by InTrieste
The 25th edition of the ShorTS International Film Festival is poised to celebrate the art of short cinema in Trieste from June 28 to July 6, 2024. Under the direction of Maurizio di Rienzo, this beloved festival promises a rich and diverse program, showcasing 117 works across seven competitive sections at venues including Giardino Pubblico Muzio de Tommasini, Teatro Miela, and Sala Xenia.
In its nine-day run, the festival will feature the historic Maremetraggio section, presenting 45 shorts from 43 countries. ShorTS Express will offer 23 short films of five minutes or less. The Eco-ShorTS and Italia in ShorTS sections will each feature 11 environmentally themed and Italian-made shorts, respectively. The Shorter Kids’n’Teens section, a festival within the festival, will showcase 20 short films selected and judged by young audiences aged 8 to 15. ShorTS Immersive will provide an innovative experience with seven immersive stories, to be explored using personalized VR headsets. Additionally, three short film events will be presented out of competition.
Ahead of the main event, the ShorTS Development & Pitching Training session provided crucial instruction for screenwriters and directors of eight international projects, focusing on presenting their works at markets and festivals. The winners will be celebrated in Trieste. This year also sees the return of the expanded ShorTS Comics Marathon, a relay of film-themed drawings involving 70 cinephile illustrators.
The festival’s annual focus will shine a light on Turkish short films, culminating in the screening of five recent works. The prestigious European Film Academy (EFA) selection will feature five highly acclaimed films from 2023.
Notable Guests and Awards
Several distinguished figures in Italian cinema will be honored at ShorTS IFF 2024. Animator Simone Massi will receive the Cinema of the Soul Award on June 28, with the ceremony preceded by a masterclass and a screening of three of his short films. Massi’s first feature film, “Invelle,” will also be shown.
On June 29, directors Damiano and Fabio D’Innocenzo will receive the Cinema of the Present Award. Known for their evocative realism and exploration of complex human dynamics, the brothers will conduct a public masterclass, sharing insights from their cinematic journey.
The Prospettiva Award, highlighting a promising young Italian talent, will be presented to actress Carlotta Gamba on June 30. Gamba, noted for her nuanced performances, will lead a masterclass before the ceremony.
Isabella Ragonese and Michele Riondino, celebrated for their versatility and depth, will receive the Interpreters of the Present Awards on July 3 and July 5, respectively. Both actors will also conduct public masterclasses.
A Platform for Diverse Voices
The Maremetraggio section will feature a broad array of international shorts, with the Estenergy/Gruppo Hera Prize of €4,000 awarded by a jury including Turkish director Ramazan Kılıç, Croatian producer Inja Korać, and Italian director Luca Sorgato. Additional awards include the Audience Award and the Shorts TV Award.
ShorTS Express will showcase brief yet impactful films, vying for a €1,000 Audience Award. Eco-ShorTS and Italia in ShorTS will each compete for a €1,000 Audience Award and a €2,000 Bazzara Caffè Prize for Best Italian Short, respectively. All 65 shorts premiering in Italy across these sections will also contend for the Mymovies.it Award, voted on by viewers online via MYmovies ONE.
Youth Engagement and Technological Innovation
The Shorter Kids’n’Teens section, curated by Manuela Morana, aims to introduce young audiences to the art of short cinema. With 20 short films, it engages primary and secondary school students in Trieste and Gorizia, who will select the winners of the Shorter Kids and Shorter Teens awards. This section also includes the Share The Future contest, promoting environmental sustainability through creative imagery.
ShorTS Immersive, curated by Antonio Giacomin, continues to push the boundaries of narrative with VR technology, presenting seven works viewable with specialized headsets from June 30 to July 3.
The Campolungo section, returning for its second year, will focus on the works of Laura Samani. The Trieste-born director will lead a masterclass on July 5, exploring her journey from short films to her acclaimed feature debut, “Piccolo Corpo.”
A Glimpse into Turkish Cinema
The Focus Turchia section, curated by Massimiliano Nardulli, will showcase five short films, reflecting Turkey’s rich cultural and social diversity. This initiative is part of an ongoing cinematic journey through the Mediterranean.
Developing Future Talent
The ShorTS Development & Pitching Training, curated by Massimiliano Nardulli, continues to nurture emerging filmmakers, providing them with the skills to present their projects at international festivals.
The ShorTS Comics Marathon, curated by Francesco Cappellotto, invites 71 aspiring comic artists to reinterpret classic cinema, offering a fresh perspective on the seventh art.
A Cinematic Stroll through Trieste
The Esterno/Giorno cinematic walk, led by film critic Elisa Grando, will take place on July 2. This guided tour through Trieste’s city center will reveal how the city transforms into various cinematic settings, from comic book locales to noir mysteries.
For more information and the complete list of films, visit maremetraggio.com.
