Nonantola Film Festival
The festival of independent cinema and short films in the Bassa Modenese
About Nonantola Film Festival
Twenty years of cinema in Nonantola
The Nonantola Film Festival is one of the longest-running and most beloved independent cinema events in Emilia-Romagna. Founded in 2006 and organized by the association Nonantola Film Festival APS, affiliated with Arci UCCA, it takes place every spring in the Municipality of Nonantola, in the province of Modena. Conceived as a true popular celebration of cinema and short films, the festival has built a loyal audience over the years, consisting of enthusiasts, families, and young people, thanks to a formula that combines quality programming and complete free access.
Quality programming, always free
The heart of the event is the selection of feature films: first and second works by Italian and international directors, often with limited theatrical distribution, which the festival brings to the big screen of the Cinema Teatro Massimo Troisi. Alongside the screenings, the program is enriched by concerts, live soundtracks, cine-concerts, photographic exhibitions, dance performances, masterclasses, and meetings with directors and actors. A distinctive feature is that admission to all screenings and events is free and open to the public, without reservation.
The "4 Giorni Corti" Challenge
A defining element of the festival is the "4 Giorni Corti" contest: participants must create a short film of a few minutes in just four days, adhering to certain mandatory elements communicated at the start of the challenge. The finalist short films are voted on by the audience, online and in theaters, and awarded at the closing Gala by a quality jury, with cash prizes and special mentions. This format has attracted a growing number of videomakers from all over Italy.
A festival spread across the Bassa Modenese
While its hub is in Nonantola, the event also involves neighboring Municipalities: previews and closing events are held at the Cinema Teatro Comunale of Bomporto and the Teatro Arcadia of Ravarino. The festival is supported by the Emilia-Romagna Region and the local Municipalities, confirming itself as a cultural event rooted in the community of the Modenese plain.
Why participate
- Author cinema from Italy and abroad, with guests and meetings
- The "4 Giorni Corti" creative challenge dedicated to short films
- Concerts, exhibitions, dance, and cine-concerts
- Completely free and open access
- A widespread experience across Nonantola, Bomporto, and Ravarino
Nonantola Film Festival — edition 2026
2026 Edition: The Twentieth Anniversary and the Theme "Bonds"
For its 20th edition, the Nonantola Film Festival chose the theme of "Bonds" — the material, affective, moral, or logical connections that unite people, things, and ideas — as the common thread for screenings and events. The festival took place from April 28 to May 12, 2026.
The preview was held on April 28 at the Cinema Teatro Comunale of Bomporto with "Primavera" by Damiano Michieletto. The official opening, on May 1 in Nonantola, featured the screening of "Dreams" by Dag Johan Haugerud, Golden Bear winner at Berlinale 2025. The film program concluded on May 12 at the Teatro Arcadia of Ravarino with "Houria - The Voice of Freedom" by Mounia Meddour.
Program and Admission
- 13 films: 7 Italian (first and second works) and 6 international
- "4 Giorni Corti" challenge with Closing Gala and awards
- Concerts, cine-concerts, photographic exhibitions, and dance performances
- Venues: Nonantola, Bomporto, and Ravarino — free and open access
Programme Nonantola Film Festival 2026
2026 Program (selection)
- April 28 - Bomporto, 9:00 PM: "Primavera" by Damiano Michieletto
- May 1 - Nonantola: CLICIAK exhibition opening; "Dreams" by Dag Johan Haugerud (6:00 PM); "La vita da grandi" by Greta Scarano (9:00 PM)
- May 2 - Nonantola: "Un semplice incidente" by Jafar Panahi; "Le città di pianura" by Francesco Sossai; "Il rapimento di Arabella" by Carolina Cavalli
- May 3 - Nonantola: "La timidezza delle chiome" by Valentina Bertani; concert by the John Lennon youth band
- May 8 - Nonantola: "Gioia mia" by Margherita Spampinato; live soundtrack "La caduta della casa Usher"
- May 9 - Nonantola: acting masterclass; "Father Mother Sister Brother" by Jim Jarmusch; Closing Gala with finalist shorts and awards
- May 10 - Nonantola: visit to the Abbey of San Silvestro; tribute to David Lynch with "Inland Empire"; "L'albero" by Sara Petraglia
- May 12 - Ravarino: performance "Original Soundtracks"; "Houria - La voce della libertà" by Mounia Meddour
Highlights Nonantola Film Festival 2026
- 20th edition and "Bonds" theme
- Opening with "Dreams", Golden Bear winner at Berlinale 2025
- "4 Giorni Corti" challenge and Closing Gala
- Tribute to David Lynch with "Inland Empire"
- Free and open access to all screenings
Prices Nonantola Film Festival 2026
Practical information — Nonantola Film Festival
How to get there
The main venue is the Cinema Teatro Massimo Troisi in Nonantola (MO). Nonantola can be reached by car from the A1 motorway (Modena Nord exit) or the A22 Brennero; it is connected to Modena by intercity buses. The nearest train station is Modena, about 12 km away.
Venues
Cinema Teatro Massimo Troisi (Nonantola), Cinema Teatro Comunale of Bomporto, Teatro Arcadia of Ravarino.
Tickets
Free and open access to all screenings and events, no reservation required.
Contacts
[email protected] — official website nonantolafilmfestival.it
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Where does it take place — Nonantola Film Festival
Cinema Teatro Massimo Troisi
Via Eugenio Curiel 28/1, 41015 Nonantola