Genoa International Film Festival – GIFF 2026

Independent Cinema in Genoa

The Genoa International Film Festival, known as GIFF, is a festival dedicated to international independent cinema, with a particular focus on the short film format. It takes place at the Cinema Nickelodeon, a historic cinema in the heart of Genoa's medieval historic center, an intimate and evocative setting perfect for a festival that values cinematic research and experimentation.

Two Days of Cinema

The program spans two days featuring a mix of screenings, talks, and networking events, concluding with an awards ceremony. This concentrated and dynamic format is designed to foster connections between filmmakers, industry professionals, and the audience, and to give visibility to works that often struggle to find space in traditional distribution channels.

Short Films Take Center Stage

The festival is open to short films of all genres, including documentaries, with a maximum duration of 40 minutes, selected via the international platform FilmFreeway. Numerous categories are up for competition: from Best Short Film to Best Director, Best Screenplay, and special awards such as Best Environmental Short, Best Short on Gender Equality, Best Youth Short, Best Italian Short, and Best Student Short.

An Event for Cinephiles

With its international and independent ethos, GIFF enriches the cinematic offerings of Genoa and the Liguria region, providing enthusiasts with an opportunity to discover new talents and original perspectives. It's a festival tailored for the curious viewer, immersed in the unique atmosphere of Genoa's narrow alleyways (caruggi).