OFFICIAL REGULATIONS

CIFF – Cittadella International Film Festival

- Location: Cittadella (Padua), Italy

- Award: Premio Torre di Malta – Malta’s Tower Award

 - Next Edition: May 8–10, 2026

1. ORGANIZATION & MISSION

CIFF is an international festival dedicated to promoting independent cinema and highlighting new artistic voices, set within the unique cultural and historical context of the walled city of Cittadella (PD).

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

2. SUBMISSIONS & CATEGORIES

Eligible works: produced after January 1, 2023, regardless of nationality or language, provided they include subtitles in English or Italian.

Competition categories:

- Feature Films

- Short Films (max 30 min)

- Documentaries

- Web Series (episodes or pilot)

- Music Videos

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

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

3. DEADLINES & ENTRY FEES

Entries are accepted exclusively through FilmFreeway and divided into:

Early Deadline – until November 15, 2025

Regular Deadline – until January 31, 2026

Late Deadline – until February 28, 2026

Extended Deadline – until April 11, 2026

Notification Date – by April 25, 2026

Event Dates – May 8–10, 2026

4. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Not accepted:

- Works produced before 01/01/2023

- Works already distributed in any physical or digital format, online or On Demand

- Works submitted in previous editions of CIFF

- Amateur or basic school projects

- Works made by CIFF staff members

- Works containing illegal, discriminatory, propagandistic, or pornographic content

5. REQUIRED MATERIALS

Each submission must include:

- Video file in .mp4 (H.264 codec) with download enabled

- Vertical A3 poster (300dpi JPG or PDF)

- Short synopsis (200–350 characters)

- Complete technical sheet: Direction, Cast, Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, Music, Sound, VFX, etc.

- Mandatory English subtitles if the original language is not English or Italian

- No other submission methods will be considered.

⚠️ Incorrectly submitted materials or non-compliant files may result in exclusion.

6. SELECTION

- All works will be reviewed by a technical committee and, if deemed eligible, admitted to the official selection (announcement: April 16, 2026).

- An external artistic jury will assign the awards. 

- Jury decisions are final.

7. AWARDS

Winners will be honored during the closing ceremony with:

- Premio Torre di Malta – Miniature of the medieval tower

- Personalized plaques with name and category

Main Awards:

- Best Film (Premio Torre di Malta)

- Best Short Film

- Best Documentary

- Best Web Series

- Best Music Video

Technical & Artistic Awards:

- Best Director

- Best Screenplay

- Best Editing

- Best Original Score

- Best Actress

- Best Actor

Special Honorary Awards:

- Lifetime Achievement Award

- Culture & Territory Award

- Social Commitment Award

- Future Visions Award

- New Generation Award

If winners are absent, prizes will be shipped (shipping costs at recipient’s expense, within 6 months).

8. SCREENINGS

The festival will take place in person, with a possible online section at the discretion of the organizers. Screening files must comply with the technical requirements communicated upon selection.

9. RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

By submitting, the author:

Declares to be of legal age and the rightful owner of the work’s rights

Releases CIFF from all legal liability regarding copyright, content, and contractual regularity among the authors, producers, and creators of the work

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

10. ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS

The festival does not cover travel or accommodation expenses but will provide discounts with partner facilities

If fewer than 3 eligible works are received in a category, the section may be canceled (fees refunded)

Out-of-competition works must also fully comply with these regulations

11. REASONS FOR EXCLUSION

CIFF reserves the right to exclude or disqualify works in cases of:

- Submission of works already distributed in any form

- Missing or non-compliant materials

- Unclear, partial, or misleading information in communication or infographics

- Objectively poor or low-quality project graphics/communication

- Content contrary to law or promoting hate

- Violent behavior or misconduct toward the festival

- Attempts to influence the jury

- False information provided

- Pre-existing contractual irregularities in the productions submitting their works

- Random checks may require proof of contractual regularity between all parties involved (e.g., copyright transfer agreements, director’s contract, standard contracts for staff/crew, actor/extra contracts).

12. ACCEPTANCE

Submitting to CIFF implies full acceptance of all clauses contained in these regulations.

13. AUDIENCE ACCESS

Submitting to CIFF implies full acceptance of all clauses contained in these regulations.

Info & inquiries: