Milano International Film Awards
Director Alessandro Conti talks about the MIFA
The Milano International Film Awards is a new generation international online film festival created as a modern digital platform for showcasing auteur, independent and relevant world cinema. The festival brings together directors, producers, screenwriters, representatives of the creative industries and viewers interested in high-quality cinematography, cultural exchange and professional dialogue without territorial restrictions.
Based in Milan, one of the key European centers of art, fashion, design and contemporary cultural thinking, the Milano International Film Awards combines the Italian aesthetic tradition, international openness and a digital format that meets the demands of the modern film industry. The festival is being created as a full-fledged professional ecosystem in which authors have the opportunity to present their work to a global audience, expand the range of industrial contacts and strengthen the international visibility of their projects.
At the heart of the festival is the desire to support new voices, bold visual solutions, and meaningful cinema that can speak to the audience about modernity, human experience, cultural identity, and social change. The program concept of the festival is based around works that have artistic value, author's intonation and international potential, regardless of the budget, the country of production or the degree of fame of the creators.
Based in Milan, one of the key European centers of art, fashion, design and contemporary cultural thinking, the Milano International Film Awards combines the Italian aesthetic tradition, international openness and a digital format that meets the demands of the modern film industry. The festival is being created as a full-fledged professional ecosystem in which authors have the opportunity to present their work to a global audience, expand the range of industrial contacts and strengthen the international visibility of their projects.
At the heart of the festival is the desire to support new voices, bold visual solutions, and meaningful cinema that can speak to the audience about modernity, human experience, cultural identity, and social change. The program concept of the festival is based around works that have artistic value, author's intonation and international potential, regardless of the budget, the country of production or the degree of fame of the creators.
MIFA mission
The Milano International Film Awards' mission is to create a high-quality, prestigious, and accessible online platform where talented filmmakers from around the world can receive the attention they deserve, and audiences can discover strong independent cinema outside the confines of mainstream commercial content.
The festival strives to:
The festival strives to:
#1
#2
#3
#4
Support talent and independent authors
To promote international and professional visibility of works
Develop a culture of online film screening as a full-fledged festival format
Bringing together art, technology, and professional communications in a single digital environment
Values of the MIFA Festival
The Milano International Film Awards Festival is built on a system of professional and cultural principles that define its programming policy, approach to selecting works, and interaction with participants from different countries.
- Artistic integrity and respect for the author's expression.MIFA recognizes the value of individual creative voices and strives to support films that embody sincerity, an independent artistic vision, and a meaningful authorial position. We respect various forms of cinematic language, directorial methods, cultural contexts, and storytelling techniques, understanding that it is the diversity of artistic approaches that creates a vibrant and relevant festival environment.
- International openness.The festival is designed from the ground up as an international platform accessible to filmmakers from different countries, cultures, and professional communities. We strive to foster a space where national borders do not limit creative dialogue, and participation in the festival becomes an opportunity for international exposure, the exchange of ideas, and the expansion of professional networks.
- Cultural diversity.We view film as a means of intercultural communication and an important tool for reflecting the diversity of the modern world. The festival welcomes works representing various languages, identities, social contexts, artistic traditions, and worldviews. For us, supporting cultural diversity means not only broad geographic coverage but also respect for diverse themes, experiences, and forms of expression.
- Professionalism.The festival strives to maintain high professional standards in all aspects of its activities-from the application process and communication with participants to the selection, programming, and public presentation of projects. We believe that respectful, structured, and responsible interaction with authors is an integral part of the festival's reputation and a key prerequisite for the trust of the international community.
- Transparency and trust in working with participants.The festival places particular emphasis on clear procedures, open communication, and proper interaction with applicants. We strive to ensure clear rules of participation, a consistent approach to reviewing applications, and a respectful attitude toward each project. Building trust between the festival and its participants is a fundamental foundation for sustainable and professional collaboration.
- Supporting new talent and developing independent film.The festival places particular emphasis on clear procedures, open communication, and proper interaction with applicants. We strive to ensure clear rules of participation, a consistent approach to reviewing applications, and a respectful attitude toward each project. Building trust between the festival and its participants is a fundamental foundation for sustainable and professional collaboration.
