Jacovella da Celano Film Festival (4)

Festival start: 25 July 2026      Festival end: 25 July 2026

The Jacovella da Celano Film Festival is a festival dedicated to short films, established to celebrate the art of storytelling through exemplary narratives. Inspired by the historical figure of Jacovella da Celano—a woman who symbolizes courage, culture, and leadership—the festival aims to promote positive values and raise awareness on crucial issues such as gender-based violence and addiction.

Awards & Recognitions

The following awards will be presented:

Best Short Film “Jacovella da Celano”;

Best Director;

“Fabio Piccone” Foundation Award:

Young Talents Section: dedicated to supporting promising new voices in cinema.

Excellence in Cinema and Ceremony Section: an award for musicians and composers who have brought prestige to cinematic and institutional music.

JACOVELLA DA CELANO FILM FESTIVAL – 4th EDITION (2026)

Official Regulations

Art. 1 – Festival Objectives
The "Jacovella da Celano Film Festival" is an institutionalized project owned and initiated by the Municipality of Celano. The Festival aims to promote short films that tell the stories of exemplary women and men. The event intends to celebrate figures who, through their example, represent positive role models for society and younger generations. In line with the Artistic Director's philosophy, the Festival prioritizes works that stimulate growth and emulation through "good examples," avoiding the direct representation of violence as a form of social prevention.

Art. 2 – Organization, Venue, and Dates
The Festival is promoted by the Municipality of Celano (AQ) under the artistic direction of Corrado Oddi. The final evening of the 4th edition will take place at the Piccolomini Castle in Celano (AQ) on July 25, 2026.

Art. 3 – Eligibility
The competition is open to short films created by Italian and international directors, filmmakers, and producers. There are no age limits for participants.

Art. 4 – Short Film Requirements

language & subtitles: ITALIAN subtitleS ARE MANDATORY. Works must be in Italian or, if in any other foreign language, must include Italian subtitles.

duration: Maximum length is 15 (fifteen) minutes, including opening and closing credits.

Submissions: Each participant may submit a maximum of two short films.

Previous Screenings: Works previously entered in other competitions or festivals are eligible.

Format: All techniques are accepted (fiction, documentary, animation). Minimum required resolution: 1080p.

Ethical Criterion: Preference will be given to works that address the theme of "exemplarity" without resorting to scenes of explicit violence.

Art. 5 – Submission Procedures
Entry is free of charge. Candidates must submit via the designated platform:

Festhome.

Synopsis (max 200 words).

Director’s bio-filmography (max 300 words).

Declaration of originality of the work.

Art. 6 – deadline
Works must be received no later than May 20, 2026. Submissions received after this date will be excluded.

Art. 7 – Selection and Juries
The selection of works is entrusted to the Artistic Direction. All decisions are final and binding.

Technical Jury: Presided over by Francesco Cucinelli (internationally renowned Sound Designer), the Mayor of Celano or their delegate, and film industry experts.

Popular and Social Jury: In light of the Festival's social mission, a jury has been established consisting of members from the local alcohol recovery circle and the Municipality of Celano’s two helplines (Anti-Violence Center and Addiction Support), who will actively participate in evaluating the works.