY FILM, Best ITALIAN DOCUMENTARY FILM judged by the ONLINE AUDIENCE, Best DIRECTOR, Best EDITING.

INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY Competition
4 categories awarded with the "VI COLIFFE 2026" award:

Best INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FILM, Best INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FILM judged by the ONLINE AUDIENCE, Best DIRECTOR, Best EDITING.

ITALIAN SHORT FILM Competition
5 categories awarded with the "VI COLIFFE 2026" award:

Best ITALIAN SHORT FILM, Best ITALIAN SHORT FILM judged by the ONLINE AUDIENCE, Best DIRECTOR, Best ACTOR, Best ACTRESS.

INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM Competition
5 categories awarded with the "VI COLIFFE 2026" award:

Best INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM, Best INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM judged by the ONLINE AUDIENCE, Best DIRECTOR, Best ACTOR, Best ACTRESS.

INTERNATIONAL ANIMATED SHORT FILM Competition
5 categories awarded with the "VI COLIFFE 2026" award:

Best ANIMATED SHORT FILM, Best ANIMATED SHORT FILM judged by the ONLINE AUDIENCE, Best DIRECTOR, Best ANIMATION, Best MUSIC.

INTERNATIONAL SPORTS VIDEO COMPETITION
Five categories awarded the "VI COLIFFE 2026" prize:

Best SPORTS VIDEO, Best SPORTS VIDEO judged by the ONLINE AUDIENCE, Best DIRECTOR, Best SCREENPLAY, Best SET DESIGN.

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC VIDEO COMPETITION
Four categories awarded the "VI COLIFFE 2026" prize:

Best MUSIC VIDEO, Best MUSIC VIDEO judged by the ONLINE AUDIENCE, Best DIRECTOR, Best MUSIC.

REGULATIONS

General Rules

Participation in the Festival implies compliance with these Regulations.

Producers, distributors, or other parties submitting films are responsible for ensuring they are legally authorized to submit their films to the Festival.

The Director reserves the right to resolve any cases not covered by these Regulations, as well as to waive the Regulations in specific and well-founded cases.

For any disputes regarding the interpretation of individual articles of the Regulations, the original Italian text shall prevail.


FESTIVAL REGISTRATION
ELIGIBILITY FOR SUBMISSION

Audiovisual works of recent production, completed after January 1, 2025, may participate in the competition sections.

They must not have been submitted in any other format or length for selection in previous editions of the Festival.

There is no premiere policy for submissions.

Exceptions to these conditions may be made at the sole discretion of the Director.

For works officially selected for the final phase, the only format permitted for screening is the Digital Cinema Package (DCP).

For all works of a nationality other than Italian, a copy subtitled in Italian or english is required for selection.

english or Italian subtitles are mandatory, even for films in their original english version.

Subtitling costs are in any case the submitters' responsibility.


SUBMISSION deadline

Submissions will be accepted starting January 9, 2026. The deadline is June 30, 2026.

The extended deadline is July 20, 2026.

The final deadline is August 10, 2026.

SUBMISSION FORMAT
Audiovisual works may be submitted:

A - on DCP - Region-FREE Blu-ray or DVD (PAL or NTSC standard - works in HDCAM and QT ProRes files are not accepted)

The title, screening format, and running time must be clearly labeled on the cover.

Please avoid stickers on the cover.

DCP Packaging Format
If selected for the final in-person screening, videos must be available for screening in DCP. DCP (digital cinema package) is the digital format for the theatrical distribution of an audiovisual work, preserving the product's initial quality for large-screen projection.

The required DCP conversion type is unencrypted (KDM-free), allowing you to organize your screenings with complete freedom and without any KDM key duration constraints.

The recommended formats are frame sequences in DPX or TIFF, or video essences with lossless encoding. Uncompressed WAV for audio.

The DCP must be certified and compliant with the latest InterOP or SMPTE standards.

If a DCP presents any issues, such as technical data errors or non-compliance with the SMPTE-DCP standard or Interop-DCP specifications, the festival cannot resolve the issue, and the submitted DCP will not be screened.

Submissions must be sent to:
Coliseum International Film Festival Submissions – COLIFFE 2026
Via Alessio Olivieri, 123 I/D - 00124 Rome RM, Italy

The costs associated with transporting the films from their place of origin to the Festival venue and back (including all customs clearance for arrivals from non-EU countries) are the responsibility of the submitters.

The submitters are also responsible for insurance coverage for the transport of all materials.

All shipping and postage costs for the package and, if the film is selected for the Festival, for all prints, tapes, and additional materials sent to the Coliseum International Film Festival must be paid by the submitter.