Official Submission Categories & Technical Requirements
The Milano International Film Awards festival accepts submissions in the following categories. All films and screenplays must be submitted in appropriate technical quality and comply with the requirements specified below. The organizers reserve the right to reassign a project to a more suitable category if necessary for the proper review of the submission.
1. FEATURE FILM
2. DIRECTOR FEATURE FILM
3. SHORT FILM
4. DIRECTOR SHORT FILM
5. FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
6. DIRECTOR FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
8. DIRECTOR SHORT DOCUMENTARY
9. EXPERIMENTAL FILM
10. DIRECTOR EXPERIMENTAL FILM
11. ANIMATION FILM
12. FEATURE SCRIPT
13. SHORT SCRIPT
15. MUSIC VIDEO
14. ORIGINAL CONCEPT
7. SHORT DOCUMENTARY
Feature-length fiction films constituting complete artistic works, each featuring independent dramatic structure, a distinct directorial vision, and a professional production framework. This category is open to both independent and studio projects from any country.
Runtime: 60 minutes or longer.
Requirements:
• Genre: Feature-length fiction film;
• Status: Completed work;
• All languages are accepted, provided that English subtitles are included if the film is not in English;
• The film must be submitted in high quality suitable for screening purposes.
Runtime: 60 minutes or longer.
Requirements:
• Genre: Feature-length fiction film;
• Status: Completed work;
• All languages are accepted, provided that English subtitles are included if the film is not in English;
• The film must be submitted in high quality suitable for screening purposes.
This category is designed to evaluate directorial work in feature-length narrative films. The primary focus is on artistic vision, directorial approach, work with actors, dramatic rhythm, and the integrity of the filmmaker's artistic statement.
Duration: 60 minutes or longer.
Requirements:
• The film must qualify for the Feature Film category;
• The entry is submitted for the same work but is evaluated separately within the Directing category;
• Evaluation focuses exclusively on the directorial execution of the project.
Duration: 60 minutes or longer.
Requirements:
• The film must qualify for the Feature Film category;
• The entry is submitted for the same work but is evaluated separately within the Directing category;
• Evaluation focuses exclusively on the directorial execution of the project.
Short fiction films designed as concise and expressive cinematic statements. This category focuses on projects characterized by a compelling core concept, precise dramaturgy, and a strong visual language.
Duration: Up to 40 minutes
Requirements:
• Genre: Short fiction film;
• All stylistic and genre forms are accepted;
• English subtitles are mandatory for films not in English;
• The project must be completed at the time of submission.
Duration: Up to 40 minutes
Requirements:
• Genre: Short fiction film;
• All stylistic and genre forms are accepted;
• English subtitles are mandatory for films not in English;
• The project must be completed at the time of submission.
This category is dedicated to directorial achievements in short-form cinema. Particular emphasis is placed on originality of direction, expressiveness of form, and the director's ability to tell a story within a limited runtime.
Duration: Up to 40 minutes
Requirements:
• The film must qualify as a Short Film;
• Evaluation criteria include directorial concept, visual presentation, and artistic integrity.
Duration: Up to 40 minutes
Requirements:
• The film must qualify as a Short Film;
• Evaluation criteria include directorial concept, visual presentation, and artistic integrity.
Feature-length documentary films that explore real-world events, people, phenomena, or themes through an authorial or journalistic lens. This category welcomes both classic and hybrid forms of documentary cinema.
Runtime: 50 minutes or longer
Requirements:
• Genre: Feature-length documentary film;
• Authorial, investigative, observational, and hybrid documentary formats are accepted;
• English subtitles are mandatory if the film is not in English;
• The submission must include confirmed rights for any archival footage, music, and interviews used (where applicable).
Runtime: 50 minutes or longer
Requirements:
• Genre: Feature-length documentary film;
• Authorial, investigative, observational, and hybrid documentary formats are accepted;
• English subtitles are mandatory if the film is not in English;
• The submission must include confirmed rights for any archival footage, music, and interviews used (where applicable).
