CinEspresso

CinEspresso, short films in Zola Predosa

CinEspresso is the short film competition that animates the ZolAuditorium in Zola Predosa, a town in the hilly area on the outskirts of Bologna, in Emilia-Romagna. Promoted by the CreAzione Teatro Cultural Association in collaboration with the Municipality of Zola Predosa, the event was created with the stated goal of promoting and enhancing independent film production, offering a concrete showcase for emerging directors and Italian and foreign production companies.

A competition open to independent cinema

The CinEspresso call for entries is designed to embrace short films in all their variety: the competing shorts can have a maximum duration of twenty minutes, including credits, and can tackle any theme with complete freedom of genre, from comedy to drama, from documentary to experimental. Participation is open to filmmakers and productions from both Italy and abroad, confirming the project's open-minded approach. The selected shorts are screened during a single evening, transforming the auditorium into a small neighborhood cinema.

The jury and the awards

The works are judged by a technical jury composed of professionals from the audiovisual sector, including recurring figures such as Elena Cristiani, actress and artistic director, filmmaker and lecturer Ivan Selva, and video editor Marcello Bonini. Alongside the jury's recognition, the audience present in the hall is invited to express their preference for the Audience Award: a formula that makes every spectator an active part of the awards ceremony. The prizes are in cash and may be accompanied by honorable mentions for the most deserving works.

An event for the community

More than just a review, CinEspresso has become an anticipated event for the community of Zola Predosa and for cinema enthusiasts in the Bologna area. The evening combines the quality of the competing works with the informal and participatory atmosphere typical of local cultural initiatives, with free admission and open to all. For Zola Predosa, a municipality in the Province of Bologna, the competition represents a piece of its cultural offerings and an opportunity to give space to contemporary cinema languages.

The ZolAuditorium

The screenings take place at the ZolAuditorium, in Piazza della Repubblica 1, in the heart of Zola Predosa. The venue, managed artistically by the CreAzione Teatro association, hosts theater performances, reviews, and events open to the public throughout the year, of which CinEspresso is one of the most recognizable events.