Briganti Film Festival
The Italian auteur short film festival in the village of Sante Marie
About Briganti Film Festival
A short film festival in the heart of Marsica
The Briganti Film Festival is a showcase of Italian auteur short films held in Sante Marie, a small town in the Marsica area of the Abruzzo region. Conceived and produced by ORO Studios with the patronage of the Municipality of Sante Marie and the Abruzzo Region, the festival transforms Piazza Aldo Moro into an open-air cinema every summer, bringing the magic of the big screen to the alleys of an authentic village.
The free spirit of the brigand
The name draws inspiration from the history of post-unification brigandage that deeply marked the mountains of the central Apennines. The festival is dedicated "to all those who maintain the Free Spirit of a Brigand on their journey": a metaphor for the independent, courageous, and unconventional cinema that the festival aims to reward and support. The connection with the territory is strengthened by the collaboration with the 'Borghi Autentici d'Italia' (Authentic Villages of Italy) network, which fosters a dialogue between art and community.
Competitive sections
The competition is divided into three sections that reflect the festival's identity:
- Briganti del Cinema — a competition reserved for male directors;
- Brigantesse del Cinema — a competition dedicated to female directors, providing space for the female gaze;
- La Voce dei Borghi — a non-competitive section featuring films dedicated to small Italian towns and their identity.
A jury of industry experts, supported by a popular jury, awards prizes for best short film, direction, cinematography, and soundtrack.
Guests and leadership
The festival is led by president Marco Monno, founder of ORO Studios, and artistic director Marianna Adamo. The honorary president is actor Franco Nero, who brings international prestige to the event. Throughout its editions, the festival has hosted actors, critics, casting directors, and Italian film professionals for meetings, masterclasses, and special screenings.
Cinema and innovation
The Briganti Film Festival stands out for its focus on innovation: it was among the first Italian film festivals to introduce blockchain-certified awards, complementing traditional honors with digital forms of attestation. It is a way to bridge the tradition of the village with a forward-looking approach to the audiovisual industry.
An experience between cinema and territory
Beyond the screenings, the festival offers the chance to discover Sante Marie and the Marsica region: a mountain area rich in nature, history, and tradition. The evenings in the square, under the stars, combine a passion for cinema with the warm hospitality typical of Abruzzo villages, making the experience perfect for families and casual visitors alike.
Briganti Film Festival — edition 2026
Briganti Film Festival 2026: the third edition
From July 9 to 11, 2026, Piazza Aldo Moro in Sante Marie becomes the stage for the third edition of the Briganti Film Festival. Three days of open-air screenings dedicated to Italian auteur short films, with the competitive sections Briganti (male directors), Brigantesse (female directors), and the non-competitive section La Voce dei Borghi, which brings three films dedicated to Italian villages to the screen.
Evening program
The opening night on July 9 includes institutional greetings, a live performance by tenor Lorenzo Martelli with "Colonne Sonore d'Autore" (Auteur Soundtracks), and the screening of the documentary "Merica — Gente del Nord nell'America del Sud". On July 10, in collaboration with WIFTMI, the screening of "Dolly Make Up" by Giuliana Boni is scheduled. The final awards ceremony takes place on July 11.
Jury and awards
The short films in competition are evaluated by a jury of experts and a popular jury, chaired by Maria Rita Berardinetti. Winners receive awards including a package of professional post-production services offered by the festival's partners. The festival is organized by ORO Studios under the presidency of Marco Monno and the artistic direction of Marianna Adamo, with Franco Nero as honorary president.
Programme Briganti Film Festival 2026
2026 Program
- July 9 — Opening night: institutional greetings, live performance by tenor Lorenzo Martelli ("Colonne Sonore d'Autore"), screening of the documentary "Merica — Gente del Nord nell'America del Sud".
- July 10 — In collaboration with WIFTMI, screening of "Dolly Make Up" by Giuliana Boni; screenings of short films in competition.
- July 11 — Final screenings and awards ceremony for the winners of the Briganti and Brigantesse sections.
Sections
- Briganti — short films by male directors
- Brigantesse — short films by female directors
- La Voce dei Borghi — non-competitive section on Italian villages
Highlights Briganti Film Festival 2026
- Third edition from July 9 to 11, 2026, in Piazza Aldo Moro
- Live performance by tenor Lorenzo Martelli
- Documentary "Merica — Gente del Nord nell'America del Sud"
- Collaboration with WIFTMI
- Popular jury chaired by Maria Rita Berardinetti
- Final awards ceremony on July 11
Prices Briganti Film Festival 2026
Practical information — Briganti Film Festival
How to get there
Sante Marie is located in the Marsica region, in the province of L'Aquila. By car, it can be reached via the A25 Rome-Pescara motorway (nearest exit) and local roads leading to the Marsican plateau. The Sante Marie railway station is served by the Rome-Pescara/Avezzano line. Screenings take place in Piazza Aldo Moro, in the town center.
Admission
Evening open-air screenings are free of charge. For details on the program and schedules, please check the official website and the festival's social media channels.
Contact
Email: [email protected] — Phone: +39 0863 679132 — Website: brigantifilmfestival.it
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Where does it take place — Briganti Film Festival
Piazza Aldo Moro
Piazza Aldo Moro 1, 67067 Sante Marie