A category for directors of feature-length documentary films. The evaluation focuses on the director's approach to the subject matter, narrative structure, originality of research, and the expressive quality of the documentary language.
Duration: 50 minutes or longer.
Requirements:
• The film must qualify as a Feature Documentary;
• The assessment focuses on the direction itself, rather than solely on the subject matter or the informational value of the film.
Duration: 50 minutes or longer.
Requirements:
• The film must qualify as a Feature Documentary;
• The assessment focuses on the direction itself, rather than solely on the subject matter or the informational value of the film.
Short documentary films offering a concise and substantive exploration of a real-world subject within a compact format. This category is suitable for both emerging filmmakers and established professionals in the documentary genre.
Duration: Up to 40 minutes
Requirements:
• Genre: Short Documentary;
• The project must be a completed non-fiction work;
• English subtitles are mandatory for non-English-language films.
Duration: Up to 40 minutes
Requirements:
• Genre: Short Documentary;
• The project must be a completed non-fiction work;
• English subtitles are mandatory for non-English-language films.
This category recognizes outstanding directorial work in the short documentary format. Entries are evaluated based on originality of presentation, visual precision, composition, and the strength of the filmmaker's artistic vision.
Duration: Up to 40 minutes
Requirements:
• The film must fit the Short Documentary category;
• Priority is given to works demonstrating a distinct directorial style.
Duration: Up to 40 minutes
Requirements:
• The film must fit the Short Documentary category;
• Priority is given to works demonstrating a distinct directorial style.
A category for films that transcend the boundaries of traditional storytelling and explore cinematic language, form, perception, editing, sound, space, and visual structure. We accept works situated at the intersection of cinema, video art, performance, and new media.
Duration: Up to 120 minutes
Requirements:
• Narrative, non-narrative, abstract, hybrid, and avant-garde works are accepted;
• The work must possess a clear artistic concept;
• English subtitles are required if the film contains dialogue or text in a language other than English.
Duration: Up to 120 minutes
Requirements:
• Narrative, non-narrative, abstract, hybrid, and avant-garde works are accepted;
• The work must possess a clear artistic concept;
• English subtitles are required if the film contains dialogue or text in a language other than English.
This category highlights directors who demonstrate artistic boldness and an original artistic approach within the realm of experimental cinema. Submissions are evaluated based on the ability to utilize form as an independent vehicle for artistic expression.
Duration: Up to 120 minutes
Requirements:
• The film must align with the "Experimental Film" category;
• Artistic direction and directorial concept will be evaluated.
Duration: Up to 120 minutes
Requirements:
• The film must align with the "Experimental Film" category;
• Artistic direction and directorial concept will be evaluated.
A category for animated films utilizing any technique: 2D, 3D, stop-motion, mixed media, hand-drawn, digital animation, and other forms. Both independent and studio-produced animation projects are accepted.
Duration: Up to 120 minutes.
Requirements:
• Both narrative and non-narrative animated works are accepted;
• The project must be a completed animated work;
• English subtitles are mandatory if non-English dialogue is present.
Duration: Up to 120 minutes.
Requirements:
• Both narrative and non-narrative animated works are accepted;
• The project must be a completed animated work;
• English subtitles are mandatory if non-English dialogue is present.
A category for original or adapted screenplays for feature films. The festival welcomes compelling dramatic projects featuring a strong narrative structure, professional-quality writing, and cinematic potential.
Length / Page Count: 70 to 130 pages
Requirements:
• Submission Language: English
• Format: PDF
• The screenplay must be professionally formatted.
• The title page must include the project title.
• Inclusion of the author's name on the title page is optional, provided that anonymous submissions are permitted by the submission platform.
Length / Page Count: 70 to 130 pages
Requirements:
• Submission Language: English
• Format: PDF
• The screenplay must be professionally formatted.
• The title page must include the project title.
• Inclusion of the author's name on the title page is optional, provided that anonymous submissions are permitted by the submission platform.
A category for short film screenplays. We consider projects featuring strong dramatic structure, precise dialogue, and a clear artistic vision, specifically suited for the short-form format.
