ROME 11 – 15 NOVEMBER 2026
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL
International Short Film Festival
THE FESTIVAL
The CSC – ISFF (International Student Film Festival) is a new international festival promoted by the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia, dedicated to students from the world’s leading film and audiovisual schools.
Scheduled to take place in Rome from November 11 to 15, 2026, under the artistic direction of Marco Bellocchio, the project was created to celebrate the future of cinema through the vision and work of students from the world’s leading film and audiovisual schools.
The CSC Festival serves as a key observatory for emerging trends in cinematic language, where young generations of directors, screenwriters, actors, and other professionals meet, exchange ideas, and collectively shape the cinema of tomorrow.
The Festival aims to support the professional development of young talents within the film industry by creating opportunities to connect with producers, distributors, broadcasters, and platforms, while also reinforcing cinema’s role as a universal language of inclusion, innovation, and intercultural dialogue.
PROGRAM
Five days of meetings, screenings, and training dedicated to emerging talent in Italian and international cinema.
OFFICIAL SCREENINGS
A curated selection of finalist short films from the world’s leading film and audiovisual schools.
MASTERCLASS
Talks and sessions with directors, authors, and industry professionals exploring cinematic language, creative processes, and industry dynamics.
INTERDISCIPLINARY
LABS
Hands-on sessions and workshops focused on creative development and experimentation across audiovisual disciplines.
PITCHING LAB
Project presentations in front of producers, distributors, and platforms, designed to foster real development opportunities.
INDUSTRY
NETWORKING
Spaces for students, schools, and professionals to meet and discuss, fostering Italian and international connections and collaborations.
HOW TO
PARTECIPATE
Submit your work and take part in CSC – ISFF 2026, the international festival dedicated to students from film schools around the world.
REQUIREMENTS
- Deadline: 12 pm, June 30, 2026
- max length of a short film: 20 minutes
-
Eligibility: Open to film and audiovisual schools and students
(Within 12 months of graduation) - All genres accepted
- Submission fee: €50
DOWNLOAD AREA
Download the official regulations to review requirements, submission materials, and deadlines. Everything you need to submit your work correctly.
Artistic Director
Marco Bellocchio
One of the most influential Italian film directors, is renowned for his critical exploration of social, political, and religious institutions. With a career spanning from the 1960s to the present, and marked by numerous international awards, he continues to stand out for his powerful storytelling and constant experimentation across cinema and television.
Selection Committee
Silvia Pezzopane
Silvia Pezzopane is a film critic and cultural organizer, co-founder of FRAMED Magazine and the Goga Film Festival. She collaborates with several festivals, including Orvieto Cinema Fest and Incanto Film Festival, curating film series and thematic programs. She also served as coordinator of the CSC Master’s program “Podcasting and Its Languages.”
Ilaria Ferretti
Ilaria Ferretti is a film journalist at MOW, working as a correspondent and artistic coordinator at major festivals including Rome, Cannes, and Venice. She is also involved in communication for cultural events and is co-founder of the Allegorica association and the Goga Film Festival.
Pierfranco Allegri
Pierfranco Allegri is a writer, screenwriter, and film curator. He contributes to industry publications and has received international awards for his horror screenplays. Since 2025, he has been collaborating in the organization of UnArchive Film Fest.
Leonardo Malaguti
Leonardo Malaguti (Bologna, 1993) is a writer and director. He holds a degree in Performing Arts from Sapienza University of Rome and a diploma in screenwriting from the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome. He has received several awards, including the Claudio Nobis, Vincenzoni, and Sonego prizes, as well as the Solinas Award in 2022. He participated in the 40th Torino Film Festival with his short film Pizza Panic, and in 2025 he made his directorial debut with the documentary Your Mother. He is also the author of the novel After the Flood (Exorma, 2018), submitted for the Strega Prize, as well as short stories and theatre works.
An international jury composed of film professionals, critics, and professors will award the following prizes:
- Best Film (Fiction, Documentary, VFX)
- Best Director
- Best Screenplay
- Best Editing
- Best Cinematography
- Best Animation
- Audience Award
- Special Award for Innovation in Language or Technology
- The Committee may also assign Special Mentions at its discretion.
Who can participate in CSC – ISFF?
The Festival is open to national and international film and audiovisual schools, as well as to students currently enrolled or graduated within 12 months prior to the submission deadline.
How many films can I submit?
Each school may submit up to three works. Students may also apply independently with one film.
What are the film requirements?
Films must have a maximum duration of 20 minutes and must have been produced after January 1 of the year prior to the call.
Are all genres accepted?
Yes, all genres are accepted: fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental.
Do films need subtitles?
Yes, films not in English must include English subtitles.
What is the submission fee?
The submission fee is €50 per film.
What is the submission deadline?
The deadline for submissions is at 12:00 pm June 30, 2026.
What happens if my film is selected?
Directors of selected films (up to two per film) will be hosted in Rome during the Festival, with accommodation and meals covered by the organization.
When does the Festival take place?
CSC – ISFF will take place in Rome from November 11 to 15, 2026.
Where can I find the full regulations?
The full regulations are available here.
PARTNERS & SPONSOR
CSC – ISFF is supported by leading institutions and partners from the audiovisual industry.
INSTITUTIONS
Contact us for further information
Have questions about the Festival or participation?
Contact us, we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.