The Coliseum International Film Festival will not accept cash on delivery. The Coliseum International Film Festival will not absorb customs duties. All fees must be prepaid. The Coliseum International Film Festival will not accept submissions if customs and delivery fees have not been paid by the submitting party.

Packages containing submissions of works from abroad must be labeled "commercial sample" on any customs label and, for customs purposes, must have a value no greater than 10 euros.

Submitted copies will not be returned. The Festival keeps them in its audiovisual archive for private use only.

The COLISEUM INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - COLIFFE proudly accepts submissions through Festhome, the world's #1 way to participate in film festivals and creative competitions, as well as through Festhome and FilmFest. Please remember to attach the release form signed by the Production/Distribution legal representative for online publication on COLIFFE TV during the festival.

AUDIOVISUAL WORKS SELECTION
SELECTION CRITERIA FOR THE SHORT FILMS, ANIMATED SHORT FILMS, DOCUMENTARY FILMS, AND NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL FILMS SECTIONS
To ensure a high-quality selection in line with the principles of inclusion and diversity, COLIFFE adopts rigorous selection criteria. Submitted works will be evaluated by the Festival Organizing Committee, which will follow parameters based on fundamental social values such as acceptance, inclusion, aggregation, dialogue, brotherhood, peace, solidarity, and equality. Alongside these aspects, artistic content will be given importance, ensuring that the selected works offer a profound and meaningful reflection on contemporary society.

The selection of cinematographic works will be carried out according to rigorous and detailed criteria, aimed at ensuring adequate valorization of contemporary artistic production. These criteria aim to select works that not only entertain, but also promote cultural and social exploration, reflecting the rich expressive diversity of today's cinematic landscape.

The following points outline the parameters that will guide the Organizing Committee's selection:

1. Year of Production: Only works produced in the two-year period 2025-2026 will be admitted. This restriction is intended to encourage the submission of fresh and up-to-date content, in line with current trends in the film scene.

2. Unpublished Works (for national works only): The selection will only include unpublished national works. This criterion is intended to promote and enhance emerging talent, giving space to original narratives that enrich our country's cultural heritage.

3. Format of the Work: Works in full HD
(1920 x 1080) or 4K (3840 x 2160) format will be accepted. This specific technique will ensure optimal visual enjoyment, enhancing the authors' artistic and narrative choices.

4. Production Autonomy: It is essential that the submitted works demonstrate an adequate level of production autonomy, highlighting skills and creative abilities in the production process.

5. Artistic and Narrative Quality: The evaluation of works will focus on their aesthetic, narrative, and technical quality. Preference will be given to titles that stand out for their stylistic originality, in-depth scriptwriting, and directorial mastery, to ensure audiences enjoy a high-quality cinematic experience.

6. Innovation and Experimentation: Alongside more traditional productions, works that experiment with new audiovisual languages and technologies will be selected. The goal is to support the evolution of the film industry through the inclusion of unconventional narrative formats and innovative approaches to the use of photography and visual effects, as well as new digital distribution methods.

7. Inclusion and Diversity: The programming will aim to represent a variety of perspectives, giving voice to lesser-known cinema and emerging directors. Films will be selected that address issues related to social inclusion, cultural and linguistic minorities, gender issues, and current challenges regarding human rights and the environment.

8. Accessibility and Usability: To broaden the audience and ensure maximum enjoyment, subtitling and linguistic adaptation initiatives will be promoted. This will allow viewers of different nationalities to be reached and ensure access for people with sensory disabilities, helping to make cinema an accessible and shared experience for all.


SELECTION CRITERIA FOR THE SPORTS AUDIOVISUAL SECTION

In the Sports Audiovisual section, it is essential to develop content aimed at engaging young people aged 12 to 19, particularly those who participate in sports. To this end, we propose to focus on five key themes: Healthy Values of Sport, Motivational Aspects of Sport, Injury Care and Recovery, and First Aid Education.

1. Healthy Values of Sport: Sport represents an important training ground for life, capable of instilling fundamental values for the personal growth of individuals. Among the values we wish to highlight, Respect and Collaboration play a crucial role. Respect for opponents and the rules of the game is essential to fostering a healthy and inclusive sporting environment. Likewise, collaboration is crucial in team activities, where each member must work synergistically to achieve common goals. Furthermore, integration and belonging are key principles in the world of sport. Promoting a spirit of inclusivity and acceptance helps young athletes feel part of a community, contributing to their psychological and social well-being. Finally, the aspect of Discipline and Perseverance cannot be underestimated: the sporting journey requires commitment, sacrifice, and careful management of one's physical and mental energy.