Duration / Length: Up to 70 pages
Requirements:
• Submission language: English;
• Format: PDF;
• The screenplay must be suitable for a short film production;
• Both original and adapted works are accepted, provided that the necessary rights are secured.
Duration / Length: Up to 70 pages
Requirements:
• Submission language: English;
• Format: PDF;
• The screenplay must be suitable for a short film production;
• Both original and adapted works are accepted, provided that the necessary rights are secured.
A category for music videos distinguished by a strong visual concept, distinct directorial style, and expressive interplay between imagery and music. Videos of all genres and artistic styles are accepted.
Duration: Up to 30 minutes
Requirements:
• The project must be an official music video;
• All necessary rights to the music and visuals must have been secured;
• Narrative, performance-based, conceptual, and experimental music videos are eligible.
Duration: Up to 30 minutes
Requirements:
• The project must be an official music video;
• All necessary rights to the music and visuals must have been secured;
• Narrative, performance-based, conceptual, and experimental music videos are eligible.
A category dedicated to both films and screenplays distinguished by a strong original idea, a clear creative foundation, and a compelling artistic vision. We consider projects that demonstrate conceptual originality, inventive storytelling, and the potential to stand out through a distinctive and memorable approach, whether in completed film form or as a screenplay.
Duration / Length:
• Films: Up to 40 minutes
• Screenplays: Up to 70 pages
Requirements:
• Submission language: English, or English subtitles for films not in English;
• Films must be completed works suitable for festival screening;
• Screenplays must be submitted in PDF format and be suitable for screen production;
• The project must present a clear original concept and a distinctive creative direction;
• Both original and adapted works are accepted, provided that all necessary rights have been properly secured;
• All submissions must be professionally prepared and suitable for official festival review.
Duration / Length:
• Films: Up to 40 minutes
• Screenplays: Up to 70 pages
Requirements:
• Submission language: English, or English subtitles for films not in English;
• Films must be completed works suitable for festival screening;
• Screenplays must be submitted in PDF format and be suitable for screen production;
• The project must present a clear original concept and a distinctive creative direction;
• Both original and adapted works are accepted, provided that all necessary rights have been properly secured;
• All submissions must be professionally prepared and suitable for official festival review.
Dates & Deadlines
STEP 01
STEP 02
STEP 03
STEP 04
STEP 04
Opening Date
Earlybird Deadline
Regular Deadline
Late Deadline
Notification Date
April 22, 2026
May 16, 2026
June 11, 2026
July 3, 2026
July 6, 2026
Earlybird Deadline
Regular Deadline
Late Deadline
April 19, 2026 - May 16, 2025
May 17, - June 11, 2026
June 12, 2026 - July 3, 2026
$28
$30
$32
Rules & Terms
1.
General Provisions
General Provisions
1.1. These Rules & Terms govern the procedure for submitting entries, the selection process, online screenings, participation in the competitive program, the use of materials, the processing of personal data, as well as other conditions for participation in the Milano International Film Awards.
1.2. By submitting an entry, the Applicant confirms that they have read, understood, and unconditionally accepted these Rules & Terms, as well as all related Festival documents.
1.2. By submitting an entry, the Applicant confirms that they have read, understood, and unconditionally accepted these Rules & Terms, as well as all related Festival documents.
2. Festival Status and Format
2.1. The Festival is conducted in an online format and may include:
• competitive and non-competitive programs;
• time-limited online screenings.
2.2. The Organizer reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to determine the screening format for each selected work, including:
• geo-blocking;
• limiting the number of views;
• password-protected access, token-based access, or other reasonable content protection measures.
• competitive and non-competitive programs;
• time-limited online screenings.
2.2. The Organizer reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to determine the screening format for each selected work, including:
• geo-blocking;
• limiting the number of views;
• password-protected access, token-based access, or other reasonable content protection measures.
3. Submission Categories
3.1. Entries are accepted within the official submission categories published on the Festival website.
3.2. The Organizer reserves the right to:
• combine categories;
• reassign a project to a different category if it better aligns with the nature of the work;
• reject entries that do not correspond to the declared category.
3.3. Decisions regarding the admissibility of an entry, its category, and its status are final and are made by the Organizer.
