Corto Fiction Chianciano Terme

A short film festival in the heart of Tuscany

Within the landscape of Italian film festivals, Corto Fiction Chianciano Terme holds a unique position: it is one of the country's longest-running short film competitions, reaching its twenty-sixth edition in 2026. It takes place in Chianciano Terme, a famous spa town in the province of Siena, in the heart of Tuscany, and is organized by the Immagini e Suono Social Promotion Association in collaboration with Fedic Nazionale (Italian Federation of Cineclubs). It has been led since its inception by director Lauro Crociani.

A showcase for directors and videomakers

Corto Fiction serves as a reliable reference point for directors, videomakers, and short film authors. Each year, the event receives hundreds of entries—184 in the 2025 edition—from which a jury of experts selects about forty of the most deserving works for competition and public screening. The spirit is that of a cineclub: collective viewing, debate, and a focus on both aesthetic quality and the ethical content of the works, following the festival's motto, which emphasizes the Beautiful, the Just, and the Useful.

Competition categories

The competition is divided into several thematic sections that reflect the variety of contemporary short filmmaking:

• Open Theme — the main section, open to any subject;
• Comedy — dedicated to comedy and humor;
• Social Issues — works focused on civic engagement and current events;
• Spiritual — films linked to themes of faith, values, and spirituality;
• New Narrative Frontiers — the most experimental section, with a particular focus on new technologies and artificial intelligence applied to visual storytelling;
• Cortissimo (Ultra-Short) — reserved for very short films.

Screenings and awards

The final evenings are held in the evocative Sala Fellini, inside the Parco dell'Acquasanta in Chianciano Terme, with free admission. In addition to screening the finalist shorts, the festival presents numerous awards, including Best Original Screenplay, the Winged Horse Award, the Critics' Award, and Best Cinematography. Some awards are also determined by the audience's vote, confirming the popular and participatory nature of the event.

Beyond the competition

Surrounding the competitive core, Corto Fiction develops side initiatives such as Corti Corsari, free traveling screenings brought to squares, schools, and cultural venues, and maintains a Hall of Fame that preserves the memory of past editions. The event is supported by the Municipality of Chianciano Terme, Banca Centro Toscana-Umbria, and Fedic Nazionale.