Introduction to the film festival
The Stop-eMotion (SeM) Days is an exciting new event dedicated to the art of stop-motion animation, a unique cinematic technique that blends the craftsmanship of live-action with the creativity of traditional animation. Held in the vibrant cultural hub of M9 in Venice-Mestre, the festival will showcase a wide range of works from emerging and established filmmakers, offering both short films and feature-length movies in competition.
The festival aims to celebrate all the techniques that are part of stop-motion animation, stop-frame animation, or frame-by-frame animation, such as puppet animation, claymation, model animation, pixilation, and cutout animation. Films that do not use one or more of these techniques for more than 80% of their running time will not be considered.
Its inaugural edition runs from March 2026 in Venice, a city that breathes film in every possible way.
Our goal is to raise awareness and promote the various aspects of international stop-motion animation. The festival will feature a diverse lineup of 20 short films and 6 feature films, including retrospectives of renowned artists.
The festival includes interactive experiences, such as professional workshops aimed at young talents interested in stop-motion production. Workshops, retrospectives, screenings, and talks will create a rich program designed to inspire and engage audiences from across Europe and beyond. We aims to create a lasting space for cultural exchange and discussion. The festival also offers a unique opportunity for students and local residents to experience the art of cinema in a dynamic, collaborative setting.
Sfilmmaker is our exclusive platform for cooperation in China, and we look forward to your films. Join us in celebrating the magical art of stop-motion.
Awards
Feature Films:
+ Best Film
+ Audience Prize
Short Films:
+ Best Film
- Dragonframe Software 2025
+ Jury Prize
+ Best Director
+ Audience Prize
+ Best Photography
Rules
Terms and Conditions:
By submitting your film to SeM Days, you agree to abide by the rules and regulations outlined above.
SeM Days reserves the right to disqualify any submission that does not meet the eligibility criteria or fails to comply with the submission guidelines.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
Sem Days reserves the right to make changes to the terms and rules at any time.
We look forward to receiving your submission and celebrating the art of filmmaking with you at SeM Days!
The participant declares and guarantees that he/she is the holder of all usage rights necessary for the use of the film in the context of this agreement. The participant affirms that any third parties involved in the production and distribution of the film have agreed, where necessary, to its use in the context of the SeM Days as specified in this agreement. The participant guarantees that by using the film in the context of this agreement, no rights of third parties, including persons depicted in the film, are infringed.
If you have any questions or require further clarification, please don't hesitate to contact us.
| Jury Name | Judge photos | Jury Profile |
|---|
Authorization type
Authorization Letter
Duration (several sessions)
Film Festival Features
Dates & Deadlines
2025-05-19
Submission start time
2025-10-31
Earlybird Deadline
2025-12-31
Extended Deadline
2026-02-15
Late Deadline
2026-02-15
Submission end time
2026-03-01
Finalist notification start time
2026-03-01
Finalist notification end time
2026-04-15
Award ceremony start time
2026-04-19
Award ceremony end time
Categories and fees
2025/10/31
Earlybird Deadline
Standard: 60 Dollar
Student： 60 Dollar
2025/12/31
Extended Deadline
Standard: 60 Dollar
Student： 60 Dollar
2026/02/15
Late Deadline
Standard: 60 Dollar
Student： 60 Dollar
2025/10/31
Earlybird Deadline
Standard: 5 Dollar
Student： 5 Dollar
2025/12/31
Extended Deadline
Standard: 6 Dollar
Student： 6 Dollar
2026/02/15
Late Deadline
Standard: 5.5 Dollar
Student： 5.5 Dollar
Related film festivalMore
View in the applet
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