3.2. The Organizer reserves the right to:
• combine categories;
• reassign a project to a different category if it better aligns with the nature of the work;
• reject entries that do not correspond to the declared category.
3.3. Decisions regarding the admissibility of an entry, its category, and its status are final and are made by the Organizer.
4. Requirements for the Applicant and the Project
4.1. An entry may be submitted by the rights holder of the work or by a person duly authorized to act on behalf of the rights holder.
4.2. The Applicant warrants that, as of the date of submission, they possess all necessary rights, permissions, licenses, and consents sufficient for:
• submitting the project to the Festival;
• its review by the selection committee;
• its online screening as part of the Festival; • the use of the trailer, poster, stills, synopsis, credits, director’s name, and other submitted materials for the Festival’s promotional, archival, and informational purposes, to the extent provided for in these Rules & Terms.
4.3. The Applicant bears full responsibility for obtaining all necessary third-party rights.
4.4. The Applicant is solely responsible for ensuring that the project’s participation in the Festival and its online screening do not violate:
• applicable copyright laws;
• personal data protection regulations;
• consumer protection regulations;
• restrictions regarding age ratings, advertising, sensitive content, and other mandatory requirements under applicable legislation.
4.2. The Applicant warrants that, as of the date of submission, they possess all necessary rights, permissions, licenses, and consents sufficient for:
• submitting the project to the Festival;
• its review by the selection committee;
• its online screening as part of the Festival; • the use of the trailer, poster, stills, synopsis, credits, director’s name, and other submitted materials for the Festival’s promotional, archival, and informational purposes, to the extent provided for in these Rules & Terms.
4.3. The Applicant bears full responsibility for obtaining all necessary third-party rights.
4.4. The Applicant is solely responsible for ensuring that the project’s participation in the Festival and its online screening do not violate:
• applicable copyright laws;
• personal data protection regulations;
• consumer protection regulations;
• restrictions regarding age ratings, advertising, sensitive content, and other mandatory requirements under applicable legislation.
5.
Selection and Official Participation Status
Selection and Official Participation Status
5.1. All submissions undergo an internal selection process.
5.2. The Organizer reserves the exclusive right to make decisions regarding:
• the inclusion of a project in the competitive or non-competitive program;
• the granting of "Official Selection," "Nominee," "Finalist," or "Winner" status, or the rejection of a submission;
• the number of films included in the program;
• the composition of the jury, selectors, and advisors;
• the date and procedure for announcing the results.
5.3. The decisions of the Organizer, the Program Directorate, and the Jury are final and not subject to appeal.
5.2. The Organizer reserves the exclusive right to make decisions regarding:
• the inclusion of a project in the competitive or non-competitive program;
• the granting of "Official Selection," "Nominee," "Finalist," or "Winner" status, or the rejection of a submission;
• the number of films included in the program;
• the composition of the jury, selectors, and advisors;
• the date and procedure for announcing the results.
5.3. The decisions of the Organizer, the Program Directorate, and the Jury are final and not subject to appeal.
6.
Content Restrictions
Content Restrictions
6.1. The Organizer reserves the right to refuse participation to, or remove a project from, the program if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the project:
• violates applicable legislation;
• contains illegal content;
• promotes violence, terrorism, discrimination, hate speech, or other forms of prohibited content;
• infringes upon the rights of minors;
• was submitted using false or misleading information;
• infringes upon the rights of third parties or the reputational interests of the Festival.
6.2. If the content is subject to age restrictions or requires specific warnings, the applicant is required to disclose this in advance.
• violates applicable legislation;
• contains illegal content;
• promotes violence, terrorism, discrimination, hate speech, or other forms of prohibited content;
• infringes upon the rights of minors;
• was submitted using false or misleading information;
• infringes upon the rights of third parties or the reputational interests of the Festival.
6.2. If the content is subject to age restrictions or requires specific warnings, the applicant is required to disclose this in advance.
7.
Jury, Judging, and Awards
Jury, Judging, and Awards
7.1. Festival awards are conferred within the categories published by the Organizer.
7.2. The Organizer reserves the right to:
• modify the number of awards;
• decline to confer specific awards;
• introduce special mentions;
• merge categories;
• establish partner or special prizes.
