Shot BY Short — Mantova Students Film Fest
The national short film festival made by students
About Shot BY Short
Cinema Made by Students
Shot BY Short — Mantova Students Film Fest is a national short film festival entirely dedicated to works created by students from Italian schools. The first edition arrives in Mantua in May 2026, with the aim of promoting the audiovisual creativity of young people and becoming an annual event.
Three Categories, Many Forms of Storytelling
The competition includes sections dedicated to students from primary school, lower secondary school, and upper secondary school. The competing short films can be of different genres: fiction, documentary, animation, or music videos, offering ample space for experimentation and imagination.
Awards and Recognitions
The jury awards prizes for the best short film in each school grade, as well as the Audience Award and a series of special mentions for directing, cinematography, screenwriting, acting, soundtrack, editing, and special effects. A structure designed to recognize the work of the entire student "crew".
Mantua: A City of Young Cinema
Mantua (Province of Mantua), already active in the field of cinema and short films, hosts Shot BY Short, an initiative that combines education and entertainment. The festival screens the selected works in the Aula Magna of Via Giulio Romano, offering student-authors a real audience and an opportunity for interaction with the public.
Shot BY Short — edition 2026
The first edition of Shot BY Short — Mantua Students Film Fest will be held from May 27 to 29, 2026, in the Aula Magna of Via Giulio Romano, in Mantua. The festival will screen and award short films made by students from Italian schools.
The competing works, with a maximum duration of 10 minutes, are divided by school grade (primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary) and can be fiction, documentaries, animations, or music videos. Submissions closed on March 31, 2026, with selections announced on April 30 on the FilmFreeway platform.
Programme Shot BY Short 2026
Competition Sections
- Short films from primary school
- Short films from lower secondary school
- Short films from upper secondary school
Allowed genres: fiction, documentary, animation, music video (maximum duration 10 minutes).
Awards
- Best short film primary school
- Best short film lower secondary school
- Best short film upper secondary school
- Audience Award
- Special mentions: directing, cinematography, screenwriting, acting, soundtrack, editing, special effects
Screenings in the Aula Magna of Via Giulio Romano 13, Mantua, from May 27 to 29, 2026. Free admission.
Highlights Shot BY Short 2026
Prices Shot BY Short 2026
Practical information — Shot BY Short
When
From May 27 to 29, 2026.
Where
Aula Magna, Via Giulio Romano 13, Mantua.
Admission
Free admission to screenings.
How to Participate
Short film submissions (max 10 minutes) are accepted on the FilmFreeway platform. Information is available on the festival's official channels and on Instagram @shotbyshortmantova.
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Where does it take place — Shot BY Short
Aula Magna, Via Giulio Romano 13
Via Giulio Romano 13, 46100 Mantova