OTRANTO SHORT FILM FESTIVAL (1)

Festival start: 08 May 2026      Festival end: 25 July 2026

The Produzioni Oriente association is pleased to present an exclusive film festival. This 2026 edition, in particular, is dedicated to international short films, a unique opportunity to explore the new frontiers of short cinema.

This selection offers an authentic and inclusive overview, bringing to the big screen, in the historical and architectural contexts of Otranto and Salento, stories of life, popular traditions, and artistic expressions across all sectors. Otranto also offers a glimpse into cinematic stories featuring the sea, in all its forms and locations.
From emerging talents to award-winning directors at major international festivals, each short will be a window onto the world, capable of telling a story in just a few intense minutes and lastingly moving us.

We invite you to Otranto in July 2026 for an exciting visual journey, an opportunity to discover cultures and traditions, but above all, life stories.

Best Short Film
for each of the thematic categories:

1) Free
2) History and Traditions
3) Art in all its aspects
4) The Sea in all its contexts and places

OTRANTO SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

is organized with the aim of promoting and enhancing the art form of short films nationally and internationally.

Entry Requirements:

For this first edition, 2026, there is no limit to the year of production of the admitted works.

Running Time: The maximum length allowed for each short film submitted is 20 minutes, including credits.

There are 4 themed categories:

1) Free,
2) History and Tradition,
3) Art in all its forms,
4) The Sea in all its contexts.

Fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental videos are all eligible.


Language:

Non-Italian works must have Italian or english subtitles.

– Registration Procedure

To complete the registration process, you must provide: a synopsis, a biography of the director, and two high-resolution stills.

– Selection and Screening

• The selection committee will evaluate the finalist works and those nominated for awards based on their artistic quality and originality.

• Selected authors will be asked to provide the screening file in HD format (.mp4).

– Rights and Responsibilities

• The author guarantees that he or she owns all copyrights to the work (images, music, subject matter) and indemnifies the organization from any liability to third parties.

• Registration implies authorization for the Festival to use short clips or stills for promotional purposes.


– Jury and awards

The Jury, appointed by the organization, will be composed of industry experts and will award the following official prizes:

1. Best Short Film in each category
Special Mentions and awards, including the Audience Award

Festival Themes

1) Free
2) History and Traditions
3) Art in All Its Aspects
4) The Sea