7.3. The decisions of the Jury and the Organizer regarding the evaluation of projects are final.
7.4. If, following the announcement of results, it is discovered that a winner has violated these Rules & Terms or provided false information, the Organizer reserves the right to annul the result, revoke the award, remove all references to the victory, and update the official Festival materials.
7.2. The Organizer reserves the right to:
• modify the number of awards;
• decline to confer specific awards;
• introduce special mentions;
• merge categories;
• establish partner or special prizes.
7.3. The decisions of the Jury and the Organizer regarding the evaluation of projects are final.
7.4. If, following the announcement of results, it is discovered that a winner has violated these Rules & Terms or provided false information, the Organizer reserves the right to annul the result, revoke the award, remove all references to the victory, and update the official Festival materials.
8.
Festival Intellectual Property
Festival Intellectual Property
8.1. All rights to the Festival’s name, logo, corporate identity, website, texts, catalogs, graphics, design, selection and arrangement of materials, databases, and other elements of the Festival brand belong to the Organizer or are used by the Organizer on a lawful basis.
8.2. Any use of the Festival’s designations by a Participant is permitted only within the scope of the branding guidelines and solely to indicate the fact of participation, selection, nomination, or victory at the Festival.
8.3. A Participant is not entitled to use the Festival’s name, logos, or laurels in a misleading manner, including prior to the official confirmation of the corresponding status.
8.2. Any use of the Festival’s designations by a Participant is permitted only within the scope of the branding guidelines and solely to indicate the fact of participation, selection, nomination, or victory at the Festival.
8.3. A Participant is not entitled to use the Festival’s name, logos, or laurels in a misleading manner, including prior to the official confirmation of the corresponding status.
9. Disqualification
9.1. The Organizer reserves the right, at any time—before, during, or after the Festival—to disqualify a project or a Participant if:
• inaccurate information has been provided;
• the rights of third parties have been infringed;
• necessary licenses or permits are missing;
• these Rules & Terms have been violated;
• evidence of fraud, artificial manipulation of results, document falsification, platform abuse, or other dishonest conduct is detected.
9.2. In the event of disqualification, the submission fee, registration fee, ticketing fees, and any other amounts paid shall not be refunded, unless otherwise required by mandatory law.
• inaccurate information has been provided;
• the rights of third parties have been infringed;
• necessary licenses or permits are missing;
• these Rules & Terms have been violated;
• evidence of fraud, artificial manipulation of results, document falsification, platform abuse, or other dishonest conduct is detected.
9.2. In the event of disqualification, the submission fee, registration fee, ticketing fees, and any other amounts paid shall not be refunded, unless otherwise required by mandatory law.
10. Changes to Rules
10.1. The Organizer reserves the right to amend these Rules & Terms if such amendments are required:
• for operational reasons;
• due to the development of the Festival;
• to correct errors or ambiguities;
• to ensure compliance with the requirements of applicable laws, regulatory bodies, the platform, rights holders, or payment service providers.
10.2. The current version of these Rules & Terms shall be published on the official Festival website and shall enter into force immediately upon publication, unless expressly stated otherwise.
• for operational reasons;
• due to the development of the Festival;
• to correct errors or ambiguities;
• to ensure compliance with the requirements of applicable laws, regulatory bodies, the platform, rights holders, or payment service providers.
10.2. The current version of these Rules & Terms shall be published on the official Festival website and shall enter into force immediately upon publication, unless expressly stated otherwise.
Ready To Start?
For any questions regarding the festival, participation, partnership, or collaboration, please contact us by email. We carefully review all inquiries and will respond as soon as possible.
Milano International Film Awards
All rights reserved ©
Back to top
Privacy Policy
We’re always open to new ideas and communication.
E-mail
visionsofmilanff@gmail.com
Alessandro Conti
Founder & Festival Director
Founder & Festival Director
Sofia Bianchi
Events & Communications Manager
Events & Communications Manager
Marco Ricci
Head of Marketing & Communications
Head of Marketing & Communications
