Cisterna Film Festival
International short film festival in Cisterna di Latina
About Cisterna Film Festival
A short film festival in the heart of the Pontine province
The Cisterna Film Festival is the main film event in Cisterna di Latina, a town in the province of Latina, in the Lazio region. Dedicated to international short films, every summer it transforms the city into a meeting point for directors, authors, and film enthusiasts, featuring screenings, photography exhibitions, and opportunities for discussion between the public and the protagonists of the big and small screen.
History and identity
Born in the mid-2010s, the festival has grown edition after edition to become an event recognized even beyond regional and national borders. It is organized by the cultural association MOBilitazioni Artistiche, under the artistic direction of Cristian Scardigno, and takes place with the patronage and support of the Municipality of Cisterna di Latina. Throughout its editions, the event has hosted works from all over the world, selected through an international competition, and has forged ties and twinning agreements with foreign festivals.
A competition open to the world
The heart of the festival is the international short film competition, which features short works by both Italian and foreign authors. A jury of industry professionals, composed of actors, directors, documentary filmmakers, and film critics, awards the main prizes, including the award for best film, best director, and a prize dedicated to the best Italian short film. Alongside the competition, there are out-of-competition screenings, works dedicated to current affairs, and sections reserved for young authors.
More than just cinema
The Cisterna Film Festival is an event with a broad scope: screenings are accompanied by photography exhibitions, meetings with authors, live music, and tastings of local products, in a convivial atmosphere that combines culture and social life. Summer evenings thus become an opportunity to discover new audiovisual languages and experience city spaces in a different light.
An event for the city
Supported by the municipal administration, the festival represents an important element in the cultural growth of Cisterna di Latina and its national and international projection. Admission to screenings and exhibitions is free, confirming the popular and inclusive vocation of the festival.
Cisterna Film Festival — edition 2026
The 12th edition of the Cisterna Film Festival, scheduled from July 17 to 19, 2026, marks the move to the new Municipal Auditorium of the Plinio il Vecchio complex, a cultural space returned to the city thanks to PNRR funds. The festival, organized by the MOBilitazioni Artistiche association under the presidency of Marianna Cozzuto and the artistic direction of Cristian Scardigno, confirms its international vocation with three days dedicated to short films, photography, and new audiovisual languages.
The edition is characterized by works linked to current themes and a jury composed of industry professionals. Opening the screening program is Everyday in Gaza, an out-of-competition short film directed by Omar Rammal and winner of the 2026 David di Donatello.
Programme Cisterna Film Festival 2026
Friday, July 17 — At 6:00 PM, the opening of the photography exhibition Sottrarsi, dedicated to the shots of Brayan Rodrigo Genovese (open until Sunday, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM). Following this, a free wine tasting offered by Cantina Donato Giangirolami, accompanied by live music from Simone Sibilia. At 9:15 PM, screenings begin with the out-of-competition short Everyday in Gaza by Omar Rammal, followed by competition works including Love and the others, Broken dawn, Smells like kids' spirit, Mambo kids, Vultures, and Nest.
Saturday, July 18 — At 6:00 PM, the Next Generation section, dedicated to works by young authors; at 9:15 PM, screenings of the international competition finalists continue.
Sunday, July 19 — Closing evening with the awards ceremony for the winners.
Highlights Cisterna Film Festival 2026
- Opening with Everyday in Gaza by Omar Rammal, winner of the 2026 David di Donatello
- International short film competition with a jury of professionals
- Photography exhibition Sottrarsi by Brayan Rodrigo Genovese
- Next Generation section dedicated to young authors
- Wine tasting from Cantina Donato Giangirolami and live music by Simone Sibilia
- New venue at the Municipal Auditorium of the Plinio il Vecchio complex
Prices Cisterna Film Festival 2026
Practical information — Cisterna Film Festival
How to get there
Cisterna di Latina is located in southern Lazio, along the Via Appia, between Rome and Latina. By car, it can be reached via the SS7 Appia; by train, the Cisterna di Latina station is served by the Rome-Nettuno and Rome-Latina-Naples regional lines. The reference airports are Rome Ciampino and Rome Fiumicino.
Venue
For the 2026 edition, activities will take place in the new Municipal Auditorium of the Plinio il Vecchio complex; in previous editions, the festival was held in the historic setting of Palazzo Caetani.
Admission
Admission to screenings and exhibitions is free.
Information
Program and updates are available on the official website and the social media channels of the festival and the Municipality of Cisterna di Latina.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Cisterna Film Festival
Auditorium comunale del plesso Plinio il Vecchio