2. Motivational Aspects of Sport: Alongside healthy values, it is essential to explore the motivational aspects of sport.
Motivation and self-esteem play a key role in guiding young athletes toward achieving their goals. It is essential that young people learn to set and define their own goals, understanding the importance of the effort required to achieve them. Awareness of one's strengths, combined with an optimistic outlook, fosters a winning mentality, encouraging young people to challenge their limits. In this context, it is essential to support young people in facing challenges, helping them develop self-confidence. Self-esteem, in fact, is a key factor in transforming potential into high performance and in facing obstacles with determination along the way.

3. Injury Treatment and Recovery: An athlete's recovery process after an injury cannot be reduced solely to the medical aspect; it is, in fact, crucial to also consider the psychological aspect. This theme aims to explore the psychosocial factors that influence athlete rehabilitation, highlighting how support from friends, family, and professionals (such as coaches, technicians, doctors, and psychologists) can transform a difficult period into an opportunity for personal growth. Through informative and motivational videos, the aim is to raise awareness among young people about the value of holistic recovery, thus embracing both the physical and emotional dimensions of healing.

4. First Aid Education: Safety during sports activities is of primary importance. First aid education videos are a fundamental tool for making sports environments safer. It is important for young athletes to understand that, in many situations, the presence of an ambulance is not guaranteed, neither during training sessions nor at minor sporting events. By producing audiovisuals illustrating basic first aid techniques, the aim is to train non-healthcare workers and provide young people with the skills necessary to respond in an emergency. These videos will serve not only to educate, but also to create a culture of prevention and responsibility within youth sports communities.

5. Healthy Lifestyle for Athletes: Sport promotes healthy lifestyles for everyone, and everyone can benefit from activities that improve health and well-being. Audiovisual materials will encourage greater adoption by all individuals of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, from proper nutrition.

SELECTION CRITERIA FOR THE MUSIC VIDEOCLIPS SECTION

Additionally, in the Music Video section, particular attention will be paid to content that promotes the principles of solidarity and peace. Music, combined with powerful images, has the power to unite and inspire young people towards positive causes, encouraging a message of unity and cooperation.

To support the promotion, dissemination, and distribution of Italian works, three competition sections have been created and reserved for national works: National Short Films, National Documentaries, and National Films. Italian works may also participate in two other competition sections:
International Animated Shorts, International Music Video Clips, and International Sports Videos.
In the National Film section, at least two of the 15 selected places will be reserved for films produced and executive produced with the support of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia or produced primarily by producers operating in Sardinia. In the National Documentary Films section, these places will be at least two out of 30 selected, while in the National Short Films section, they will be at least five out of 100 selected.
One of the key aspects of the programming, as a strategic guideline of the system, is its strong international dimension, which ensures a balanced representation of national works while also offering visibility to films from countries with lesser production capacity.

To ensure a truly European perspective and encourage the discovery of new theaters, it is established that at least 60% of the selected titles come from European countries other than the host country.

This will allow audiences to connect with different cinematic cultures and explore common themes through multiple perspectives.

Collaborations with international distributors and festivals play a key role in promoting non-national films. Thanks to these partnerships, it will be possible to present works by emerging and established authors, increasing the visibility of productions that would otherwise be difficult to find in traditional commercial channels.

Another essential element of the programming will be the inclusion of works from countries with less developed film industries. According to the parameters established by the European Union, at least 25% of the program is reserved for films made in countries with low production capacity, with the aim of supporting and promoting independent cinema and emerging filmmakers.

The Coliseum International Film Festival undertakes to complete all selection procedures by August 14, 2026, and to inform all applicants in writing whether or not their work has been accepted by that deadline.

FESTIVAL SCREENINGS
The Coliseum International Film Festival strives to provide the highest possible screening quality, but will not be held responsible for any failures in the technical quality of the screening.

The Coliseum International Film Festival assumes that the applicant(s), filmmakers, participants, or production or distribution company submitting the audiovisual work have insured it for damage and loss of the festival print.

Screenings are scheduled during the Festival at the discretion of the Coliseum International Film Festival.

While every effort is made to adhere to the published program, the Coliseum International Film Festival reserves the right to make changes at any time and for any reason.

The Coliseum International Film Festival will not be responsible for any costs incurred as a result of a program change.

The Coliseum International Film Festival also organizes daily screenings with limited availability during the Festival.

Information regarding the selected audiovisual works, biographies, filmographies, and photographs will be used to compile the catalog.

The screenings will be held 24 hours a day online in full HD and 4K on Coliffe TV and Coliffe TV International from August 24th to September 1st, 2026.

From September 17th to 25th, the best works from the 9 competitions will be screened in 4K.

The gala evening with the awards ceremony will be held on September 26th, 2026.

WITHDRAWAL OF ACCEPTED AUDIOVISUAL WORKS

No submitted and accepted audiovisual work may be withdrawn from the festival program after its selection, nor may it be screened in Rome outside the festival venue during the Festival and prior to its official presentation without the approval of the Coliseum International Film Festival.